In his bachelor’s thesis, Orca001: Organic Response to Collisions and Aftershocks, Hizki develops an innovative bicycle helmet that leverages Voronoi lattice tessellations to enhance shock absorption and protect against traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Drawing from patterns found in the natural world, the project proposes an alternative to conventional rigid helmets by integrating biomimetic design principles for more effective impact dissipation.

A Biomimetic Concept Fully Borrowed from Nature.

In cycling, where the risk of traumatic brain injuries is significant, helmets are essential but often limited in real-world, unpredictable accidents. Traditional helmet designs rely heavily on rigid materials to distribute impact forces, which may not always provide optimal protection. Inspired by the structural resilience of biological systems, this thesis questions if nature’s complex shock-absorption mechanisms can lead to a safer helmet. The research focuses on biomimetic design, specifically the Voronoi lattice structure, which occurs in various natural systems known for their durability and flexibility if combined with a supporting material.

The central question driving Orca001 is how to incorporate these naturally occurring patterns in the context of design manufacturing a functional helmet that surpasses traditional designs in shock-absorbing capability.

The result of Orca001 is a conceptual design for a bicycle helmet truly inspired by nature. The interconnected tessellations of Voronoi lattice structures, which I have successfully programmed and printed, possess unique characteristics that help protect the brain against forceful impacts. The helmet will undergo testing with a pressure-measuring machine in collaboration with MIPS, a company specializing in advanced helmet safety systems that mitigate rotational forces. After the test, the design iteration process will begin again to refine the lattice tessellations, adjusting them to absorb impact forces even more effectively. Through this iterative process, Orca001 aims to become an alternative in helmet development, offering enhanced safety through biomimetic design.

Special thanks for technical assistance to Professor Müller Russo, Dr. Professor Lasse Scherffig, Sebastian Heilmann, Eduard Paal, Shapeways, May Arryan Adam, and Andrew Artajaya.