ETS: When the genius is in the helmet

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We too often forget that, behind the sports equipment that protects us from injuries, lies the know-how of multidisciplinary teams who sometimes take years to create an innovative version of what already exists. The head and cervical vertebrae are particularly vulnerable during an accidental impact, particularly among high-level athletes, and the evolution of protective helmets clearly demonstrates the dynamism of research and development in this sector of health technologies. It’s a fascinating field that Karim Kerkouche, a master’s student at ETS and candidate for the engineering profession, knows well. And he wouldn’t do anything else for all the gold in the world.

Arriving in Canada in 2011 and already passionate about science, he began and then completed college studies in physical engineering technology at CEGEP André-Laurendeau. His goal? Pursuing university studies at the École de Technologie Supérieure, whose approach, both theoretical and practical, appeals to him greatly. After a 4-year break during which he worked as a technician in research and development (R and D), he finally began his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at ETS in 2018. It was during the third internship planned in the program that he collaborates in the creation of the university’s new impact laboratory.

The ETS impact laboratory is equipped with specialized test benches and simulation tools, as rare as they are essential for R&D in health technologies. “These are sophisticated devices which make it possible, among other things, to simulate various types of impacts and to measure very precisely how both the protective helmet and the bones of the skull and neck behave, as well as than the brain at the time of the shock,” explains Karim. It is after several documented iterations that the teams eventually find a successful solution.

One of these test benches, the linear impactor, is somewhat the creation of Karim Kerkouche, since it was he who assembled the various hardware, computer and electronic components provided by the ETS partners in order to make the all functional. He also had to ensure that he could generate reliable results and develop test protocols according to certain very specific objectives. He was able, among other things, to test the football helmet developed as part of a partnership between two ETS researchers, Yvan Petit and Éric Wagnac, and the industrial consortium Kollide.

In the ETS impact laboratory where he works part-time, and which is in a way his second home, Karim Kerkouche is a happy man. He will soon finish his master’s degree in health technology, dreaming that his own project — a ski helmet that is safer than those on the market — will eventually move to the commercialization stage. After all, it is to protect our physical integrity during competitive or recreational activities that he chose this path. “Helping my neighbor has always been one of my mottos. What drives me is the fact of combining engineering with health, of being able to develop technologies that will minimize the risk of head trauma and perhaps save lives. It’s very rewarding,” he said with infectious enthusiasm.

Learn more about engineering research at the École de Technologie Supérieure.

This content was produced by the Special Publications team at Duty in collaboration with the advertiser. The editorial team of Duty had no role in the production of this content.