DESIGN NAME: Torch T1 Bike Helmet
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Bike Helmet
INSPIRATION: Currently there are few choices for cyclists when it comes to safety equipment. While there are many products on the market, most use the same approach. Several small, narrowly focused LEDs placed close together and mounted to the center of the bike. After realizing the rider is the largest surface area on a bike, the idea quickly made sense to create the largest lit surface possible and by placing it up high in the helmet, the rider is visible over traffic and other road obstacles.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The T1 is an in-mold constructed bike helmet with 10 LED lights and two rechargeable batteries integrated into the helmet. It includes two shatter-proof polycarbonate lenses that not only protect the electronics, but also play an integral part of the safety aspect of the helmet's structure. At only 366 grams, the T1 remains light while making the rider visible from all directions.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: The lights in the helmets can be operated independently in the front or rear of the helmet using a simple push-button that is set in each lens. Simply press once for ON, Steady-High, twice for Steady-Low, three times for Flash, four for Fast Flash and a fifth time to turn off. Recharging of the batteries is by use of an included USB cable and takes 1.5 hours. A red light indicates that the battery is charging and will turn off once fully charged.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The product started in February, 2012 as a design concept with production and testing ending in December, 2013. All design and engineering was performed in Los Angeles, CA with production in China.
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: -
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Width 230mm x Depth 280mm x Height 200mm, Weight 366 grams
TAGS: Torch, Torch Apparel, T1, bike, helmet, lights, cycling, design, award, Nathan Wills
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: -
CHALLENGE: One of the difficulties in engineering the T1 helmet was fitting all of the electronics, including two batteries, into the helmet without effecting its ability to function as a safety helmet. The circuitry was built as simple and thin as possible and is seated in the EPS foam in a way that allows for a sufficient amount of EPS foam to absorb as much of the impact as possible. The polycarbonate lenses also function as part of the impact structure. The helmet has passed all CPSC and CE requirements in order to be sold as a bicycle safety helmet.
ADDED DATE: 2014-10-03 12:00:16
TEAM MEMBERS (1) : Nathan Wills
IMAGE CREDITS: Nathan Wills, 2014.
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