CONCEPTUALIZATION & PROTOTYPING
DOWNSELECTION - PART 1
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Throughout our conceptualization process, our team used a variety of systematic and structured approaches to down-select and prioritize which ideas would move forward to progress us to our top solution. Below represents the journey we took to move from our 90+ ideas to our Top 10 ideas, and eventually to our Top 5. From our initial brainstorming and mind mapping exercise, we did a heuristic evaluation to determine which concepts would be most feasible, which brought us down to 35 ideas. From those 35, we began categorizing and bucketing these ideas based on themes and prioritized 10 based on their prevalence to our reframed design objectives and design drivers. Subsequently, we took those Top 10 Ideas and rated them using a Pugh Chart set up based on the prioritized attributes from our QFD. A more detailed version of our Pugh Chart can be found in Downselection - Part 2.
Based on the prioritization of our Pugh Chart, we took the five highest scoring ideas as our Top 5 Concepts and began modeling, prototyping, and testing these concepts in order to evaluate their pros and cons. Details on these Top 4 out of 5 Concepts are detailed down below, and details on our highest ranking and selected solution is discussed after Downselection - Part 2.
TOP CONCEPTS
1. Seat Helmet Storage
This concept is an attachment to the bike, an enclosed case, it operates as a helmet storage underneath the seat. The shape of the storage box aligns with the form of the seat. It protrudes out by some which makes the seat look compact in a small space. The size of the storage box would be based on the largest size of helmet available in the market. So that it caters to a wide range of helmets. The product will rest on the metal frame of the bicycle and has a snap hook locking mechanism. The rider just has to insert the key to unlock the box whereas the locking of the box is just hard press until you hear the clip hooking on to the metal. One end of the box will be fixed by the L-hinge on the longer length side. This will make the opening and closing movement easy to operate. To make the product waterproof there would be a rubber sealing gasket. The case would be made of polymer preferably backlite.
ADVANTAGES
The riders will always have access to the box as it would be fixed to the bicycle. The location of the box is convenient to access for the rider. The snap mechanism provides easy operation and quick access to the helmet. The mechanism has minimal assembly time to keep the helmet secure on the bike. The enclosed box storage also keeps the helmet safe from extreme weather conditions. The maintenance of the product is easy and convenient.
DISADVANTAGES
The storage box adds additional weight to the bike which adds to the bulkiness of the already existing bike. This may cause the rider difficulty and inconvenience while riding which may result in its safety concerns. The box protruding out may cause discomfort to the rider while paddling. This concept requires substantial tampering to the bicycle at the seat location.
2. Retractable StrAP aTTACHMENT
This concept is an attachment to the helmet strap. The attachment will be from the center of the Y – joint on the strap. The strap material will be flexible and elastic so that it retracts back to its position after use. Its retracting property will make the mechanism compact and small. The strap will be made of steel spring with a rubber coating externally. This would ensure that there is strength as well as smooth/soft finish for the feel. The safety of the helmet will be checked by the combination locking mechanism. The locking mechanism will be only object jutting out of the strap and will be visible.
ADVANTAGES
The locking mechanism is a part of the helmet and so the rider has quick access to it. The whole process of enabling and disabling the lock is fast and requires minimal assembly time. This feature provides the helmet to lock itself to multiple contexts (e.g., bike, bike stand, fence).
DISADVANTAGES
It adds weight to the already bulky helmet. Due to the locking mechanism jutting out it may cause discomfort to the rider on putting the helmet on and off. Since this concept is an added feature to an already existing helmet it will require additional tampering..
3. Portable Front Bag
It is a portable bag/case that is strapped to the front of the bike. This bag will be made of waterproof material like the polyester and nylon. It will be lightweight to carry around. The base of the bag will be held by a L shaped frame which is attached to the bike handles. The bag has an easy button press operation to open and shut.
ADVANTAGES
It provides quick access to the helmet by being right in front of the vision span. The mechanism is quite easy to operate and requires minimal actions. Material and joints are such that it provides necessary weatherproofing.
DISADVANTAGES
It adds additional weight to the already heavy bike which might cause safety concerns for the user. It doesn't solve the problem of portability. The idea already exists in the market.
4. In helmet pop lock band
A secret pop lock within the helmet with elastic/flexible lock band that extends and retracts. The lock band will pop out on pressing the button on the side of the helmet. The button will flush to the surface of the helmet and will only pop out on a click. It will go round the other side to plug in the space allocated for it. The metallic chain embedded in the helmet will be drawn out. The chain will be wound around a coil to hold it by force. Its length would be long enough(~1000 MM) to cover the surface area of the helmet as well as fix on the stationary object. After its use unlocking the band, the band will retract back to its position as the coil will pull the chain towards it. The pop lock will go inside the helmet case in its idle position. This way the mechanism can be locked to any stationary objects around e.g., bike stand, bike, fence.
ADVANTAGES
The idea is to keep the lock discrete and compact. The locking mechanism is not visible when not in use, yet it is always available for use. Riders need not worry about forgetting to carry the helmet locking system on the go. Being a part of the helmet it will always be with it. It is an added convenience to the rider as they don’t have to carry it around. The mechanism is easy to operate with just a pop, click and plug.
DISADVANTAGES
The rider has to carry an additional weight on their helmet to an already bulky helmet. It may cause discomfort to the rider in the crown area due to the chain and coil compressed within it. Proper insulation will be an added requirement. This concept requires substantial tampering with the existing helmet and users may not be comfortable making new changes to an already old helmet.
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