Fraunhofer developing bike helmets (and other products) that stink when damaged
By Joseph L. Flatley 
posted June 3rd 2010 8:27PM
posted June 3rd 2010 8:27PM
We're glad you're using a bike helmet (and we're glad you've opted for that really scary one we first saw in 2007). You do realize, however, that the more blows to the head you receive, the less effective the headgear is, right? Researchers at Germany's Fraunhofer Institute have developed a manufacturing process that injects microcapsules containing malodorous oils into the helmet itself, causing it to stink when damaged -- alerting you that it's time to replace it (and making it difficult to try and make do with a less than safe one, at that). Indeed, the process, which a thick foil made of polypropylene to house the microcapsules, extends to other products as well, including: pressure hoses, water, and gas pipes (in which case the odor can be detected by automated "smell sensors"). As for the lids, they're still trying to decide exactly which scent to use, but we have a suggestion -- smelling salts. Seems logical, right?
@sonicwind
especially when you'll get called "54I7 HEAD!"
Very clever as it doesn't stop at informing you that something is up but also annoys you into doing something about it.
Why didn't I think of that??
Oh yeah cos I am doomed to be poor forever !!!!!!!!
It would be much more spectacular to have them explode when damaged.
You know, to prevent their being worn again.
Some ideas just really stand out as... wow... amazing. It's incredible that everyone didn't think of this in its simplicity, and it's incredible that it will be so easy to use in terms of letting the end-user decide reliably whether the device can be trusted.
I'm not concerned about bike helmets (yet) as my children are still very young, but I'm glad to be able to expect this technology in car seats very soon.
It's just fantastic to know people can still think of awesome stuff like this.
And to anyone who claims this isn't marketable: wait until you have children.
@Dan Fruzzetti
If they make a condom that has this same feature, I won't have to worry about having children.
How often do these people fall off their bikes that they'd go through multiple helmets, anyway?
I'm a bike commuter (not a "cyclist") and I've fallen off/had an accident ONE TIME, and I was able to twist and take the damage on my arm (broke my wrist, actually).
If you don't ride like a jackass, and whip all over in traffic, you probably won't even need a helmet. It's the dumbasses that end up on someone's hood, or landing head-first on the pavement.
good idea - just a bad tip indicator.
i'd rather see something that changes the color of the helmet, ie, a nice manly blue helmet turns girly pink and says "damaged goods" when it's damaged. that would at least give him the correct incentive to buy a new helmet.
why don't these inventors think like me :)