R E DES I GNI NG THE BICYCL E HE L ME T

GW EN KR AGE
 Re design a bicycle
helmet based on
P RO J ECT G OA L S

research of helmets
on the market,
common issues
with helmets, and
fabricate a model
of the solution.
 PHASE I: RESEARCH

PHASE II: DEVELOPMENT AND

SKETCHING

PHASE III: FABRICATION

PHASE IV: DELIVER

 HISTORY OF BICYCLE HELMETS

The first helmet made and

patented was designed by
Bell Sports in 1975, called
the Bell Biker.
R ES EA R CH

-Polystyrene lined hard

shell helmet. The first helmets were
-Did not have any met with backlash from
ventillation a majority of the cycling
community. In 1991, when
In the 1990’s, the first in- the race in Paris-Nice
mould helmets were mass France demanded helmets,
produced. cyclists decided against
http://www.bicyclehistory.net/bicycle-facts/bicycle-helmet-
racing entirely in that
history/
circuit
WHY DON’T PEOPLE WANT TO WEAR HELMETS?

-Hard to carry when commuting to

work or travelling in a city.
-Can be seen as bulky or uncomfortable
-Messes with hair
-Can make head feel hot
-Cars may give you less room when you
wear a helmet.
-Could potentially block hearing or
peripheral vision

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/why-wearing-a-bike-helmet-
may-not-protect-you-as-much-as-you-think/2017/09/08/4d26f17c-7e02-11e7-a669-
b400c5c7e1cc_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.31d0fd39a687
 WHAT BICYCLE HELMETS ARE MADE OF
HARD LAYER
The hard shell layer of a
helmet is generally made of
a hard plastic, fiberglass,
carbon fiber. This layer
R ES EA R CH

spreads the force of impact.

SOFT LAYER
The soft, impact energy
absorbing layer underneath
the hard shell is generally
soft and thick to absorb
energy before it reaches the
skull. Generlaly, it is made
of layers of foam or energy
absorbing plastics. copyright Yanko Design
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9h3dh3XmMs
 INNOVATIVE HELMETS ON THE MARKET

Fend and Overade are two design firms that have redesigned the bike
helmet for commuters. Their solution is a foldable, collapsible helmet that
is more easily carried in a bag or backpack.

http://kontaktmag.com/industrial/fend- https://www.overade.com/shop/en/
foldable-bike-helmet/ content/lookbook
 SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM: PORTABILITY

One of the main issues MATERIALS

with helmets is the lack of
their widespread use. From LIGHT CARBON FIBER
experience as a bicycling FOR HARD SHELL TOP
commuter in Savannah, GA,
PLIABLE PLASTIC FOR
it can be hard to carry a full,
D EFIN E

MIDDLE LAYER
hard shell helmet around
with you. Not to mention IMPACT ABSORBING
the fact that, yes, helmet FOAM FOR INTERIOR
hair can make you look LAYER
unprofessional.
My solution is a collapsable
helmet with a lot of room for
air to ventilate the head.
 The layers of lasercut fabric
are sewn together and
adhered to the helmet band
with super glue. My form
FA BR ICAT IO N

inspiration was a Pangolin

and animal scales.
The “scales” are lasercut chipboard and
then woven together with waxed linen
thread, to represent the carbon fiber
plates that would be protectign the
head. The black webbing represents
the pliable plastic layer that also
aborbs impact force
D EL IV ER