Automotive safety systems developer Autoliv and winter sports and cycling equipment company POC have teamed up to create a new generation of helmets. Before impact, an airbag deploys around such a helmet, acting as an initial energy absorber, and the hard part of the helmet becomes a secondary element of protection.
The helmet is designed for riders of conventional and electric bikes.
The project participants cite a study by the Swedish insurance company Folksam, which notes that head injuries account for half of the fatal injuries of cyclists. Although helmets have been found to improve head safety, the effectiveness of this piece of equipment can still be greatly improved, especially when hitting a car at speeds above 20 km/h.
Details of the principle of operation of the new helmet have not yet been disclosed. Probably, the algorithm is similar to the sequence of operation of similar devices in cars. The sensors detect a sharp blow, send a signal to the actuator and after that the airbag quickly fills with air. However, it is not entirely clear how the device will be protected from false positives, for example, if the helmet is dropped.
According to Autoliv engineers, a bicycle helmet with an integrated airbag can significantly improve protection and reduce the effects of impacts on cyclists. The combination of both absorbing technologies reduces the head's peak linear acceleration during impact testing. Preliminary research has shown that improvements in protection can be achieved without seriously compromising helmet design, weight and wearing comfort.
Autoliv and POC have already built helmet prototypes and conducted the first crash tests. The developers do not give forecasts about the timing of the appearance of serial samples.
Source: autoliv
