Motorcyclist Protection System – Biker-Mate

An energy absorbing cushion for Lattix masts and sign posts is being developed to reduce the risk of injury and death of motorcyclists on the highway. This is also being developed along with our partners at Sign Post Solutions Ltd.

ERS parent company is also involved in the motorcycle safety MYMOSA group.

Click here to download the datasheet.

The Concept

A modular energy absorbing structure which can be fixed to posts, rails, Lattix, lamp-posts and other roadside structures.

• Uses a highly efficient energy absorbing material - PressLoad
• Controls the impact, mitigating injury to the motorcyclist

PressLoad Energy Absorbing Material

Region 1: Plastic deformation
Region 2: Travelling hinge
Region 3: Densification

• Superior energy absorption
• Repeatable Performance
• Approx 70% Effective Stroke (stable crush phase)
• Light weight
• Light weight
• Excellent temperature stability
• Good Flexural Properties - Increased stiffness and resistance to vandalism

Testing & Validation

• Developed using Automotive Safety Regulations as a guideline
• EEVC Pedestrian Headform Impactor:
• Developed by automotive industry experts
• Simulates an unprotected human head
• Instrumented device gives direct readings
• Proven test instrumentation – years of use
• HIC (Head Impact Criteria) measures the injury severity
• High HIC value = Poor performance

Results - Injury Severity

• Biker-Mate HIC<1000
• Biker-Mate HIC<1000
• Unprotected posts showed very poor performance, very high chance of serious injury or death.
• Approximately twice as high performing as many helmets.
• Favourable performance even compared with demanding automotive standards

A: Pedestrian head
B: Car Occupant Protection
C: Motorcycle Helmet Certification (ECE 22.05)
D: Biker-Mate
E: Rigid Post 1
F: Rigid Post 2
G: Rigid Post 3
H: Rigid Post 4

Results - Energy Absorption

• 6500J (nominal) per modular Biker-Mate unit
• Equivalent to100% absorption of a 75kg body impacting at over 45kph
• This represents a significant % of impact energy expected for most accidents – based on accident kinematics, rider braking, sliding prior to impact, environment and layout of accident sites
• For higher speed impacts,the Biker Mate effectively reduces the body-post impact speed by absorbing the energy in a controlled, safe manner

Features

• Large radius impact face drastically reduces "piercing" effects which would be seen upon impact with an unprotected structure/ post.
• Wrap around design shields the likely impact region of the post but does not need to be installed around all sides, reducing the footprint and the cost.
• No sharp edges
• Resistant to vandalism (subjected to basic trials) – rigid, non brittle, slow melting rate, secure connection etc…
• Designed to fit Lattix & Round Posts
• Modular system is stackable enabling flexibility. Various heights can be achieved

• Height – 420mm nominal
• Depth –160mm nominal
• Low Mass/ Weight: only 2kg nominal
• Designed to enable easy access to lamppost electric panels.
• Thin gauge casing helps with load spreading, and interaction of absorption cartridges
• Easy fit fixing system - easy to fit to either round posts or Lattix structure; but is secure and difficult to remove
• Secure non rigid connection between absorber and Lattix Mast - Maintains secure connection with minimal effect on the deformation of the Lattix structure.

Environmental Conditions

• Chemical, water and corrosion resistant
• UV stabilized ideal for outdoor use
• Very low water absorption - waterproof
• Materials tested at -35ºC/ 20 ºC / 80ºC