CoolCap

What it does

This helmet not only protects against impacts but also supports workers exposed to sun and heat, which can cause heat strokes or other health issues. It features a solar-powered cooling system that keeps the worker cool and helps them cope with extreme weather

Your inspiration

Our group consists of engineering students from the Polytechnic University of Madrid, though several of us moved from other towns to study here. Upon arriving in the capital, we noticed a sharp rise in summer temperatures, especially for those from the north. We began to consider how these extreme temperatures might affect others, particularly those who don’t work indoors. After some research, we found news reports about deaths and health problems caused by heat strokes. This made us realize that, while extreme weather may be a minor inconvenience for some, for others it’s a serious safety risk that must be addressed.

How it works

The helmet’s fan is powered by flexible solar panels located on the top, designed to capture as much sunlight as possible. The energy then travels through wires installed inside the helmet and reaches the fan, which is positioned at the back of the neck. With a simple switch, the user can turn the ventilation system on or off. The fan’s shape and technology are inspired by Dyson fans, with the key difference being that the airflow in our device is less intense. This is because it is located very close to the body, and a stronger airflow could be uncomfortable for the worker. The helmet also features a reflective visor to help prevent the temperature of the head from rising.

Design process

Once we decided to design a product to help workers cope with extreme heat while on the job, we began exploring possible solutions. The first requirement we identified was that the product should not disrupt or interfere with the workers’ tasks. Therefore, we aimed to integrate our innovation into garments or equipment they already wear, in order to avoid adding extra burden. Some initial ideas included incorporating a series of tubes filled with a special cooling liquid into the vest, or placing a similar system inside the insole of a shoe. However, we kept returning to the idea of redesigning the helmet, since the head is one of the most vulnerable areas when exposed to high temperatures. We investigated the ventilation systems used in current helmets and found that, although some models appear to include ventilation, it is often ineffective. We considered adding a fan, but the blades of a conventional fan seemed potentially dangerous for a device positioned so close to the head. After further research, we came across Dyson’s bladeless fan technology, which inspired us to develop our own cooling system. We adapted its shape and functionality to suit the specific needs of our users.

How it is different

The main difference between our design and other helmets is that it not only protects the user from external impacts but also shields them from extreme temperatures. Moreover, the product is tailored to the needs of workers and turns the main challenge, high temperatures, into an advantage by using solar energy to power the cooling system. In doing so, it not only ensures safety and comfort but also takes environmental impact into account. This is a product designed with all the potential needs and inconveniences a worker might face in mind, aiming to help them endure their already demanding tasks with greater ease and well-being.

Future plans

One of the great advantages of helmets, in general, is that they allow for the easy integration of gadgets that could potentially support the worker’s tasks. That’s why we believe that, in the future, our helmet could include additional features such as built-in headphones to protect the user from loud noises, which could be easily attached or removed as needed. It would also be valuable to develop technology capable of detecting the user’s head temperature and automatically activating the cooling system when it exceeds a certain threshold.

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