The
Alpinestars Bionic Neck Support (BNS) is a
structure which is designed to work with a helmet to
reduce the risk and severity of a catastrophic neck
injury (i.e. a paralyzing injury) while riding motocross
or off-road. While no product can guarantee protection
from all motorcycle injuries, due to the varied dynamics
of accidents, the BNS is designed to substantially
reduce the likelihood of a career ending neck injury
although it must be stated at the outset that it, as
with other such systems, may not prevent injuries
occurring in all cases. It comes with its own carrying
bag for extra convenience.
The BNS functions by providing an alternative load path
for the energy that compresses the neck.
If the helmet is in contact with the Bionic Neck Support
at the moment of impact the overall load passing through
the neck can be reduced, which may prevent a fracture
from occurring.
The BNS also helps reduce the chance of muscular
injuries associated with extremes of head movement.
While it is not possible to eliminate the risk of any
form of injury, the BNS is designed to help prevent the
most serious damage and minimize the risk of collateral
injury as the impact load is channeled away from the
neck.
When compared to soft ‘neck roll’ devices the protection
afforded is significantly better because being soft,
these devices simply deform, offering no protection
against the damaging compressive forces.
As with any riding equipment, fit is critical to
ensuring the most effective protection possible and
riders should choose the equipment that is best suited
to their body. No neck device should roll around over
the shoulders.
Pivot Key System: A
special magnesium key located at the rear allows the
convenient front opening of the device while also
allowing it to be dismantled in an emergency. Fitting System: Fine
adjustment of the shoulder height allows a more
personalized fit – particularly for individuals who have
a shorter than normal neck. Rear Stabilizer Failure System:
In the event of large loads being channeled onto the
rear stabilizer (the part that sits on the back) there
are a number of deliberate bending and fracture points
designed to relieve extreme loads that may be
transmitted down the back. These include:
Deflection of foam tail.
Grooves to allow deflection of support structure tip.
Fracture area of support structure tip.
Fracture of supporting members (also fracture if subject
to side loads that could cause
a large rotation to the head). Collar Bone Preservation 1:
All parts in contact with the body use an expanded foam
compound to distribute the impact force over the widest
area yet remain light in weight. Collar Bone Preservation 2:
A continuous frame member runs over the shoulders – this
means there are no weak points in a critical part of the
frame and that there are no metal pins or screws sitting
directly above the shoulders which could be dislodged
into the shoulders or collarbone during an accident. Choice of Strap Systems.
The BNS is supplied with the X-Strap System which allows
a small, light strap (worn over or under the jersey) to
secure the device to the rider. The larger A-Strap
assembly (available as a separate accessory) provides a
traditional chest strap for those who like to wear the
protector tight to the body. Carbon Composite frame
to maximize frame stiffness and minimize weight. Mounting Points for
Accessories: Assist the integration of the
BNS with your own Alpinestars accessories.
The BNS functions by providing an alternative load path
for the energy that compresses the neck.
