Future-focused head protection: Inflatable helmets proposed as innovation in bicycle safety by an inventor
In the realm of cycling safety, a British start-up named Ventete has made a significant breakthrough with their innovative product, the aH-1 inflatable helmet. The co-founder and CEO of Ventete, Colin Herperger, holds a PhD in Architecture by Design from UCL London.
The aH-1 has been put to the test in rigorous trials that mimicked real-world cycling accidents, involving a dummy head with each helmet attached onto a U-shaped platform. The testing, which focused on both linear and rotational impact, aimed to measure the helmet's ability to withstand twisting or shearing forces that occur when falling to the side.
Independent lab tests, such as those conducted by Virginia Tech Helmet Lab and Imperial College London, have revealed that the aH-1 outperforms many traditional helmets. It has been found to reduce impact forces, particularly in rotational collisions, which are critical for preventing brain injuries.
In comparison to traditional helmets, the aH-1 has demonstrated significantly improved safety performance. It provides enhanced energy absorption against both linear and rotational impacts, better protection in realistic oblique impact scenarios, and compliance with modern safety standards that emphasize rotational kinematics. The aH-1 has been tested against 30 popular helmets and has been shortlisted as one of the three best-performing helmets.
The aH-1's design consists of 11 inflatable chambers, each encased in a protective rib and built from a laminated nylon that is puncture, abrasion, and stretch resistant. This innovative structure allows the helmet to absorb and dissipate energy better than traditional foam helmets, providing superior protection.
Despite the aH-1's advanced technology and enhanced safety features, it retains a compact size when not in use and can inflate quickly to full protective size. It takes about 30 seconds to reach the recommended 32psi and can be deflated down to a package less than 4cm (1.5in) thick for easy storage.
However, the aH-1's elevated safety profile comes at a higher price point, approximately £350, reflecting the advanced technology embedded within. This may be a deterrent for some, as people's reluctance to wear helmets is often due to factors such as scepticism about the protection they offer, difficulty of storing them, and cost.
It is important to note that helmets are known to be a deterrent for many when it comes to cycling. Cycling UK suggests that if helmet use were to be made mandatory, it would result in a drop in the number of people choosing to go by bike. On the other hand, the World Health Organization reports that approximately 41,000 people die each year while cycling, highlighting the importance of prioritizing safety measures.
The aH-1 is EN 1078 certified, ensuring it meets the European helmet safety standard. Despite concerns about mandatory helmet laws and their potential impact on cycling participation, the benefits of enhanced safety and protection offered by the aH-1 cannot be overlooked.
[1] Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, "Inflatable Helmet Performance" [2] Imperial College London, "Testing the Ventete aH-1 Helmet" [3] Ventete, "aH-1 Helmet Comparison Test Results" [4] Ventete, "aH-1 Helmet Design and Technology" [5] Ventete, "aH-1 Helmet Pricing and Availability"
- The aH-1's design, which consists of 11 inflatable chambers, showcases the integration of advanced technology in smart-home devices, as the helmet can inflate quickly and deflate down to a compact size for easy storage.
- Similar to the role of neuroscience in understanding brain functions, the aH-1 has been designed to reduce impact forces, particularly in rotational collisions, which are critical for preventing brain injuries.
- The aH-1's safety performance outperforms many traditional helmets, as it provides enhanced energy absorption against linear and rotational impacts, a feature akin to the energy-saving mechanisms in home appliances and gadgets.
- In the future, the sports industry may witness more innovative products like the aH-1, as technology continues to drive advancements in safety and performance across various sectors, including space exploration and healthcare.
- Much like the importance of health maintenance in maintaining overall well-being, the aH-1 emphasizes the critical role of safety measures in cycling, as it has been shown to significantly improve the safety profile of cyclists, which could potentially increase the number of people choosing to go by bike.
