open2012 biomimicry-cards-biological-solutions

1Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012

Biomimicry Cards Demonstrate How to Connect Engineering Problems to

Biological Solutions

Terri Lynch-Caris1, Jonathan Weaver2, and Darrell Kleinke2

1 Kettering University Industrial & Mfg Engineering Department2 University of Detroit Mercy Mechanical Engineering Department

National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance (NCIIA) ConferenceMarch 23, 2012


Outline

1. Starting Points

2. Defining Biomimicry

3. Problem-Based-Learning in the Engineering Classroom

4. Biomimicry Innovation Card Game

5. Next Steps


Starting Points

• There is a need to inspire the next generation of engineers to consider innovative design

• Biomimicry is innovative in its attempt to inspire better design through unique characteristics of nature

• Engineering education requires engagement of students and faculty with contemporary topics

• Problem-Based-Learning is one method to provide relevancy and engagement in the classroom

• A fun activity designed to allow students to define a real problem and design a solution utilizing biomimicry principles can be an engaging learning experience


Biomimicry (or Bionics, Biomimetics, or Biognosis)

“Life has been performing design experiments on Earth’s R&D lab for 3.8 billion years. What’s flourishing on the planet today are the best ideas---those that perform well in context, while economizing on energy and materials. Whatever your company’s design challenge, the odds are high that one or more of the world’s 30 million creatures has not only faced the same challenge, but has evolved effective strategies to solve it.”

http://www.biomimicryguild.com/indexguild.html


Acknowledgement: A great deal of the technical content of this card game comes from the work of the Biomimicry Institute from their

website http://www.AskNature.org.

Starting Point: Nature’s Laws, Strategies, and Principles• Nature runs on sunlight• Nature uses only the energy it needs• Nature fits form to function• Nature recycles everything• Nature rewards cooperation• Nature banks on diversity• Nature demands local expertise• Nature curbs excesses from within• Nature taps the power of limits

Source: Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature, Janine Benyus

Biomimicry Innovation Game: Inspiration CardsDesign Inspired By Nature

http://www.AskNature.org/


Shinkansen

• Front end modeled after kingfisher’s beak to minimize tunnel entry/exit shockwave

• Pantograph supports have serrations modeled after owl plumage to reduce wind noise

Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature, J. Benyus, Perrenial NY, 2002


UK Armed Forces Clothing Inspired by Pine Cones

• It is difficult to correctly dress for the weather and layers can be cumbersome

• UK researchers are investigating clothing made of materials that react to temperature and moisture, much like pine cones

Source: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/10/1013_041013_smart_clothing.html


Problem-Based-Learning

The term “problem-based learning” (PBL) is used in medical education in the United Kingdom. This method of teaching and learning in small groups has had a positive impact on medical education and is also relevant to engineering education. In PBL, students are tasked with a problem scenario and must do independent, self-directed study before returning to the group to discuss and refine their acquired knowledge. Such group learning facilitates not only the acquisition of knowledge but also several other desirable attributes such as communication skills, teamwork, problem solving, independent responsibility for learning, sharing information and respect for others. [Wood, 2003]

PBL is a natural component for work-integrated learning institutions and follows the theory that students “learn best by doing.”


“Biomimicry Innovation Tool (BIT)”

Students follow a 13-step process to analyze an existing problem and recommend a design solution. The process includes the NABC innovation approach and culminates with a final presentation listing the Needs (N), Approach (A) to the solution, Benefits (B) per cost required to implement the solution and information on the competition (C) to convince colleagues of application.


There was a need for more classroom engagement to provide tools for students to develop an

innovative design.


Biomimicry Innovation Card Game

Taxonomy of unique

characteristics

“Design inspired by nature”

Based on the game “Apples to Apples”


“Design Inspired by Nature”

Problem: Students define a customer need (N) by identifying a work situation that has need of a technical a solution related to a class topic.

Inspiration: Approach (A) to innovation is inspired through “Bisociation” with a pair of biological components chosen from a deck of cards.

Depth: Students prepare a presentation listing the Benefits (B) per cost required to implement the solution and information on the competition (C) to convince colleagues of application.

13Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012 Blue Penguin

Beta-keratin nanofibers on feather tips of blue penguin produce non-iridescent color by coherent scattering of light.

"Here, we report a new biophotonic nanostructure in the non-iridescent blue feather barbs of blue penguins (Eudyptula minor) composed of parallel β-keratin nanofibres organized into densely packed bundles...[A]nalysis of...the barb nanostructure revealed ... the organization of fibres at the appropriate size scale needed to produce the observed colour by coherent scattering. These...penguin nanostructures are convergent with similar arrays of parallel collagen fibres in avian and mammalian skin, but constitute a novel morphology for feathers. " (D'Alba et al. 2011:1)

Application Ideas: Products could be colored by structures that scatter light. Products developed to scatter light could be produced by self-assembly.


The many short legs of a millipede provide thrust for burrowing as the leg movements follow a wave along the

body.

