Multi-directional Impact Protection System, MIPS, was developed by biomechanical specialists at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), in Stockholm, Sweden. MIPS is a form of slip plane technology, meaning that a MIPS helmet is constructed from two layers that rotate against each other, mimicking the rotation of the brain’s own cerebrospinal fluid, which is the body’s natural defense against oblique impacts.
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Function
The outer layer of a MIPS helmet is made from the same impact-absorbing EPS material as a conventional helmet. It’s connected via an elastomeric attachment system to a low friction inner layer, which is what rests on the rider’s head. In a crash, the outer shell of a MIPS helmet absorbs linear impact, while the inner layer rotates up to 5mm, absorbing rotational impact. This small rotation of the liner relative to the shell results in a signification reduction of the forces on the brain, which reduces the likelihood of concussion and other brain injury.
History
In 1995 Swedish neurosurgeon Hans Von Holst began evaluating the general construction of helmets. Following several years of study and work related to head trauma for the World Health Organization in Geneva, he determined existing helmet technology provided inadequate protection against brain trauma – with devastating consequences for victims of brain injuries. Together with Royal Institute of Technology researcher, Peter Halldin, Von Holst collaborated on developing a technology that would provide a significantly more effective protection against head trauma. After thoroughly evaluating the brain anatomy, physiology, and combining their years of testing and expertise, Von Holst and Halldin produced and created what is now recognized as the Multi-directional Impact Protection System. A technology that mimicks the brain’s own protective structure.
The company MIPS AB was formally founded in 2001 by five specialists in the biomechanical field of the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm, Sweden.
Following its inception in 2001, MIPS AB evolved from concept to product introducing the technology in an equestrian helmet 2007. As MIPS made significant expansions internationally, its unique branding was shaped in 2009 giving the Stockholm-based company a clear and distinct identity in logo, and all online platforms.
Beginning 2010 MIPS AB took on the bike and snow helmet industry gaining widespread recognition and the technology was increasingly adopted by motocross, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, and other sports industries where head trauma is at risk. As the conversations and awareness level of head trauma injuries has recently elevated, so to have the awareness and benefits of technology including MIPS.
In 2013 Peter Halldin (MIPS AB, Stockholm Sweden), together with Daniel Lanner (MIPS AB, Stockholm Sweden), Richard Coomber (Revision Military, Inc, Montreal Canada), and Sven Kleiven (Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm Sweden) published a paper describing both a numerical and an experimental approach to measuring the blunt impact protection offered by military helmets.
In early 2014, one of the world’s largest helmet manufacturers, BRG Sports, Inc and MIPS AB entered into a formal partnership after several years of sharing their technology offering MIPS technology to a much wider global audience. Since then, MIPS AB has added several new brands to their fleet, along with expansions into the USA, European and China markets including test labs, offices, workforce, and a solid presence in these markets.
In 2015 MIPS has continued its growth adding yet more brands to the list of partners. At the end of the year the company achieved a milestone, producing its 1 000 000th layer.