Surfing Helmet Technology

The World's First Surfing Helmet Technology

Just a proven protection of less skull fracture, less concussion and less much more

Spoiler

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I had a memorable experience working remotely in Hawaii for half a year. And during my stays there, I recognized that more than 10% of the staggering 2 million traumatic brain injuries that are reported each year. Surfing is one of the most dangerous sports to have human heads exposed to stones, reefs and even surfing boards without any protections.

Info

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Project Subjects:

Integrated Product Development (IPD)
Surfing Protection Gear
Physical Product

Role:

User Research
3D Model Designer
Business Strategist

Impact:

Created world’s first surfing helmet that has collision detection funtion connected to emergency contacts and 911

Timeline:

2023 Aug -2023 Oct
4 months

Why is Surfing Considered One of The Most Dangerous Exercises among All?

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45% of recreational surfers experienced at lease 1 musculoskeletal injury per year

Surfer’s Ear is a condition characterized by abnormal bone growth within the ear canal. This phenomenon, medically known as exostosis, is the body’s natural response to repeated exposure to cold water and wind.

The bone growth serves as a protective mechanism for the eardrum but unfortunately continues to grow over time. This condition is prevalent among surfers due to their frequent exposure to windy and wet conditions—hence the name, Surfer’s Ear.

The rate of bone growth can vary among individuals and is influenced by factors such as water temperature and frequency of exposure.rviews, I

resource: https://surfears.com/surfers-ear/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAy9msBhD0ARI

Surfer’s Ear

(What we don’t want)

Why aren't surfers wearing helmets?

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Uncool. Simply.

Also, from the primary research, which i interviewed 17 surfers on Honolulu Beach, they stated that surfing helmets are way too heavy to wear. Weight and balance are two elements that affect surfing a lot so the helmet surves as a protection but is a minus when it comes to surfing with a joyful mind. The third reason is that the soft padding inside absorbs a lot of water leading to uncomfortable and soaking wet head and adds on weights.

Collision Detection Design

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An accelerometer is inserted into the back of the helmet. Accelerometers can be found in the vehicle airbag systems or on iPhones, where you can lock the screen verticle or horizontal. Those are all thanks to accelerometers. In this case, the detection funtion is added to prevent drawing. Surfing collisions are found often but the fetal cases are often times crashing hard rocks or reef leading to fainting and drawing. So the timing between collisions and emergency behaviors is crucial. An accelerometer is able to detect the collision then will atomatically dial 911 and send to emergency contacts.

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What's next?

Designing with some crucial parts in mind: Ear Covers to prevent surfer’s ears as discussed in the previous slide; Sunglasses are a must because reflections on the water could cause sunburn in the eyes and skins around the eye area; Helmet shape should not be edgy as it would cause more friction with water thus slow down the surfing.

Materials

Materials of the helmet should be lightweighted and firm to allow possible ccollisions. Carbon fibers has been one of the most famous materials in numerous industries but rarely used in surfing. Sunglasses are absolutely UV protected plastics as well as the ear covers. And what’s new and different is the chin strap. G-form tech material is a soft but turns hard material when crashing. Found to be used in aero designs. The softness creates comforts on the chin.