PROJECT DESCRIPTION

RESEARCH

Helmets are needed for a growing number of sports and daily activities. Market and consumer behavior analysis showed several opportunities to work on such as space reduction (helmets are big and it is inconvenient to travel or move around with them), visor is not common, easy to attach removable peak and jaw protection. Research was crucial to understand the different international, and per country, safety certifications for different sports: DOT, Snell, CE, UIAA, ASTM (just for U.S.) and ECE 22.05 are some of the most common. The opportunity: one helmet for almost any activity.

IDEATION

The sources of inspiration came from nature. Like the pill-bug, which also inspired the folding mechanisms in medieval armor, or like the nautilus sharp so close to Fibonacci spiral. Another inspiration was the visor from combat jet pilots that could be moved up and down. This rotational mechanism was critical for further concept sketches. I also explored the different interactions that a helmet could provide like temperature control (fans to cool down or heating system powered by solar cells), emergency signals (red LEDs for bikers or skiers on a foggy day, recon, emergency phone calls and text message providing location).

IDEATION sketches

First sketches searched the core shape and rotation inspired by the pill-bug. I started to go deeper on the minimum number of segments needed to keep the shape and the mechanism working. Also the orientation of the segments has ventilation properties and an impact on the rotational mechanism.

CONCEPT sketches

These concept sketches show the final number of 7 segments, the attachable peak and jaw protection, as well as the lock system for special goggles (the visor can also be used if preferred). The releasing system for the peak, jaw, and goggles is by TURNING, while the helmet gets folded by PRESSING the “ear” restrain disc.

REFINEMENT

The segments are quickly released or mounted in 7 steps by pressing the push disc and turning your hands backwards or frontward. Helmet peak and jaw protection are not mounted, providing a good example for skiing or urban motorbike use. Once the helmet is completely released, it is very compact to storage. MATERIALS: fiberglass outer shell, multi impact liner, polyurethane foam pads for liner interior (anti-sweat, removable, adjustable, and washable), thermally shaped visor, and steel netting on the segments to improve air ventilation. BRAND CONCEPT: HELL·MET – Protection for the worst conditions.

ERGONOMICS

This is a usability exploration to define how easy are the releasing steps to be done by the hands rotation. First by pushing to unlock the segments and second by rotating easily the hands moving the frontal segments backwards. The opposite sequence is required in order for the helmet to be fully mounted. The peak and jaw protection can be added once the helmet is fully mounted.

FURTHER EXPLORATION

Helmet segments with a steel netting and honeycomb structure that improves weight and air ventilation.

PHYSICAL MODEL making of

REFINEMENT process

FINAL CONCEPT

The design shows how the peak, jaw, and goggles are finally attached to the basic helmet shell being able to adapt to the different user needs.

FINAL DESIGN

FINAL DESIGN