In the past, scientists and innovators have often taken cues from nature to develop new products that can be beneficial to mankind.
Talking about nature-based innovations, recently a company demonstrated an innovative helmet on kickstarter, which was influenced by a pangolin (scaly anteater) and honeycomb!
Golem Innovations, the company responsible for designing the helmet, pointed out that the gear has been designed for facilitating hassle-free transportation and handiness.
According to the company, the Alpha helmet is based on a unique retractable technology: it removes the problem of helmets being bulky, makes them incredibly easy to use and increases their safety.
“Our ambition is to address this problem and to revolutionize the experience of wearing a helmet to such an extent that it will become just like an extra skin to you,” said the company on Kickstarter.
The helmet is extremely light and opens in less than 2 seconds when in operation. The innovative helmet with a futuristic design takes up very minimal storage space, and can be used for all kinds of sporting activities.
The Aplha helmet. (Souce: Kickstarter)As mentioned earlier that the design and aesthetics of this helmet is closely based on the pangolin’s ability to retract quickly and the honeycomb structure allows users to fold the helmet for augmented shock protection.
The company also indicated that the traditionally designed helmets were made of a single plastic structure, which only offered a certain resistance.
However, the arch of the Alpha helmet provides a superposition of the blades (as seen in the 3D view below).
“This structure benefits from the blades' mutual support on each other, greatly increasing the capacity and thus the resistance. You will be even better protected,” the company added.
The helmet is primarily targeting winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, and can also be used by individuals for biking.
In addition, the company has already started working on special versions for mechanical sports as well as industry, military, and law enforcement use.
Currently, there are designs available in four different colours—red, blue, green, and pink. The company plans to raise around US $224,300 in the next 42 days for a successful market launch.
Early backers are eligible for a discount and if the company’s project goes according to plan, the Alpha helmet will start delivering it by September 2017.
While there have been many hi-tech helmets in the past, this retractable helmet will be the first of its kind to witness daylight.
