Certimoov ski project

What is certimoov?

Project description

Certimoov is a testing protocol developed by scientists to objectively evaluate the protective performance of safety equipment.
Initially, Certimoov focused on motorcycle and bicycle helmets. An innovative methodology was developed to test helmets under more realistic conditions, incorporating new types of impacts and brain injury criteria that better reflect real-world accidents.
As part of a broader effort to assess head protection across different uses, specific testing protocols were subsequently developed for motorcycling, cycling, skiing, and equestrian activities.
The results of these evaluations are presented on this website in the form of a score ranging from 0.5 to 5 for each helmet, allowing users to make clear and accessible comparisons.

History of certimoov

A project initiated by the MAIF Foundation

The Certimoov project originated in 2014 when the MAIF Foundation, in partnership with the University of Strasbourg, launched the EuroNcasque research program. The initial objective was to develop a scientific method capable of evaluating helmet protection more accurately.
The biomechanical researchers involved in the project designed a brain injury prediction model based on the analysis of real-life accidents, along with a dedicated experimental impact testing system.
As part of its mission to support projects of public interest, the MAIF Foundation decided to involve the Mutuelle des Motards in order to promote and sustain the method. This collaboration led to the creation of the Certimoov method, which is now used to objectively assess helmet protective performance.

A test method developed
by the University of Strasbourg

Biomechanics researchers at the University of Strasbourg have been studying powered two-wheeler accidentology and head injury biomechanics for more than 30 years, as well as accidents involving vulnerable road users in general.
The partnership launched in 2014 with the MAIF Foundation marked the starting point for the development of an innovative test bench and an impact analysis methodology combining experimental testing with mechanical brain modeling.
Since then, this methodology has been extended to the evaluation of various types of helmets, including motorcycle, bicycle, equestrian, and ski helmets.

Test campaigns carried out
by the Mutuelle des Motards

Committed for 35 years to the prevention of risks on 2 and 3-wheelers, the Mutuelle des Motards naturally takes over to perpetuate the project in partnership with the University of Strasbourg from 2018. Concretely, it now finances the test campaigns and is committed to communicating the results to manufacturers and users, in particular via this website!

Why a new test method in addition to the existing standard?

Complement and reinforce
current standards

European standards test helmets in a rectilinear impact situation, that is to say perpendicular to the impacted surface. Additionally, the acceptance criterion for a helmet is based on the acceleration recorded with a rigid headform which does not accurately represent the human brain. Finally, the standard has a yes/no acceptance criterion: either the helmet is accepted by the standard or it is not.
Certimoov recreates more realistic shocks (oblique shocks) and integrates the new analysis model to measure the impact of a shock on the brain. Certimoov's tests, more precise, more concrete, more realistic, allow a precise estimation of the risk of brain injury and classify helmets according to their level of safety using scores ranging from 0 to 5.

New developments in
biotechnology

Certimoov uses new features to improve its testing method. The test bench makes it possible to reproduce more realistic impacts (by angle and speed for example) and a new digital model of the head is used. This model makes it possible to calculate the mechanical response of the brain and allows biomechanists to calculate the fairest score for each impact.

Changing
mentalities

The objective of Certimoov is to inform. Inform users but also manufacturers and authorities about the level of equipment protection. Thanks to these comprehensive tests, users can use the safety criterion in their choice of helmet thanks to clear and more detailed results than the passage of the current standard. Manufacturers can use Certimoov's tests to further improve the safety level of their helmets and contact Certimoov if they want more details on the test method or its results or the University of Strasbourg if they want to evaluate prototypes. They can also integrate the methodology into their internal product development.

The details of the notes

In total, 6 types of shocks are tested: 3 perpendicular shocks and 3 oblique shocks. Each shock is repeated 3 times, requiring a total of 6 helmets to obtain a total score. Each shock produces 6 curves which represent linear and rotary accelerations.

Example of curves produced by the frontal impact test

Calculating the overall score

The overall score is an average of the 6 scores. It can be seen on the “helmet sheets” and allows helmets to be ranked from best to worst rating. The 5 star rating therefore represents the helmet with the best test results and the rating of 0 will be awarded to the least safe helmet according to the Certimoov method.

These curves are introduced into the mechanical modeling of the brain, which allows biomechanists to estimate the level of injury risk for each impact and produce a score between 0 and 5.

Points of attention

Impact points tested

The impact points tested are frontal, lateral and occipital. They represent different types of impacts that can occur in the event of a traffic accident.