An Introduction to the HANS Device
A Head and Neck Support (HANS) device is a tethering system which prevents a motorsport driver’s head and neck from experiencing extreme movements in the event of a collision. HANS devices are currently available in two models: professional and economy. The professional model is a lighter choice as it is made entirely from carbon fibre whereas the economy model has fibreglass materials included in the composite. Both models are designed to achieve the same purpose.
The theory
The HANS device system operates under the idea that a driver’s head and neck are subject to extreme rotation and stretching movements in racing impacts. Although their torso may be sufficiently restrained by various belts, their head and neck still remain open to the physical forces which can reverberate through their body.
The application
The main purpose of the HANS system is to keep a driver’s head from swinging when a collision happens as this prevents their neck from stretching and minimises the risk of a basilar skull fracture from occurring. In addition, the HANS system also minimises the risk of serious brain injury as it keeps the driver’s brain moving in the same plane by reducing the heads ability to rotate involuntarily.
Tests have shown that the HANS system works so serious motorsport drivers should consider it as more of an investment than an expense. To find out more about this innovative safety device, visit the UK’s leading high performance motorsport equipment retailer at www.demon-tweeks.co.uk.