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Structured Ideation

The original product idea, the Bike Locking Helmet Strap, will be evaluated via a method called SCAMPER. Multiple variations and ideas with be explored and noted in hopes of improving the original idea.

Substitute

Starting off, the name of the product should change to something easier to remember. The Bike-Locking Helmet Strap should be called the Helmet Lock. A simpler name makes the product easier to remember for potential consumers. A product name should get straight to the point of what a product is about, so anyone can understand what the product does without having to see it in action.

Materials on the product could be substituted for lighter and stronger variations. The heavy steel cable could be substituted for a strong aluminum allow or titanium. Substituting materials can make the product more durable and value, both important features of a long-term investment.

The lock could be any type of locking mechanism, ranging from a combination lock, to a lock and key arrangement. The type of lock chosen for this product is very important. It determines the complexity of use and if there need to be any extra equipment, like a separate key. A combination lock is less secure, but more practical in most cases.

The shape of the helmet could be changed to something that follows the current style trends, instead of the traditional helmet look. A sporty or hip style element would make the the product more appealing to younger buyers. If this product is established, multiple variations of style could be created to further increase the market size.

The helmet padding, the protective element in the helmet, could be replaced with a variety of different foams, gels, or organic material. There are many materials with shock absorbing properties that could be implemented into this product. Sample testing could be implemented to weigh the comfort aspect against the cost-effective option. Perhaps there could be deluxe models of this product with more comfortable features.

The bike lock housing at the end of the helmet strap, which was originally metal, could be replaced with a plastic. A plastic housing would dramatically cut weight in this product. Plastic also does not conduct heat nearly as well as metal, so the housing would avoid getting hot when sitting in the sun for a long time.

All the Plastic could be made of 100% recyclable material. This could possibly cut material costs while being friendly to the environment. Lots of consumers would support this feature, especially the younger audience.

Sketch:

This sketch features the concept of changing what kind of lock is used on the helmet strap. The type of lock could be substituted for many different variations. This drawing pictures a number combination lock taking the place of the original lock and key arrangement. This change could make using the lock easier for certain people.

Combine:

The bike lock housing could be made of the same material at the other plastic components in the product like the chin strap pieces and the strap guides. Being all part of the same injection mold, this would decrease the cost of production and waste in manufacturing.

The metal cable that it integrated into the helmet strap could be combined with the shell to provide further reinforcement in the upper portion. Metal components in the upper shell would make the helmet less susceptible to cracking while increasing the security of the lock.

The original strap design could be combined with some of the plastic from the helmet shell for additional strength. Plastic pieces from the helmet shell could make their way down some of the chin strap. This would not only be a unique design feature, but it would increase the strength of the strap itself.

This product can be combined with other useful object to make it more appealing to buyers. Extra features such as built in speakers, lights, or different colors could increase the value of this product to a wider array of potential buyers.

The materials can be composites, which is a mix or various materials. Composite plastics can be made out of recycled materials or a variety of chosen plastics to achieve specific properties that may be wanted in the product. For example, to make any element of this product glow-in-the-dark, the original plastic would need to be mixed with some photo-sensitive material.

The cable arrangement can be an alloy, which is a mixture of metals. Alloys are used to help metals become lighter and stronger than the original counterpart. Being lightweight is durable are important properties in consumer products.

In marketing for the product, the target is a combination of men and women, of a large age range, from high school to retired folk. For the product to reach all the intended audiences, commercialization is going to need to combine a number of techniques to influence as many buyers as possible.

Sketch:

This sketch illustrates the ideal that the helmet strap can combine metallic elements with plastic for increased strength. With flexible plastic scales covering the metal cable like a shell, The strap would increase in comfort and durability.

Adapt:

This product is similar to a traditional bike lock in that it has a cable which wraps around the bike frame and a grounding point to protect the bike.

The product is also similar to a traditional bike helmet in appearance and purpose. The main goal of the product is to offer head protection to the wearer. The locking part of the product is concealed in the straps.

This product adapts by solving two different issues that common bike commuters face. The first issue is when riders have to store their lock when they are riding on their bike. This issue is solved because the lock is integrated into the helmet they are wearing. The second issue is when riders have to carry the helmet when they arrive at their destination. This issue is solved because the helmet IS the bike lock.

