Mips has evolved through study and testing in Sweden since 1996 by some of the world’s leading researchers in biomechanics and neuroscience at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology and the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. The two universities created a joint department called Neuronics. Mips sprung out from a research project at Neuronics which also saw the development of a helmet test rig for angl
ed impacts. A Hybrid III dummy head, specially designed to measure the complex linear and rotational kinematics that occurs in the head during an impact, is fixed in a helmet, which is placed on a frame. The frame is attached to two pillars and travels with minimum friction in a vertical direction. Inside the dummy head is a system of nine mounted accelerometers. With this method, it is possible to measure linear accelerations in all directions and rotational accelerations around all axes. Full-face motorcycle helmets, as well as other sports helmets, have been tested in this type of angled test rig. In addition to the angled impact test, Mips has access to an advanced computerized finite element model of the head and neck that can be used for injury prediction in impact simulations. This computer model was developed at the Royal Institute of Technology and work continues to further develop the model, which is used to test and optimize the protective properties of helmets with Mips.
