Velcro Product Design with Biomimicry Approaches

In light of pressing global health concerns, the significance of indoor air quality in densely populated structures has been emphasized. This research introduces the Mimosa kinetic façade, an innovative design inspired by the adaptive responsiveness of the Mimosa plant to environmental stimuli. Traditional static architectural façades often hinder natural ventilation, leading to diminished air quality with potential health and cognitive repercussions. The Mimosa kinetic façade addresses these challenges by enhancing effective airflow and facilitating the removal of airborne contaminants. This study evaluates the façade’s impact on quality of life and its aesthetic contribution to architectural beauty, utilizing the biomimicry design spiral for a nature-inspired approach. Computational simulations and physical tests were conducted to assess the ventilation capacities of various façade systems, with a particular focus on settings in Bangkok, Thailand. The study revealed that kinetic façades, especially certain patterns, provided superior ventilation compared to static ones. Some patterns prioritized ventilation, while others optimized human comfort during extended stays. Notably, the most effective patterns of the kinetic façade inspired by the Mimosa demonstrated a high air velocity reaching up to 12 m/s, in contrast to the peak of 2.50 m/s in single-sided façades (traditional façades). This highlights the kinetic façade’s potential to rapidly expel airborne particles from indoor spaces, outperforming traditional façades. The findings underscore the potential of specific kinetic façade patterns in enhancing indoor air quality and human comfort, indicating a promising future for kinetic façades in architectural design. This study aims to achieve an optimal balance between indoor air quality and human comfort, although challenges remain in perfecting this equilibrium.

Section: Biomimicry Methods 41 Applying the Biomimicry Approach To Th...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Biomimicry Methods 41 Applying the Biomimicry Approach To Th...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Mimosa Kinetic Façade: Bio-Inspired Ventilation Leveraging the Mimosa Pudica Mechanism for Enhanced Indoor Air Quality

Sankaewthong,

Miyata,

Horanont

et al. 2023

“…The invention of Velcro ® was inspired by Xanthium strumarium (Cockleburr), which has spiky fruits called burrs that easily hook onto animal fur to spread [13]. The designer mimicked the structure of these burrs to design a material with hooks and loops that would securely latch onto itself while being easily removable [14,15]. Biomimicry also has applications in robotics [16,17].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Design and Assessment of Bird-Inspired 3D-Printed Models to Evaluate Grasp Mechanics

Senthil,

Vishanagra,

Sparkman

et al. 2024

Adapting grasp-specialized biomechanical structures into current research with 3D-printed prostheses may improve robotic dexterity in grasping a wider variety of objects. Claw variations across various bird species lend biomechanical advantages for grasping motions related to perching, climbing, and hunting. Designs inspired by bird claws provide improvements beyond a human-inspired structure for specific grasping applications to offer a solution for mitigating a cause of the high rejection rate for upper-limb prostheses. This research focuses on the design and manufacturing of two robotic test devices with different toe arrangements. The first, anisodactyl (three toes at the front, one at the back), is commonly found in birds of prey such as falcons and hawks. The second, zygodactyl (two toes at the front, two at the back), is commonly found in climbing birds such as woodpeckers and parrots. The evaluation methods for these models included a qualitative variable-object grasp assessment. The results highlighted design features that suggest an improved grasp: a small and central palm, curved distal digit components, and a symmetrical digit arrangement. A quantitative grip force test demonstrated that the single digit, the anisodactyl claw, and the zygodactyl claw designs support loads up to 64.3 N, 86.1 N, and 74.1 N, respectively. These loads exceed the minimum mechanical load capabilities for prosthetic devices. The developed designs offer insights into how biomimicry can be harnessed to optimize the grasping functionality of upper-limb prostheses.

“…Biomimicry has the potential to transform the majority of domestic and international economies, making it possible to achieve both economic growth and environmental goals simultaneously [ 2 , 3 ]. Although the commercial application of biomimicry is still irregular, several well-known achievements, such as Shinkansen and Velcro, demonstrate the potential of biomimicry [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]. The public’s awareness of patents related to bio-inspired and biomimetics likely arose when it was revealed that the roof design of the Crystal Palace in London, United Kingdom, was bio-inspired by the functionality of the leaf of a water lily, specifically its ability to support substantial weight in water [ 7 , 8 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Biomimicry Industry and Patent Trends

Bae

2023

This study examines the current technological level and industrial/technical trends in the field of biomimicry technology, as well as recent technological and research and development trends. Patent analysis was conducted, focusing on technology that uses design elements and biological/ecological characteristics to provide solutions to technological problems. The technological scope of the analysis included the field of technologies and materials that apply to the conditions found in ecology, as well as robot machines and devices designed to mimic certain animals and ecological elements. The search for patents was conducted in Korea, the United States, Japan, and Europe from 1975 to 2021, resulting in a total of 8278 raw data cases, from which 940 valid patents were selected. The percentage of patent document and the status of both domestic and foreign applicants varied among the countries of Korea, the United States, Japan, and Europe. Based on the results of the patent analysis, it was found that biomimicry technology is in a growth phase that is expected to continue in the future and that Korea and the United States are leading the development of this technology.