British designer Julian Preston-Powers has designed an ingenious new helmet that could save the lives of bikers and military personnel.
The ThermaHelm is constructed from carbon-fiber and has two lightweight chemical packs: one containing water, the other containing ammonium nitrate. These packs are built into the lining of the ThermaHelm. During an impact, the two packs break and mix, creating a cooling reaction around the head.
The idea came to Julian during a basketball game.
“I had smashed my elbow on (my friend’s) head,” he says. “Someone handed us both ice packs for our injuries, and it was so cold I couldn’t hold it for very long. So I placed it in my friend’s motorcycle helmet and he accidentally put it on while the pack was inside. He was surprised by how good it felt and that’s when I had that eureka moment.”
How the ThermaHelm Works
The ThermaHelm’s innovative design leverages the endothermic reaction between water and ammonium nitrate. When these two substances mix, they absorb heat from their surroundings, creating a cooling effect. This reaction can significantly reduce the temperature around the head, potentially preventing or minimizing brain injuries caused by impacts. The cooling effect can last for several minutes, providing critical time for emergency services to arrive and administer further medical care.
The carbon-fiber construction of the helmet ensures that it remains lightweight yet incredibly strong, offering superior protection compared to traditional helmets. The integration of the chemical packs into the helmet’s lining means that the cooling mechanism is always ready to activate upon impact, without requiring any additional steps from the user.
Future Developments and Features
The ThermaHelm Ice Pack Helmet will be released in the UK during May for around $490. However, Julian Preston-Powers and his team are not stopping there. Development has already started on a new model which will include a video camera, GPS, and Bluetooth for around $815. These additional features aim to enhance the safety and convenience of the helmet, making it a comprehensive solution for modern bikers and military personnel.
The inclusion of a video camera can provide valuable footage in the event of an accident, potentially aiding in insurance claims or legal matters. GPS functionality can help in navigation and tracking, ensuring that riders can find their way even in unfamiliar territories. Bluetooth connectivity allows for hands-free communication, enabling riders to stay connected without compromising their safety.
The potential applications of the ThermaHelm extend beyond just bikers and military personnel. Athletes in high-impact sports, such as football or hockey, could also benefit from this technology. The cooling effect could help reduce the severity of concussions and other head injuries, making sports safer for participants.
The ThermaHelm represents a significant advancement in helmet technology. By combining the strength of carbon-fiber with the cooling power of an endothermic reaction, Julian Preston-Powers has created a helmet that not only protects the head from impact but also helps mitigate the effects of brain injuries. With future models promising even more features, the ThermaHelm is set to become an essential piece of safety equipment for a wide range of users.
Via Dvice
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