RE-DESIGN OF A MOTORCYCLE HELMET FOR USE IN URBAN TRAFFIC: CONCEPTUAL DESIGN AND TESTING

This paper presents the re-design approach of an urban motorcycle helmet to prevent users bypassing the strap fastening system. Related studies show that although a full-face helmet provides the maximum protection to a rider, in practice, full-face helmeted riders in urban traffic tend to improperly fasten it. On that notion, the design goal was to conceive a helmet that combines the advantages of different helmet types while responding to urban driving needs. During design ideation possible solutions were examined focusing on different ways of accessing and fixating the helmet on a rider’s head, without using a strap fastening system. Preliminary concept development produced three design concepts, that were evaluated using two sets of prototypes: (a) the 3D printing method under a 1:2 scale was used to detect any design faults, while the 3D modeled concepts were evaluated in four different crash impacts regarding total deformation and von-Mises stress, and (b) 1:1 models of the three concepts were used by experienced riders to assess possible usability issues during helmet placement/removal. Results of the two-phase evaluation of the three concepts and design issues for further development of them are discussed.