6D Helmets: Suspension for your head

This new lid may change the future in helmet technology.

ODS™ ( Omni-Directional Suspension™ )


Today Bob Weber (30-years working in the MC industry) and Robert Reisinger (Engineer), also both former pro motocrossers and now innovators in the MC Helmet world, introduced the all-new and very innovative line of 6D helmets. The team has been working for two years on the project and today launched the line at the Factory Connection Race Shop in Corona, California.

Bob Weber (left) and Robert Reisinger holding their new family of 6D helmets.

The new helmets are more than just a new look with graphics, the technology inside is very complex and is designed to help reduce impacts to the brain in the event of a crash. This new patented technology drastically helps reduce lower speed impacts that are associated with motocross and off-road riding. They stepped outside the box with regard to traditional testing and went a step further. Passing the standard tests was not enough for this team, they were looking for more protection. They have invented a unique system called ODS™ ( Omni-Directional Suspension™ ) inside the helmet. Several members of the Factory Connection team will be wearing the new helmets for the 2013 season.

The new helmet is designed to tackle those larger impacts that traditional helmets are designed help absorb, yet the new 6D fills in the gaps for those slower speed impacts that can still leave a rider dizzy for a split second, “I just rung my bell” or possibly cause a mild concussion. According to their test results, the 6D Helmet reduced forces at all levels and drastically improved Low-Threshold impacts.

(From the 6D Media Kit)
6D’s™ revolutionary patent pending ODS™ ( Omni-Directional Suspension™ )represents a fully active, in-helmet suspension and kinetic energy management system. The mechanics, engineering, materials, and manufacturing are very complicated, but actually, the concept is quite simple.

Working with leading research and development experts in the area of motorcycle helmet safety, design, and advanced product testing, our goal was simple; design a better performing off-road motorcycle helmet. We applied creative ‘clean-sheet’ engineering concepts to the problem and started building prototype helmets for testing. Extensive testing provided data to support a vastly superior ‘proof of concept’ design. This design matrix was taken into beta testing for further evaluation and development, and then on to pre-production testing.

To manage kinetic energy ( including linear, angular, and lower-threshold acceleration energy ), the ODS™ system starts with an internal EPS liner not unlike traditional helmets; but that is where the similarities end. With the ODS™ system, the EPS liner is divided, creating a compound-liner assembly. These two liners are separated by a very specific programmed array of elastomeric isolation dampers creating an air-gap. It is this array of isolation dampers surrounding the entire liner, combined with the air-gap, that affords the free-motion suspension capability of ODS.™

The unique ‘hourglass’ shape designed into the elastomeric isolation dampers function with specially designed frusto-conical ramping chambers within the ODS™ system to produce a rapidly escalating spring rate under compressive load. These same features allow the split liner system to shear omni-directionally within itself to provide improved performance against oblique impacts and angular acceleration demands. There is no other helmet technology that can offer these combined energy management features.


Here Bob shows how the new new technology works combined with traditional EPS materials.

6D’s™ innovative ODS™ system improves impact force management within the helmet’s interior environment. Omni-Directional Suspension™ ( ODS™ ) technology is designed to protect your head over a broader range of energy transfer; especially angular energy in low and high velocity impacts, than traditional helmet designs. In testing, ODS™ has shown to significantly reduce the energy transferred to the head. This can reduce the likelihood of a concussion or brain injury over a traditional helmet.


Absorbing as much impact as possible is the name of the game when it comes to helmet technology. This little device that separates the layers of EPS liner is designed to do just that, absorb impact and help reduce concussions in lower- to mid-impact crashes.

low threshold energy

From Media Kit
‘Low Threshold Energy’ is qualified for sake of reference throughout our documentation as energy values equal or less than 4m/sec (meters per second)
as measured on traditional linear helmet testing equipment. A 4m/sec impact is equivalent to roughly 120 G’s being transferred to the brain in most current model Snell and ECE approved off-road helmets. That’s 100% more than the energy necessary to sustain a concussion in an adult male!

Pricing has not been set in stone, yet there is no price on safety, a possible concussion or a brain injury. Look for a price right around the $750 mark. Yet considering how complex this helmet is to produce and what its designed to do, it’s not much more than current high-end helmets on the market.

FEATURES

6D™ ATR-1 Features
- ODS™ ( Omni-Directional Suspension™ ) Technology
- Air-Gap Technology™
- Shell – The ATR-1’s shell combines a proprietary woven blend of advanced
aerospace carbon fiber, composite fiberglass, and Kevlar to create the perfect
ratio of strength to weight. There are no protrusions, sharp edges, or radical fins
incorporated into the shell design which improves rider safety. The ATR-1’s shell
was designed with the singular goal of building the safest, most effective
off-road helmet possible.
- V isor mounts flush with integrated recess into the outer shell surface.
- Large eyeport opening provides excellent fitment of all popular motocross
goggles.
- Cheek pads channel air flow from the chin bar into the air-gap for improved
ventilation and comfort.
- A removable contoured roost guard provides additional protection from rocks
and roost while accommodating all popular goggles and nose protectors.
- I ntegrated traction posts at the eyeport combine with a shell recess to keep your
goggle strap properly positioned throughout the entire moto.
- Rear Delta Vent – Designed and engineered by aviation experts, Delta Vents
assist in the evacuation of air by creating a low-pressure venturi effect upon the
external surface of the helmet. Delta Vents aid transfer by scavenging air from
within the helmet.
- Clavicle Cut-Away – The lower chin bar opening is designed to reduce both mass
and weight, as well as provide increased clavicle clearance without sacrificing
strength.
- Sternum Pad – The ATR-1 incorporates a unique EPU (Expanded Poly Urethane)
sternum pad design, which steps down below the nose of the chin bar area. The
sternum pad provides a progressive surface for added protection of the chin, jaw
and sternum in the event of an accident.
- The ATR-1 is fully compatible with all neck braces.
- The ATR-1 has titanium “D” rings and chin strap rivets.
- Comfort Liner – The ATR-1’s comfort liner consists of more innovative
materials and design concepts. Genuine CoolMax™ anti-bacterial fabric is used
for a superior sweat management solution while providing optimum support,
comfort and fit. Easy removal makes washing and replacement easy.
- Emergency Release Cheek Pads – Our simple, yet effective design provides easier
access and helmet removal during emergency situations without unnecessary
levers or additional parts being manipulated by emergency personnel.
- Shear-away Visor Screws – Manufactured of engineered plastic rather than
aluminum or titanium, allows the screws to shear more easily in the event of a
high-stress impact or snag, improving rider safety.
- Effective visor design blocks roost, vents aggressively and mounts securely.
- Stainless steel screens protect all shell openings.
- Replaceable mouth piece provides excellent roost protection and air flow.
- Exclusive 6D™ graphics.
- Weight: +/- 1,490 grams.
- 3-year limited warranty.
- Exceeds DOT and ECE standards.
- Suggested Retail: TBA
- A vailable: February 2013

For more information you can visit the website at www.6DHELMETS.COM

Related Posts:

Comments

Kevin Moeller
December 11, 2012 1:10 pm

And sports such as football

Frank Wood
December 4, 2012 2:17 pm

You guys should look at a military application for this technology.

Add a Comment

By submitting a comment you grant Motocross.com a perpetual license to reproduce your words, name and web site in attribution.
Comments may be removed at an administrators discretion. Your email is used for verification purposes only and will never be shared.

Fantasy Corner