Innovative Helmet Shields Workers from Heat Stroke

Helpmet: A Lifesaving Fusion of Design and Technology

The construction industry faces a growing challenge with the rise in global temperatures: protecting its workforce from the dangers of heat stroke. Recognizing this, designers Hui Liu and Yunhan Bai have developed Helpmet, a heat stroke prevention helmet that stands out for its ability to monitor the health of workers in real-time and provide timely warnings to prevent serious health risks.

Helpmet's unique properties lie in its multifaceted alert system, which employs sound, vibration, and light to prompt workers to take necessary breaks. This proactive approach is further supported by an accompanying app that educates workers on efficient heatstroke avoidance techniques. The design's strength is its integration of health application technology within a wearable device, ensuring that safety does not compromise the essential functions of a standard construction helmet.

The realization of Helpmet involved a semi-automated production process, including injection molding and quality inspections. The designers selected materials that enhance durability and comfort, such as PC and ABS for the helmet's shell and natural rubber for the head cushioning parts. With a weight of approximately 500g and dimensions tailored to industry standards, Helpmet balances functionality with user ergonomics.

Operationally, Helpmet is user-friendly. Workers pair the helmet with a mobile app, which then tracks vital signs and provides data on physical conditions. In case of abnormal readings, the helmet issues alerts, and in critical situations, an alarm light signals managers to take immediate action. This interactive design ensures that both workers and supervisors are informed and can respond swiftly to potential health threats.

The project's timeline spanned from August to November 2023 in Shanghai, culminating in a prestigious IDA Gold Award in January 2024. The design team's rigorous research included understanding heatstroke pathogenesis, interviewing workers for insights, and employing sensors to validate the helmet's temperature monitoring capabilities. The challenges faced included maintaining the helmet's structural strength while incorporating sensor modules, managing product weight, and controlling costs without compromising the design's popularity and effectiveness.

Helpmet is more than a piece of safety equipment; it is a testament to the power of innovative design in improving occupational health. By combining technology with practical design, Hui Liu and Yunhan Bai have created a solution that not only safeguards the well-being of construction workers but also serves as a model for future advancements in workplace safety.

As a winner of the Iron A' Design Award, Helpmet is recognized for its practicality, innovation, and commitment to industry standards. It exemplifies the potential for design to create positive change and contribute to a safer, more sustainable world for all.