Voronoi: A Revolutionary Bicycle Helmet Design

Zhecheng Xu and Yuefeng Zhou's Innovative Approach to Safety and Style

Zhecheng Xu and Yuefeng Zhou drew inspiration from the 3D Voronoi structure, a pattern found throughout nature in entities such as animal bones and turtle shells. This structure, a product of natural evolution, offers optimal physical performance in terms of lightness, stability, and energy interaction. By applying this parametric technique to helmet design, the team has created a product that strikes a perfect balance between lightness and safety.

What sets Voronoi apart from traditional helmets is its unabridged bionic 3D mechanical system. This system, unlike the flake protection structure found in conventional helmets, offers superior stability when subjected to external forces. Furthermore, the helmet's porous nature not only contributes to its lightweight design but also enhances air permeability, providing a cool and comfortable experience for the wearer.

The helmet is constructed from carbon kevlar and fiberglass resin, with a polystyrene lining. Currently in the experimental test stage, Voronoi will be available in three sizes. The team's use of parametric technique allows for direct control over the density parameter of the entire structure system and the specification parameter of the supporting system. This adaptability ensures the helmet's suitability for different users and usage scenarios.

The design process was not without its challenges. One of the main hurdles was ensuring that the structure system adapted to the cavity form, a crucial aspect of the helmet's appearance design. Through data interaction mechanisms between different algorithm units and iterative feedback, the team was able to achieve rational final simulation results.

The Voronoi helmet has already been recognized for its innovative design, winning the Silver A' Safety Clothing and Personal Protective Equipment Design Award in 2020. This prestigious award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation. With its unique blend of safety, comfort, and style, the Voronoi helmet is poised to revolutionize personal protective gear.