In order to improve head protection it is important to know what is happening to the head. Currently, accident data recorders on the chassis only report what the car is doing rather than what happens to the driver. Ear accelerometers will reveal how the head is loaded during the critical split-second of an impact.

This work builds on a system developed for driver in the US Indy Racing League, but which was found too bulky for F1 drivers’ earpieces. With this in mind, FIA Institute researchers approached motor sport medics and engineers to help design the optimum package to measure head acceleration. They found that the best way to do this was to develop a device small enough to fit deep into the ear canal.

However, it was difficult to find a company that could produce the hardware small enough to carry out the task. Eventually, the FIA Institute discovered Japanese technology company Hokuriku, which specializes in producing small chips for computers. Just six months later Hokuriku delivered the prototype part, a square accelerometer chip measuring just 3mm across and 1mm deep.

The FIA Institute then designed a wiring interface to enable this chip to be connected to the F1 Accident Data Recorder in the car. This prototype has been completed and the FIA Institute will start validation testing in early 2008.

These tests will ensure that the ear accelerometer can function in the harsh F1 environment. Testing will run throughout 2008 and the FIA Institute hopes to introduce the technology into the sport in time for the 2009 season.

The FIA Insititute’s research will also help improve safety in other sports such as boxing and motorcycling. All of the data produced by the ear accelerometers will be made available after it has been processed and will add to the world knowledge on human tolerance to head injury.