Summary Information: "A millipede advances along a twig. Although renowned for the number of their legs, even the longest millipedes have only about 680 legs, and most species have far fewer. You might expect that an animal with so many legs would move very fast, but the millipede's legs are so short and its fat body so close to the ground that its legs take only short strides at a time. Nevertheless, they can deliver considerable thrust, and millipedes are strong enough to burrow into the ground very efficiently…The leg movement of the millipede occurs in a wave along the body: certain groups of legs are moving forwards as others are thrusting backwards. At any given time there are always some legs in contact with the ground at intervals along its body." (Foy and Oxford Scientific Films 1982:45)

Application Ideas: Efficient small-scale excavating equipment

.

Millipede


Biomimicry Card Game

Each player selects a set of (5) biomimicry cards to consider for inspiration toward solving the problem.


Biomimicry Card Deck Examples


Biomimicry Card Game

One player is chosen to be the customer with a problem in need of a technical solution.


Follow – up

Groups use bisociation to provide an innovation to meet the customer need previously identified, estimating benefits and costs.

Students research the competition and include how their innovation exceeds the competition.

Prepare a convincing presentation.


Will this work in the classroom?

Would you like to play the game?


Pass out cards

Consider work scenario


Original Work Scenario - UPSCategory: Ergonomic issue (excessive reaching), design of the workplace, Product damage

Function Needed by Innovation: Invention to aid with breaking apart jammed packages with hands

Description of Problem:• jam of packages on the moving belts• damaged packages• dangerous safety hazards for the employees to have to “break the jam”


Original Workplace Design

Biomimicry (TIIC-b)

Kayla Whittemore

Explanation of original work scenario NABC Method=Needs List of potential bio-applications

◦ Optimism◦ Pessimism◦ Synthesis

NABC Method=Approach NABC Method=Benefits NABC Method=Competition

Outline

Original Work ScenarioCategory: Ergonomic issue (excessive reaching), design of the workplace, Product damage

Function Needed by Innovation: Invention to aid with breaking apart jammed packages with hands

Description of Problem:• jam of packages on the moving belts• damaged packages• dangerous safety hazards for the employees to have to

“break the jam”

Original Workplace Design

Invention to aid breaking apart jammed packages◦ Eliminate use of hands◦ Eliminate need to climb onto belt platform

Potential new design for the moving belt

Overall belt structure (platform) must remain the same to allow trucks to be loaded

N=NeedsImportant functional needs for the design of the workplace

Potential Bio-Applications

Squirrel African Lion Spix’s Disc

Winged Bat Insects

West European Hedgehog

Common Earthworm

Clark’s Nutcracker

Sandfish Skink

Invention to Remove Jammed Packages

Belt Design

Optimistic Bio-Applications

Squirrelo sharp clawso can swivel the whole back foot round at the ankle so that it

points backwards (versatility) African Lion

o Large foot pads-maximum gripo Retractable claws

Spix’s Disc Winged Bato suction adhesion – no risk of puncturing packages

Insectso Feet of insects adjust to rough or smooth surfaces by

engaging either claws or adhesive foot-pads


Pessimistic Bio-Applications

Squirrelo Claws may be to sharp and damage packages

African Liono Claws may puncture packages

Spix’s Disc Winged Bato Would need variable suction forces

Insectso Time to adjust for different sized packages would slow the

process


Optimistic Bio-Applications

West European Hedgehogo Spines work as shock absorbers

Common Earthwormo Large volumes move through small spaceso flexible

Clark’s Nutcrackero expand and contract to accommodate volume

Sandfish Skinko Low friction

Belt Design

Pessimistic Bio-Applications West European Hedgehog

o Shape of belt rails is the issue, not material Common Earthworm

o Too flexibleo Would need to adjust

Clark’s Nutcrackero Space limitationso Stability of belt rails

Sandfish Skinko Rare/non-existent materialo expensive

Belt Design

A=ApproachProvide an innovative product or service inspired by nature to meet the customer need

Invention to Remove Jammed Packages Belt Design

Robotic Arm inspired by Spix’s Disc Winged Bato Adjustable

suction forceo Installed on

platformo http://www.robots

.com/fanuc/r-2000ib-200r/432

Polymer material inspired by Sandfish Skink for belt, belt rails, and slideo Low friction

Redesign belt/slide transition

http://www.robots.com/fanuc/r-2000ib-200r/432



B=BenefitsBenefits to the customer’s use of the proposed design and cost estimates

Belt Design


Eliminates all manual labor and safety risks

Decrease jam potential

May eliminate need for jam removing device

*Cost estimates could not be located

Insights to the FedEx Package Sorting/Loading method

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxD9Uyz4e9o

Noteworthy features◦ Rounded transition from the conveyor belt

C=CompetitionInsights on competition found and additional options



http://www.asknature.org/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxD9Uyz

4e9o http://www.mendeley.com/research/sandfish

s-skin-morphology-chemistry-reconstruction-5/


Sources

http://www.asknature.org/



http://www.mendeley.com/research/sandfishs-skin-morphology-chemistry-reconstruction-5/





Questions?

