Aiguille is a high performance headgear for short track speed skaters. Aiguille delivers excellence to the sport, introducing a headgear without a chinstrap. The user is an athlete who participates in professional competitions. The athlete will only use the headgear during races, when high performance is needed. It reduces drag and delivers confidence to the ice rink. Aiguille improves: - Comfort: strapless, seamless design - Performance: increased aerodynamics through innovative design - Protection: up to 27% better results than helmets used today

Short track speed skating is a high-speed sport – reaching up to speeds over 35 miles per hour. Many accidents occur during competitions, in which the athletes hit their head against soft pads, or more fatal, on the ice. The helmet is exposed to multiple impacts during numerous races. Current design solutions do not reflect the elegant and dynamic nature of the sport. Furthermore, the helmets use outdated materials. There has been no design refinement on the market. Personal research showed that the chinstrap is uncomfortable to the athlete. Mock-ups tested on the athlete revealed strength and points of improvement. The challenge was to make the athlete faster, but also increasing the protection and adding a strapless design. Improving the cooling and still following the regulations of the sport. This project had its limitation to not test materials on its protective behavior, thatʼs a reason why a study conducted at MIT was used as a guide of the use of these materials.

The design of Aiguille has never been seen in headgear before. Aiguille reflects this imbalanced balance. Its asymmetric design makes it unique and speaks for the asymmetry of short track speed skating. The pace of the sport is reflected in the flexible structure in the back of the helmet. It inspires young people to start skating by giving the design it deserves. It takes away the outdated, unrefined impression of the headgear and makes it what it is: extreme performance.

On site research showed the chinstrap is uncomfortable to the athlete, and they wear the chinstrap fairly loose because of that. Further research revealed that the unique position of the head would have more comfort if we change certain parameters such as replacing the chinstrap. Together with athletes a strapless design has been developed which instantly inspired them. Mock-ups tested on the athlete revealed strength and points of improvement of the design process. It was important to consider regulations and difficulties of the environment and the user. A recent study about helmets for ice sports published by the short track speed skating team Canada in July 2012 revealed that helmets need to be smaller and rounder to better protect the user. The technology of the protective material used in my concept is referred to in a study conducted by MIT, generating 27% better results than using former known EPS. Vinyl Nitrile combined with fluid channels can withstand multiple impacts. 3D laser scanning allows for modeling and printing a flexible inner layer. E-Ink pads on each side of the helmet displays the racersʼ number or country. This has numerous benefits: the number on the helmet is not full strap-on anymore. It is fully integrated into the design. The operator of the race is able to give the racer his or her number, and he or she can easily change it with just a computer, small software and a USB cable.

Aiguille aims for the best in performance. The athlete who uses the product is faster and is able to perform better than itʼs competitors. The helmet contains different components that make this helmet so innovative. Its strapless design increases comfort and enables the athlete to stay focused on the race. It integrates with the suit, giving it enough hold to withstand crashes and increases safety and comfort for the user. The helmet contains different components that make this helmet so innovative. Its strapless design increases comfort and enables the athlete to stay focused on the race. It integrates with the suit, giving it enough hold to withstand crashes and increases safety and comfort for the user.