Developed in Sweden by neurosurgeon Hans von Holst and Peter Halldin of the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm, the MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) low friction layer is designed to add to the protections already offered by approved motorcycle helmets by focussing on, and protecting against, the rotational motion (or kinematics) that can be transmitted to the brain from angled impacts to the head.
In
standard helmet tests, the helmet is dropped vertically onto a flat
surface. The results are helpful for measuring precise vertical impacts,
but far inferior for measuring the more realistic scenario of an angled
impact. MIPS has been developed for reality and increases protection
against angled impacts and thoroughly tested at MIPS test labs.
Rotational motion is a combination of rotational energy (angular velocity) and rotational forces from angular acceleration that affect the brain and increase the risk for minor and severe brain injuries. Addition of the MIPS system to a helmet design “has been proven to reduce rotational motion when implemented in a helmet by redirecting energies and forces otherwise transmitted to the brain”.
MIPS works independently of impact direction. It is a multi-directional impact protection system – most motorcycle helmet impacts occur at an angle, and this is what can generate rotational motion. When the helmet impacts the ground at an angle, the helmet and the head could start to rotate if the friction is high enough. The brain floats in cerebrospinal fluid and can move slightly within the skull.
 |
| In a helmet with MIPS Brain Protection System (BPS), the shell and the liner are separated by a low friction Layer. When a helmet with MIPS Brain Protection System is subjected to an angled impact, the low friction layer allows the helmet to slide relative to the head. The MIPS BPS is designed to add protection in helmets against the rotational motion. The rotational motion is a combination of rotational energy (angular velocity) and rotational forces (from angular acceleration) that both affects the brain and increases the risk for minor and severe brain injuries. MIPS BPS has been scientifically proven to reduce rotational motion when implemented in a helmet by absorbing and redirecting rotational energies and forces transferred to the brain. |
Rotational force can cause the brain to move suddenly and with significant force, which can cause stretching, twisting or tearing in the brain and it is known that the human brain is more sensitive to rotational motion than linear motion. The brain is more sensitive to rotational motion due to the fact that it is very much like water or a gel when it comes to its shear properties. The brain, like water, is also incompressible. Therefore, linear motion will not affect the brain as much as rotational motion.
 |
| The illustration is based on data that was generated using a finite element computer model, based on measurements obtained from nine accelerometers in a Hybrid III crash test dummy head. The dummy head wearing a helmet was subjected to an angled impact using the MIPS test rig. The model illustrates strain in the brain from a similar angled impact when the dummy head is wearing a helmet without MIPS and a helmet with MIPS. |
Although the hair and scalp can reduce friction between the helmet and the head, they are often ineffective at impact because the force between the head and the helmet is too high and the impact occurs too quickly to allow the hair and scalp to work. The MIPS low friction layer allows 10-15 mm of sliding quickly at impact. The sliding occurs for 3-10 milliseconds under a load of around 500-1000 kg/1,650 lbs.
 |
| The all-new Thor ‘Sector’ MIPS helmet is said to offer exceptional performance at an entry level price. It is equipped with MIPS and a dual density EPS foam liner. |
MIPS is an “ingredient brand” and technology that is becoming widely adopted by increasing numbers of motorcycle helmet brands (KTM, MSR, Answer, Kabuto, Thor, Bell, KYT, Fly Racing, Scott and more). The first helmet brand to incorporate MIPS appeared on the market in 2007. By 2017 some 60 brands were using MIPS and the company says it had sold 5.4 million units, with MIPS being used in over 300 individual helmet models/designs.
MIPS does not affect the outcomes of the present conventional helmet testing regimes; therefore it does not affect existing certifications and approvals procedures. In some countries, riders can receive pricing or benefits advantages from their insurer for riding with a MIPS equipped helmet.
 |
| The DOT/ECE certified Z1R F.I. ‘Flank’ helmet features dual density EPS with the MIPS system. |
 |
| Moose racing: The brand-new Moose Racing ‘F.I. Session’ helmet is DOT and ECE approved and features the revolutionary MIPS Brain Protection System. |
MIPS AB
www.mipshelmet.se
