Helmet design gets to the Crux of the matter

With a number of major sporting events just around the corner Crux Product Design has reached the final stages of production for the track and road cycling helmets for the UK Sport Research and Innovation Team.

The helmets were commissioned back in 2009 by Dr Scott Drawer, head of research and innovation at UK Sport, along with both Chris Boardman and Dr Matthew Parker from British Cycling. They appointed Crux Product Design, a Bristol-based design and engineering company, to develop an ergonomic helmet through the use of novel materials and rapid manufacturing to allow bespoke fits for individual athletes.

Crux developed a dual-shell design. This comprises of an inner shell, (the made-to-measure section) which fits closely to the athlete’s head and an outer shell that is shaped for optimum performance.

Extensive testing found that aluminium honeycomb, often used within the aerospace industry worked well as a material for the helmet core. Other materials used were polycarbonate, for the visor along with an iridium coating to ensure the rider’s vision isn’t impaired. The inner and outer helmet skins are made from ABS.

Dr Drawer said: “Our job is to ensure our athletes make it to the start line among the best prepared and most feared in the world. Britain has a wealth of expertise in science, engineering and technology and by working with companies like Crux.”

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