Smart Helmet Reeks

Bottom right: the opened microcapsule

When you drop your helmet it’s a challenge to be able to tell if it actually does or does’t need replacing. Much of the cycling population will either replace a helmet unnecessarily or replace one after it’s too late. A new technology developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM may solve this problem, while also reducing unnecessary waste of undamaged helmets and improving bicycle safety.

The helmet contains polymer materials constructed with micro-capsules of odoriferous oils which burst when damaged, omitting a bad smell to alert users to structural damage.

The technology has a variety of other potential uses including checking pressure hoses and other difficult to access items in various products. It could also be used to monitor plastic pipes carrying water or gas for cracks, as the odoriferous sunstance can be detected over long distances.

Via Science Daily & PSFK.