THE SCIENCE BEHIND

By

Newton-Rider, Head of Engineering, Daniel Bünger /Dipl. Ing. Bio- & Nanotechnologies

Three Layer Impact Protection (Pat. pend) :

1. Energy distribution to avoid critical, local energy peaks

2. Slowing down critical G-Forces

3. Impact energy dissipation and absorption


1. Hard Shell 

The hard shell is made of a special impact modified Polycarbonate which protects the skull against penetration from sharp objects such as sharp-edged rocks and gravel. The hard shell further distributes local energy peaks over a wider area and lowers the critical energy load per surface area of the helmet. Although the shell appears hard it still exceeds a certain level of elasticity which prevents it from cracking and supports the absorption of impact energies. 


2. NR Evo Foam

Newton Rider utilizes a tailor made EVO Foam which is not just fine tuned for the absorption of impact energies and critical G-Forces, but also for the use at low temperatures. 


The impact absorption performance of our Evo foam is a result of multiple effects which take place at the molecular and macroscopic level:


The Network Resilient Effect –

The mechanical properties and resilience of the NR Evo foam are defined by its polymeric network on the molecular level. We formulated and optimized our foams to work against and consume impact energies during an impact.

Mobility and Relaxation Effect –

The relaxation speed and mobility of the Evo network segments on the molecular level are important factors for the absorption of critical G forces during an impact. Our foams are designed to slow down and absorb harmful forces to protect the head better against trauma and severe injuries.

Pneumatic Effect –

The micro- and macroscopic air cells in our foam do not just reduce the weight of our helmet pads, but also cushion incoming impacts and translate impact energies into a flow of air, compression and expansion in and between cells.


3. Non-Newtonian Impact Cores

The Impact Cores of our helmet pads are made of our proprietary, non-Newtonian thermoplastic elastomer (NN-TPE) which permits market leading protection with the thinnest and lightest coverage. The unique properties are based on numerous intelligent molecules, called supramolecular assemblies or ‘supermolecules’. These supermolecules develop certain shear thinning characteristics on impact and have been designed to absorb high loads of impact energies. 


The shear thinning effect is a non-Newtonian behavior and a result of countless, reversable molecular bonds within the material matrix which are broken during an impact. These molecular bonds can be continuously split and recombined, just like a pair of magnets. Therefore, during an impact, if a large number of molecular bonds breaks, the viscosity will drop, and the incoming mechanical energy will be absorbed and dissipated into heat energy by countering the movement of the molecular chains.