Travelling in the hot sun with the helmet on can be quite suffocating, though not enough justification not to wear it. Many motorists would have prayed for a headgear that has a fan attached. Now, an 18-year-old boy has an answer to their prayers — he has modified a helmet and fitted it with a fan and wipers.
Meet Rahul Shivakumar, a resident of St. Thomas Mount, who has just passed Class XII and will join a mechanical engineering course soon. “In the first week of June, I came to know that helmet will be made compulsory from July. When I spoke to some motorists, they told me that many do not wear the headgear owing to the heat,” he says.
After this, he came up with the idea of fitting a fan inside the helmet.
“It is powered by a 12-volt battery. I made some modifications to the helmet and fitted small fans on the top and on the sides, besides two close to the visor. Though it started running well, I was bit sceptical about its efficiency,” he adds.
The teenager then gave it to his elder brother’s friends to try it out. “They told me that they were waiting for a helmet with a fan. It keeps the head sweat-free,” Rahul says. “I have also fitted the visor with a wiper, which is also powered by the same battery. It will be helpful during monsoon,” he adds. Despite all these additions, the helmet does not get heavier.
He spent over Rs.2,400 on this venture.
“My mother Prema is my inspiration. She is good at embroidery and other arts and crafts. My father S. Shivakumar’s company sponsored the expenses. I am planning to replace the battery with solar power. But I need more money for it,” Rahul says.
He took part in the Young Scientist India-2015 contest organised by The Hindu and Space Kidz India at Hindustan University and won a medal too. “My focus will be on research and innovation,” Rahul says.
