TAILWIND : Shell for outdoor workers

Para qué sirve

Tailwind is a helmet designed to create airflow preventing heat-related illnesses for outdoor workers. Unlike traditional helmets, this helmet not only ensures safety but also protects outdoor workers from heat-related illnesses, thus saving lives.

Qué te inspiró

In 2024, due to global warming, temperatures worldwide have soared to 40-50 degrees Celsius. Observing that the majority of the approximately 500,000 annual cases of heat-related illnesses are outdoor workers, we conducted observations and interviews with them. We discovered that they always wore enclosed safety helmets, which raised the head temperature about 3-5 degrees higher than the ambient temperature, posing a significant risk of heat-related illnesses. This led us to decide to develop a helmet that cools the head.

Cómo funciona

TAILWIND consists of an uppershell, internal Tesla passage, mesh, and a hairband with a brim. The cooling system operates in three stages. First, the brim gathers and directs wind into the internal Tesla passage, blocking sunlight while channeling air into the inlet. Second, as the wind moves through the passage, it accelerates and cools. The sponge material within the passage, utilizing Tesla valve and Bernoulli's principles, prevents backflow and enhances sweat evaporation, thereby lowering head temperature and absorbing impacts. Third, the fast, cool air is directed to the back of the neck and back, where sweat accumulates, aiding its evaporation and further reducing body temperature. Through these stages, TAILWIND effectively and continuously lowers the head and body temperature of outdoor workers, ensuring a more comfortable and safer working environment.

Proceso de diseño

To develop TAILWIND, we conducted interviews and observations with outdoor workers. We then drafted a QFD to extract the requirements needed for an outdoor worker's helmet, identifying "internal air flow" as the most critical feature. We researched organisms and structures in hot desert regions to generate ideas that meet these key requirements. Consequently, we decided to integrate cooling techniques inspired by the camel’s nasal structure and the cooling systems of buildings that utilize Bernoulli's principle. We created numerous prototypes to apply the camel’s nasal structure and Bernoulli's principle to the helmet, receiving advice from design and engineering experts. This led to the invention of a unique internal structure that prevents backflow and increases airspeed, similar to a Tesla valve. We verified through CFD simulations and actual prototyping that the air entering the inlet is distributed across the entire head and exits faster through the outlet. Throughout this process, we developed over 10 prototypes, conducted more than 30 experiments, and held over 20 meetings with experts to finalize the product. When actual users wore TAILWIND and tested it for an hour, it was found to be 2-3 degrees cooler than traditional helmets, effectively preventing heatstroke.

Qué lo hace diferente

One of the key benefits of TAILWIND is that it protects workers from both external impacts and heat. The existing helmets that prevent heat-related illnesses typically rely on simple ventilation holes or additional fans for heat protection. In contrast, we use a passage design inspired by the camel’s nasal structure to cool the incoming wind and apply Bernoulli's principle and the Tesla valve to accelerate and direct the wind towards the tail without backflow. Therefore, we achieved a more efficient cooling effect compared to existing products. Outdoor workers can easily use it without special training, simply wearing it as usual to be protected from heat and external impacts.

Planes para el futuro

Currently, we have created a prototype using 3D printing. We plan to have outdoor workers wear TAILWIND in environments close to actual use scenarios and gather feedback. Based on this feedback, we will conduct experiments related to convenience, cooling efficiency, and aerodynamic structure improvements to further enhance the product. For mass production, the helmet shell will be manufactured using PC materials, and the internal structure will use Polyurethane Sponge & Nylon Mesh. We will then protect our idea through patent registration and evaluate its business potential. Finally, we plan to test the helmet in actual field conditions.

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