Supporting Multifunctional Bio-Inspired Design Concept Generation through Case-Based Expandable Domain Integrated Design (xDID) Model

Abstract

Combining different features inspired by biological systems is necessary to obtain uncom-mon and unique multifunctional biologically inspired conceptual designs. The Expandable Domain Integrated Design (xDID) model is proposed to facilitate the multifunctional concept generation process. The xDID model extends the previously defined Domain Integrated Design (DID) method. The xDID model classifies biological features by their feature characteristics taken from various case-based bio-inspired design examples into their respective geometric designations called do-mains. The classified biological features are mapped to the respective plant and animal tissues from which they originate. Furthermore, the paper proposes a representation of the functions exhibited by the biological features at the embodiment level as a combination of the integrated structure (mul-tiscale) and the structural strategy associated with the integrated structure. The xDID model is val-idated using three multifunctional bio-inspired design case studies at the end of the paper.

Parameters for selecting biological features in multifunctional bio-inspired design: a convergent evolution approach

“…The directional hierarchical arrangement of nano-tips on microstructures [25] (Orientation) Wings when tilted downwards. [25] functions [14,16]. The framework comprises three steps namely,…”

“…xDID supports the extension of Domains for classifying the biological features that are tough to be defined according to the current definitions in DID. A detailed explanation of the classification, mapping, representation, and the application of the xDID model is reported in our previous research [16]. Multiple case studies have also been carried out to validate the xDID model and they are reported in [17][18][19].…”

“…The key structural strategies are indicated in bold italics and braces. The definitions of the terminologies, such as biological features, its characteristics, integrated structure, and structural strategy, are detailed in [16].…”