Toledo hospital offers help in developing an airbag for cyclists

The official term for the life-saving device is 'cervical airbag system'

The National Hospital for Paraplegics in Toledo, a medical centre belonging to the regional Health Service, is collaborating with the EVIX startup to develop a new type of cycling helmet. Healthcare experts will offer advice from a clinical point of view to the helmet engineers so that they can come up with a product that will ensure better safety and reliability to riders.

This helmet counts with an integrated airbag system, the objective of which is to avoid or, at least, reduce the effects of spinal cord damage in accidents. The functional prototype is currently being developed and is expected to be ready by the end of 2021. 

Neck injuries are potentially the most threatening for cyclists

The expert in biomechanics and technical aids and head of the Rehabilitation Service of the National Paraplegic Hospital, Dr Ángel Gil, will work hand in hand with the team of this company to develop and certify the technology so that it meets clinical standards for safety.

The helmet integrates a cervical airbag system that protects the cyclist’s neck in the event of an accident, as it swells just before the impact or injurious movement occurs.

The system incorporates an electronic device with inertial sensors that, together with an accident detection algorithm, senses when an accident is taking place and inflates the airbag just before impact or a harmful movement. To connect the system, the rider must simply fasten the helmet, because it is in the closure point where the airbag gets activated.

In addition, the solution is complemented with functionalities from the Internet of Things, such as the automatic sending of a distress message along with the location of the cyclist to a predetermined mobile phone in the event of an accident. It can also send warnings to the user when riding through dangerous spots on the road coupled with proposals for alternative routes.