Learning from the past, some helmets are seen as disposable. Making this helmet stronger, it can last decades if need be. Cheap helmets are seen everywhere. If this product is well-made, it should last close to a lifetime.

Different safety features outside of the field of head protection can be incorporated. Possibly a tracking feature or lights for night riding. A tracking feature would allow a rider to locate their bike via their phone if they forgot where they locked their bike. Lights would be ideal for night time riding.

This product is similar to a patented product, with the exception of the integrated cable. The most similar patented product utilizes a lock on the helmet, but is intended to only lock the helmet to the bike, not lock the bike completely. With the patented product, a consumer would still need a bike lock.

If this product goes to market, the commercialization would have to be adapted for the broad market, there are many niches that this product aims to satisfy. Adaptions for a very young or very old market might include a decrease in lock complexity.

Sketch:

This sketch shows how this product can adapt to avoid common problems with similar product. With a heavier construction, this product should be able to last a lifetime, as opposed to being a disposable piece of foam and plastic. Ideally, all the materials should be recyclable.

Magnify/Modify:

If this product included a Heart Rate monitor, it would appeal to the sporty market. Riders could review the cycling data on their phones and track fitness. The hart rate monitor would most likely be placed at the top of the neck strap, near the Carotid Artery.

It might also be a good idea to include warning label so thieves don’t try to break it. If a potential thief knew beforehand that they would have no chance getting through the lock, it would save the destruction of the rest of the helmet.

Integrated lights for night riding would be a simple, yet important safety feature. A portion of the target audience may find themselves riding home in the dark. Integrated lights would save a customer from having to buy separate lights for the bike.

There could be a rain tarp that prevents the helmet from getting wet. When the helmet is left outside to secure the bike, it is exposed to the elements. A protective tarp would protect the helmet form these elements so the rider could ride home in comfort.

The locking portion could be detachable. This way, a consumer could use the helmet and the lock separately. Maybe they like the feel of a traditional strap and need the lock for something else.

Possibly a built in battery for a portable mobile device charger. A built in portable charger would definitely increase the value of this product. It would also be a great feature for emergencies if a buyers phone would run out of charge during a ride.

The lock could be made larger to stress that this helmet is for security. In terms of making the features more apparent on this product, increasing the size of the lock would stress the fact that this helmet is also a lock mean’t to protect its owners belongings.

There could be more protective material within the dome. Magnifying the amount of protective material within the helmet would make the helmet safer for the rider. There is such thing as too much material however, weight and cost are important factors to consider when adding things to a product.

Sketch:

This sketch shows the concept of the built in heart rate monitor. The monitor would be placed on the strap next to the rider’s neck, to get the most accurate readings. This addition to the product would make it more valuable and appealing to some sporty buyers.

Put to other use:

The helmet doesn’t have to be specifically for bike riding. It can be used for anything that requires head protection or locking.

This product can be used on construction sites. Construction workers are always required to wear their helmets while on site. The lock can be used to prevent any other workers from stealing their helmet. Maybe they could even use the lock to keep other workers out of their lunchbox.

This product is perfect for other recreational uses like skateboarding, scootering, or even rock climbing. This helmet locks up any sort of mobility device that a customer would want to be secured.

The helmet portion of the product can be used by itself. Leaving the lock unlocked will still allow the helmet to function normally. The customer will just not experience the protection that the lock can provide for their belongings.

The lock portion can be used to lock most things. For anything that needs to be grounded, this product can function just like any other lock.

If someone were introduced to this product with no explanation of what it was, they would be able to figure it out pretty easily. This product is pretty straight forward in the service that it provides consumers. The only instructions needed would be how to operate the lock.

Some children and older people could possibly have a harder time using the product, depending on their dexterity. It the lock was small and complex, it might pose as an issue to this demographic. However, the people that would be experiencing these dexterity problems are not likely to be riding their bikes regularly.

Sketch:

This sketch demonstrates how this product could be used and modified for rock climbing. Not only does it protect the climber from falling debris, but it can be used to extend ropes if need be.

Eliminate:

Different materials can be eliminated. All plastic components can be made of the same plastic. The fewer the list of materials, the cheaper the product will be to produce.

