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A bit of history. HANS was a company founded by Jim Downing and developed the HANS device. Safety Solutions was another company that made the 'Hutchins Device' which was a competitor. It was founded by Trevor Ashline. Simpson bought both companies and Ashline works for Simpson now.
Upper Neck Tension at a 68G /Hit for the HANS and Safety Solutions Hybrid Pro Rage: The lower the number, the better. The R3 does not yield as good test results as the Hybrid Pro Rage but Safety Solutions claims it still performs better than the HANS system. We were unable to obtain the R3 test numbers.
Wile the R3, now called the Hybrid S, is popular here and with instructors because it can be used with 3-pt OEM belts, apparently the regular hybrid is their key product.
Also note, only the Hybrids, like the Schroth SHR, work with different seat back angles without adjustment.
Not an S2000 issue, but it looks like the Hybrid's straps won't let a dual shoulder strap 9-pt harness to be used.
Safety Solutions had and the Simpson Hybrids have a second pair of tethers safety solutions called a "Side Stabilizing Gusset" (SSG) that creates a triangle of tethers on each side. Safety Solutions promoted that as the reason they were better than the HANS in off-center accidents.
They also had, and now have, as an option on most models, a "Seatbelt Anchor System (SAS)". Since they charge $40 extra for it on the Pro and "Sport models, it is described as the "optional patented SAS (Seatbelt Anchor System) for even greater coverage in flips, barrel rolls, and side impacts." It is unclear if that is an area where the HANS, which comes up behind the helmet and drapes over the chest, has a natural advantage or if this gives the Hybrid an advantage over the HANS. The Hybrid Pro and Sport modes are FIA and SFI certified without the SAS. The Hybrid S model is FIA certified with the SAS. The SAS is standard on that model but not used in 3-pt mode.
Another thing along the same vein is the approximately $50 Shock Doctor Helmet Ejection System, also sold with OEM branding by Simpson and others. It provides rescue workers with a bladder between the driver's head and the helmet using an air pump that rescue/medical crews should have. That allows helmet removal without exacerbating spinal injuries. About $50.
On reason I am going with the Hybrid is because I instruct. I know it is debatable if it works with a 3 point, but why not wear it. The new Hybrid S has even been tested to work, but looking at the Hybrid vs the Hybrid S the difference isn’t a whole lot. IMO if you instruct any hybrid type system is a good choice.
Interesting, looking at today's TV coverage it seems all the F1 and NASCAR drivers are using a version of the HANS device (F1 is limited to FIA certification, NASCAR uses Snell). It seems the F1 drivers are using a model from Stand 21 on their international website.
Have been taking a course regarding impact biomechanics at uni and this video was in one of the lectures.
Even at 30mph, there is a significant reduction in tension/flexion with a slight increase in compressive but well below standard tolerances
Do you have access to:
2013-10-14
Developments in Modern Racecar Driver Crash Protection and Safety-Engineering Beyond Performance PT-160
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4271/2004-01-3516 Citation: Melvin, J., Begeman, P., and Foster, C., "Sled Test Evaluation of Racecar Head/Neck Restraints Revisited," SAE Technical Paper 2004-01-3516, 2004, https://doi.org/10.4271/2004-01-3516. Download Citation Author(s): John W. Melvin, Paul C. Begeman, Craig D. Foster Affiliated: Bioengineering Center, Wayne State University Pages: 16 Event: Motorsports Engineering Conference & Exposition
2013-10-14
Developments in Modern Racecar Driver Crash Protection and Safety-Engineering Beyond Performance PT-160
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4271/2004-01-3516 Citation: Melvin, J., Begeman, P., and Foster, C., "Sled Test Evaluation of Racecar Head/Neck Restraints Revisited," SAE Technical Paper 2004-01-3516, 2004, https://doi.org/10.4271/2004-01-3516. Download Citation Author(s): John W. Melvin, Paul C. Begeman, Craig D. Foster Affiliated: Bioengineering Center, Wayne State University Pages: 16 Event: Motorsports Engineering Conference & Exposition
03-21-2018, 02:33 AM
Interesting Head and Neck Restraint Article
