very innovative helmet design

[Darragh]

interesting new helmet design from two Swedish designers... what do people think??

http://vimeo.com/43038579

[Danneaux]

Hi Darragh!

Thanks so much for posting this...well found!

What do I think? Well, I think it is a brilliant example of innovative thinking by two people not afraid to take on the established view that a given task is impossible. They put *seven* years into it, and the result is really, really intriguing!

I'd sure like to see how they tuned the accelerometers -- *that* is as brilliant as the overall idea.

Like helmets, these inflatable-collar "airbags" are single-use items, and -- unlike helmets, which don't always show signs of damage -- it is pretty clear when these are "used up".

"Problems" I can see are...

1) Potential cost. If these use sodium azide like car airbags, that consumable is fairly expensive when packed (it is the handling costs, rather than the raw materials that drive the price up).

2) Lack of ventilation to the neck area caused by the collar. It would be great for cooler months, however, and helmets are a ready alternative in hot weather.

So...my take: A brilliant design and some real innovation. Well-done!

All the best,

Dan.

[NZPeterG]

Good for AirHead's 

Pete.......
 

[JWestland]

I hate helmets for commuting as they cause cycling to be perceived as more dangerous than driving/walking, which isn't backed up by UK data, this perception really works against cycling in my hometown #rant

However, this "airbag helmet" does look like a fantastic idea for people that feel want to wear protection and might improve cycling for people that feel they need a helmet, but don't like the current ones.

I fear cost might be an issue...a helmet is £10 at the local stores (I had to get a £20 as I got a weird head ) but I can't see this being a cheap solution.
But no doubt costs will come down after the wave of first adopters with cash, then it will trickle down to the middle classes, then to everyone. Bit like an iPhone then

Another issue might be perception as a helmet is always on your head whereas this needs to inflate. So a comparison with an airbag might be needed to convince people.

But airbags need refilling and checking too...

HMMM I hope this works as it IS a cool idea let's hope they can iron out the practicalities.

[freddered]

I think it's ridiculous.

Let me see...strapping a high-pressure device around my neck...what could go wrong?

The one benefit of a helmet is that they protect you from small-area impacts (kerbstones), not something air-bags are good at (unless they are very high-pressure).

This has the potential for causing more injury than it prevents.

It also fails on the comfort aspect as well. Who wants this round their neck?

[Danneaux]

Those are very good and compelling points you make, Fred...

Makes me rethink my own comment a bit; always a fun exercise for me!

All the best,

Dan.

[NZPeterG]

I think it's ridiculous.

Let me see...strapping a high-pressure device around my neck...what could go wrong?

The one benefit of a helmet is that they protect you from small-area impacts (kerbstones), not something air-bags are good at (unless they are very high-pressure).

This has the potential for causing more injury than it prevents.

It also fails on the comfort aspect as well. Who wants this round their neck?

So true!

Pete.....
:-)