POC Bike Helmet Concepts & Technologies
PROGRESSIVE CORE POC’s new progressive core (Pro Core) combines two densities. With a stiffer outer part of the liner and a softer portion on the inside, the helmet becomes exceptionally durable on the outside and well suited to deal with higher energy impacts, while the softer inner layer provides protection for lower energy impacts. The two layers also work together to give a progressive stop of the head in case of an impact.
MULTI-IMPACT PERFORMANCE To date, both traditional hard shell and in-mold helmets have relied on Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) for shock absorption. EPS absorbs energy by plastic deformation on impact and results in permanent deformation. As a consequence, a helmet liner made of EPS will not be as good absorbing repetitive impacts. Most of POC’s bike helmets use a liner of Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) instead of the traditional EPS. The difference between the materials is that EPP does not deform permanently, which means it’s suitable for absorbing repetitive impacts.
MIPS (MULTI-IMPACT PROTECTION SYSTEM) MIPS is a system used to reduce the rotational force to the brain in case of oblique impacts. Accident statistics show that the most common accident occurs in an oblique impact to the head, resulting in a rotation of the head and brain. The brain is more sensitive to oblique impacts than radial impacts. In a helmet equipped with MIPS technology, a low friction layer separates the shell and the inside of the helmet. When subjected to an oblique impact, the low friction layer allows a small controlled rotation of the shell relative to the lining.
EPS VS. IN-MOLD HELMETS Traditionally, there have been two types of bike helmets on the market. First, there is the thick hard shell helmet with a shock absorbing liner of EPS. A hard shell helmet provides good protection against penetration and is durable. However, the nature of the stiff outer shell also has its drawbacks. On impact, the hard shell causes an abrupt stop of the head. This increases the risk of brain injuries and whiplash injuries are more likely as hard shell helmet is more prone to rebound on impact. The second type of traditional bike helmet is the in-mold type. These helmets have a thin shell of polycarbonate molded together with an EPS liner. With this construction any energy on impact is well absorbed, as the thin shell allows the helmet to deconstruct on impact, transferring less stress to the brain and head, which results in minimal rebound. Traditionally, in-mold helmets have disadvantages when it comes to resistance to penetration and durability.
ARAMID BRIDGE
When looking for low weight in combination with a tough and durable structure, we added aramid in strategic locations just under the outer shell and molded it together with the foam liner material to ensure durability and protection. The unbreakable aramid weave bonds with the foam liner, adding a totally new structural stability. The concept was first launched in our trail mountainbike helmet Trabec.
VDSAP (VENTILATED DOUBLE SHELL ANTI-PENETRATION) The safety requirements for ski and bike helmets are similar, but bike helmets call for some additional features to enhance ventilation and comfort. Good ventilation, however, also poses problems as open vents decreases the helmet’s protection against penetration. This is a serious risk, especially for downhill riders, since they are most likely to be exposed to hazardous objects at high speed. To be able to come up with a helmet thatis penetration resistant, performs well upon impact and still is well ventilated, we developed our patented VDSAP with double overlapping shells. VDSAP has two ventilated shells that are offset for maximum penetration resistance and management of heat, perspiration or water. The inner shell is an extremely thin layer of polycarbonate and the outer shell is made of carbon fiber or injected plastic, depending on model. These helmets represent a unique way of thinking in helmet design.
POC Spin
Oblique impact protection is necessary to counter the forces involved in non-linear impacts, which are a common cause of head injury. SPIN (Shearing Pad Inside) pads are integrated inside a helmet and add an extra layer of oblique impact protection by shearing in any direction, reducing the force transmitted to the brain. The most common type of fall results in an angled, or oblique, impact with the ground or object which can lead to a rotation of the helmet and head. Research has shown that compared to a direct, or linear, fall the force required to cause serious head injury from an oblique impact is often much lower.
To counter this common impact scenario, POC created SPIN pads which are an evolution on nature’s own design and use an innovative pad technology and design. SPIN pads are optimized to provide oblique impact protection based on the precise location inside the helmet and by using various pad technologies which can shear in any direction. The aim is to minimize the effects of an oblique fall by allowing the helmet to move relative to the head.