The shell of the helmet can be removed. Doing this would just leave the protective material. To make the material stay in place, they can be constructed with rods and piping. This would also decrease the weight while increasing rigidity.

The lock can be made very small. Modern technology has allowed locks to be made incredibly small. A smaller lock would decrease the weight and cost of production. However, smaller locks often result in a decrease in security.

The metal cable could also be made to a smaller diameter. The size of the metal cable within the helmet strap is a very important detail. Too big and the cable could be annoying, too small and it could be broken by thieves. Finding the right balance is important, but the cable should be made as small as it can be.

There could be less protective material used, or just a stiffer, more dense material. A stiffer material would take the same amount of force as a softer material but with less overall mass. However, choosing a material that it too stiff would transfer too much of an impact to the rider, which is a safety hazard. Many tests would have to be done before choosing what material would be used.

The fabric that covers the metal cable is not essential, but might be necessary for comfort. It the cable were to be made of a very strong plastic, it might be more comfortable without any additional protection.

The racket that adjusts the helmet size can be made from Velcro. Having a Velcro piece be used to fit the helmet securely to a rider’s head like a baseball cap would eliminate lots of mechanical complexity in the design.

The protective material can be made soft, so there would be no need for an extra layer of fabric. Normally on bike helmets, there is a layer of fabric between the foam and the rider’s head for comfort. Making the foam soft in the first place would eliminate the need for this fabric.

Sketch:

This sketch shows how the product would look if the outer shell were eliminated. The protective foam bits would be exposed. The structure of the helmet would rely on wiring between the foam, as shown in the picture.

Reverse/ Rearrange:

The lock could be somewhere other than the original location on the chin strap. It is possible that the lock could be placed either on the side or the top of the helmet. If this were the case, there would need to be a mechanism that reached all the way down to the buckle through the strap.

The cables could be hidden in the dome portion, then taken out to when the lock is needed. If the cables in the helmet strap don’t work. Maybe the metal cables could be stored in the helmet while an ordinary strap is used to wear the helmet.

The ratchet that adjusts the helmet size could either go on the front or side of the helmet as opposed to the back where it traditionally goes. This would not have much of an impact on performance, but the who ratchet system would have to be re-engineered.

The helmet could be designed to be worn either facing forwards or backwards. This would not be too complicated to achieve. There would only need to be front and back symmetry in the design. Most outlying components would be placed on the sides, so they wouldn’t interfere no matter which way the rider put on the helmet.

The helmet could also be designed to be turned inside out. If the dome portion were to be turned inside out, the protective material would be on the outside of the helmet. It would give the same protection, but might not be as comfortable.

The exact opposite of the intended project would result in a product that neither protects a rider or locks their bike. In other words, a baseball cap with some yarn.

Changing the delivery of the service this product provides would be giving the customer the protection and security after the fact, which is dangerous and useless in both cases.

Sketch:

This sketch pictures the concept where the lock cables are hidden inside of the helmet. The rider would wear normal helmet straps for their rides, but when they wanted to lock up their bike, they would detach the metal cables from the shell.

The functional requirements chosen for this product evaluation were: Head Protection, Locking, Lightweight, Durability, and Comfort. Six object were chosen to represent each functional requirement. The circled objects from each category were chosen based on their feasibility and practicality for the product’s purpose.

For head protection, the object needed to have a neck strap to keep it secure on a wearers head. However, it didn’t need to cover any other part of the head or face. A bike rider needs to be very aware of their surroundings.

The lock need to be something that wasn’t overly complicated to figure out. The old-fashioned lock and key was found to be the most durable, and the most secure.

Looking at lightweight materials, organic materials looked appealing since they are cheap, abundant, and biodegradable. However, these provide little stiffness and durability. Between composite plastics and carbon fiber, plastics made the cut, since they are the most cost-effective for this product.

For durability, the material needed to be strong, but flexible at the same time. This ruled out over half of the materials, including wood and brick. Between steel cable and thick rubber, steel stands out as being stronger and long-lasting.

There are many options for comfort. Materials ranging from gels, to cotton can easily be applied to this product. Looking at other variables such as cost, weight, and strength, medium density foam is the material of choice. It’s no surprise that this material is found in many bike helmets today.