2.5 Cooling the Motorcycle Helmet
13
Some practical solutions can be implemented to cool the head while wearing a
motorcycle helmet. The popular and marketable techniques are using an air blower
or vents [19]. The air-cooling system uses vents to allow natural air flow to pass
through the interior of the helmet to remove heat. Although motorcycle riders may
use these designs, it is debatable whether these systems are suitable for tropical
countries that have high ambient temperatures. The cooling or ventilation system
that is currently available in motorcycle helmets is almost exclusively in the form of
forced convection and evaporation, the efficiency of which is influenced by the type
of helmet worn and the speed of the air moving over the head and helmet.
The current process of cooling inside a motorcycle helmet is by the ventilation
provided by air passing the side of the ears, around the neck, over the head and helmet.
Research so far has not clearly shown the principles responsible for forced convective cooling around the head or procedures to develop new designs or to connect
these to the comfort needs of the motorcycle rider. Earlier research concentrated
on isolated and special features of motorcycle helmet design and cooling by using
human, manikin or wind tunnel testing. The efforts undertaken so far have not been
very successful, because the results have not been amalgamated into a form so as to
produce a complete system that could aid the design process. This indicates a major
limitation in the knowledge available for motorcycle helmet manufacturers to design,
prototype and produce an effective helmet that contributes to the safety and comfort
of the motorcycle rider. Thus, more research is required to obtain information for the
design, prototype and manufacture of a more comfortable motorcycle helmet.
2.6 Types of Motorcycle Helmets
Five basic types of helmets are available for motorcycling. These helmets are secured
by a chin strap, and if the chin strap is not securely fastened to give a snug fit, the
chances of getting injured are increased. The various types of motorcycle helmets
are full face; off-road/motocross; modular/flip-up; open face and half helmet. These
are discussed below.
2.6.1 Full Face Helmet
A full face helmet (Fig. 2.3) covers the entire head, the base of the skull and the
front of the chin. These helmets contain a transparent plastic face shield that can be
moved up and down to allow access to the face. Even though these helmets give full
protection to the head, some riders do not like these helmets due to the increased heat,
sense of isolation, lack of wind and alleged reduction in hearing. It has been shown
that full face helmets offer the most protection to motorcyclists’ heads, as 35% of
all crashes showed major impact on the chin bar area [20]. Increased protection is
13
Some practical solutions can be implemented to cool the head while wearing a
motorcycle helmet. The popular and marketable techniques are using an air blower
or vents [19]. The air-cooling system uses vents to allow natural air flow to pass
through the interior of the helmet to remove heat. Although motorcycle riders may
use these designs, it is debatable whether these systems are suitable for tropical
countries that have high ambient temperatures. The cooling or ventilation system
that is currently available in motorcycle helmets is almost exclusively in the form of
forced convection and evaporation, the efficiency of which is influenced by the type
of helmet worn and the speed of the air moving over the head and helmet.
The current process of cooling inside a motorcycle helmet is by the ventilation
provided by air passing the side of the ears, around the neck, over the head and helmet.
Research so far has not clearly shown the principles responsible for forced convective cooling around the head or procedures to develop new designs or to connect
these to the comfort needs of the motorcycle rider. Earlier research concentrated
on isolated and special features of motorcycle helmet design and cooling by using
human, manikin or wind tunnel testing. The efforts undertaken so far have not been
very successful, because the results have not been amalgamated into a form so as to
produce a complete system that could aid the design process. This indicates a major
limitation in the knowledge available for motorcycle helmet manufacturers to design,
prototype and produce an effective helmet that contributes to the safety and comfort
of the motorcycle rider. Thus, more research is required to obtain information for the
design, prototype and manufacture of a more comfortable motorcycle helmet.
2.6 Types of Motorcycle Helmets
Five basic types of helmets are available for motorcycling. These helmets are secured
by a chin strap, and if the chin strap is not securely fastened to give a snug fit, the
chances of getting injured are increased. The various types of motorcycle helmets
are full face; off-road/motocross; modular/flip-up; open face and half helmet. These
are discussed below.
2.6.1 Full Face Helmet
A full face helmet (Fig. 2.3) covers the entire head, the base of the skull and the
front of the chin. These helmets contain a transparent plastic face shield that can be
moved up and down to allow access to the face. Even though these helmets give full
protection to the head, some riders do not like these helmets due to the increased heat,
sense of isolation, lack of wind and alleged reduction in hearing. It has been shown
that full face helmets offer the most protection to motorcyclists’ heads, as 35% of
all crashes showed major impact on the chin bar area [20]. Increased protection is