Origin of the Betterguards Technology

The starting point of our research

For too long, there have been competing needs in the field of sports products, regardless of orthopaedics or footwear. On the one hand offering the highest possible level of protection and the greatest possible freedom of motion on the other. It has been impossible to satisfy both needs. Until now.

Betterguards has developed a technology that combines these two requirements.

Experts in materials science know so-called dilatant fluids, which stiffen under stress, but are otherwise generally fluid.

At the beginning of the research, Betterguards has been working intensively with such fluids. Betterguards further elaborated this fascinating, speed-dependent behavior and finally transferred it into an intelligent fluid system - the Betterguards System.

The passion for sports and research leads to the development of such an intelligent mechanism and has made Betterguards to a pioneer in the field of smart protection. The innovative platform technology now finally offers the possibility to generate speed-dependent high resistances.

The core - Our Betterguards System

Design of the Betterguards System

Designed for joint protection, the Betterguards System consists of a rigid cylinder and a flexible, stretchable hose with an eyelet on its head. If you now pull on the system at a slow speed, it can be pulled out without much resistance.

At a critical speed, which has been set during production, the system blocks abruptly and thus prevents further extraction.

This feature enables the Betterguards System, when integrated in a product (e.g. bandage or shoe), to allow natural movement patterns, but stiffen within a few milliseconds in the case of a critical movement, like a twist. The Betterguards System thus counteracts the movement pattern that leads to the injury.

However, the platform technology can also be used in many different areas apart from joint protection. In order to open up these markets, our team works every day on the further development of the system and the possible applications.

Betterguards as a platform technology

Our benefits at a glance

The benefits

Protection against injuries in milliseconds
Long lasting – proven for more than two million cycles
Higher freedom of motion and more comfortable than rigid systems
No influence of temperature on its performance
Based on the anatomy and tuned to fit the application
The Betterguards Technology is currently protected by 15 patents
Externally validated by the Julius Wolff Institute (Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin)

The integration of the Betterguards System

How the Betterguards Technology is integrated

The Betterguards Technology works similar to a safety belt in a car in its functionality. Connected by two fixed points, it can be integrated into numerous products.

This includes shoes, for instance. The video clip shown is intended to illustrate the integration using a typical basketball shoe as an example.

In addition to basketball shoes, the same principle also applies to products from other industries, such as work safety or non-specific shoes from the leisure sector.

Sport & Freizeit Branche

Tested for real life use

The Betterguards Lab

The Betterguards System is subject to a variety of demanding test procedures

Quality assurance

We don’t just think our products are excellent – we know they are!

Because our standards are so high, we have specifically developed various means for reliable testing of the Betterguards Technology.

Some of these means include testing on a mechanical artificial joint, which has been constructed based on the anatomy and biomechanics of the foot and ankle, endurance tests to prove the durability of the system, and even laboratory-controlled ankle sprain simulation with live test subjects to ensure that our products don’t just look great but also pass the ultimate safety test.

Become our Brand Partner

Protection test

Only products that surpass the highest quality measure meet our standards. All artificial joints, shoes, bandages and gloves are rigorously tested and their quality is verified before approval. A guarantee of optimum functionality in all circumstances must be met before a product can carry the Betterguards Technology name.

Max. speed of 1,2 m/s
Max. acceleration of 18 m/s²
End speed of 180 mm/s (after acceleration path < 1 millimeter)

Live testing

Simulated ankle sprain scenarios, which take place in a controlled laboratory setting, are an essential piece of validation information necessary to prove the efficacy of the integrated system and product.

Multiple test subjects and finely tuned parameters make this test a key component to ensuring the high functionality in critical moments.

However, measurement data in a hyper-controlled environment can only go so far, and the true test of Betterguards Technology is in the field. Our products are always tested outdoors in real-world situations with the help of motion analysis.

Recording and analysing different scenarios with high-speed cameras provides vital information on product performance in various situations.

Durability test

To guarantee long-term functionality we conduct an endurance test on our products. Continuous testing over millions of cycles ensures a product which can withstand strenuous use like no other.

Long after the wearer is exhausted, our product will be there, ready and able for more!

Internal and external testing

Internal testing

Through validating and testing our technology for a long time we are able to communicate its attributes in a transparent way.

Protection against joint injuries in hyperextension:
→ Force: Up to 450 lbf
Reacts faster than muscle:
→ Reaction time: Up to 20 milliseconds (muscle: 100ms)
The adjustability of the release speed:
→ depends on the area of application
The release mechanism is reversible:
→ similar to a seat belt in a car, can be used again immediately
Reduced dimensions depending on requirement specifications:
→ Standard length: 3,9 in. , customizable upon request

External testing

To ensure a high standard in the quality we do not only test our products internally but also by external and independent sources.

The Julius Wolff Institute of the Charité Berlin, for example, conducted a study on our Betterguards Technology. We are very pleased to have our Betterguards System tested and validated by such an established Institute.

The testing of our Betterguards Technology is a key component of our Betterguards philosophy – today and in the future.

Please find the complete study here:

About the study

Produktion

Quality that can be felt

Applying modern production technologies and processes we are able to integrate and realize your individual needs quickly. Every step in the process has been designed to recognize potential mistakes early on, before it becomes a problem.

Effective quality management supports the order fulfillment process, from start to finish. This approach allows us to ensure maximum product flexibility combined with the highest process reliability.

Betterguards is certified according to DIN EN ISO9001:2015.

As an innovative technology supplier Betterguards pursues the goal of continuous improvement. To ensure the high level of quality, we constantly optimize our work processes. In addition to customer orientation, a central focus is the close cooperation with our suppliers, who are selected according to strict criteria.

Safe products with consistent quality - our QM system makes it possible!

Solutions

FastProtect Malleo von Sportomedix Frontansicht

The ankle support with integrated Betterguards Technology

Together with Sportomedix we have developed a revolutionary ankle protection. The FastProtect Malleo combines the characteristics of protection and flexibility to a completely new product in injury prevention.

So that you are optimally protected in sports and can concentrate on what really counts - your performance!

More information

Ideal protection with a maximum of mobility, since you don't notice that you are wearing a soft support until you really need it

Julius Schröder
EHV Aue - Handball