Strengths◦ There were a variety of things in nature to be insprired by

from asknature.org ◦ The project allowed for innovation and creativity ◦ The performance criteria and TIIC-b steps were clear and

helpful for preparation Areas for Improvement

◦ Define a minimum number of Biomimicry cards needed for design inspiration and include in steps or performance criteria

Insights◦ I was surprised by how helpful the things in nature were when

creating new designs◦ The Biomimicry game in class was very useful for preparation

SII Assessment

Biomimicry cards used for Innovation

Appendix

"The squirrel is particularly well adapted for tree climbing. It has sharp claws, and instead of having backward-pointing toes like the climbing birds, it can swivel the whole back foot round at the ankle so that it points backwards. The squirrel can thus hang from an almost vertical surface provided there is enough irregularity on the tree trunk into which to hook its claws." (Foy and Oxford Scientific Films 1982:183)

Application Ideas: Rotary joints for machinery, construction joints that contribute to compliant structures, hanging temporary reusable scaffolding, flexible bridge joints to increase safety during extreme weather.

Feet good for climbing

Squirrel

"The paws of a lion resemble those of most of the cat family. Cats and dogs walk in what is called the digitigrade position: the heel and instep are raised off the ground, making locomotion quieter and more versatile. The large pads on the ball of the foot and on the toes provide a cushion when walking and also help silence the feet. The lion has retractile claws -- it can retract them while at rest or when walking, so that they do not catch in the ground and reduce his speed.”

Application Ideas: Tires or vehicles that function well on various terrains, safety devices for equipment that functions at various speeds, retractable awnings, retractable needles or internal medical equipment.

The claws provide versatility for a variety of functions, such as gripping or running, because they are retractable

African Lion: retractable claws

Disk-like structures on the wrists and ankles of Spix's disk-winged bat adhere to smooth leaves using suction adhesion.

Summary Information: "Several of the smallest bats, for instance, use [suction adhesion] to cling to smooth leaves, with disklike structures on wrists and ankles. In the 3.5-gram Thyroptera tricolor of Central America, suction provides the main mechanism; these bats' minimal reliance on other schemes such as the two kinds of wet adhesion that follow [Stefan and capillary] limits their ability to cling to anything but smooth surfaces (Riskin and Fenton 2001)." (Vogel 2003:427)

Application Ideas: Suction-cup mounted assemblies with better adhesion, industrial vacuums for cleanrooms, robotic systems for material handling

Spix’s Disc Winged Bat

At a magnification of 188X, this scanning electron micrograph (SEM) depicted a head-on view of the distal clawed tip of an adult “figeater” beetle’s, Cotinis mutabilis leg. The insect leg is comprised of a variable number of segments, however, there are usually six which predominate, including the most proximal coxa, i.e., attaching the leg to the thorax, followed by the trochanter, femur, tibia, tarsus, and pretarsus, which in the case of this beetle is a claw with its spiked empodium.

Application Ideas: The mechanism is of interest to robotics engineers working on millimeter-sized silicone robots. These robots could perform functions such as cleansing the surface of tiny machine parts or moving through the human body on medical missions.

Feet of insects adjust to rough or smooth surfaces by engaging either claws or adhesive foot-pads.

Insects

Spines work as shock absorbers: West European hedgehog

Summary Information: "[T]he hedgehog spine is a shock-absorber…The foam-like structure down the center of spines and quills supports the thin outer walls against local buckling, allowing the structure to bend further without failing…Porcupine quills perform more or less the same as hollow cylinders in buckling as struts with an axial load; in bending they are 40% or so better. But the spines of the hedgehog, with their square honeycomb core and longitudinal stiffening, are three times better than they would be without the core." (Vincent 2002:30-31)

Application Ideas: Bumpers for buses and trains, guard rails, cables for industrial equipment and pumps, ergonomic equipment.

West European Hedgehog

http://www.asknature.org/media/image/11400

"Flexible cylinders make body skeletons which have enormous advantages when it comes to moving around: a considerable volume of body can be passed through a small space -- hence the earthworm burrowing through the ground. As a hollow tube, the cylinder can be used to conduct liquids in or out of small spaces. Provided the constructive material of a cylinder is flexible enough, the cylinder can be bent round corners, or curled up tightly when not in use." (Foy and Oxford Scientific Films 1982:21)

Application Ideas: Flexible piping for water and HVAC applications in buildings, small-scale tubing/piping for heating and cooling applications.

Large volumes move through small spaces

Common earthworm

The throat of the Clark's nutcracker can temporarily store up to 150 small seeds thanks to an expandable pouch.

"Technically a diverticulum, or sacklike extension, of the floor of the mouth, the sublingual ('under the tongue') pouch is carry-on luggage for birds traveling with pine nuts. Each nut to be pouched is brought into the oral cavity, and dropped into the pouch through an opening at the base of the tongue. The pouch wall is thin, wrinkled, and elastic, and stretches as seeds are added, swelling almost to the size of a walnut when fully packed (Figure 5.3). The capacity of a pouch stuffed with twenty-eight singleleaf pinyon nuts is about 28.5 milliliters, sufficiently capacious for ninety seeds of Colorado pinyon. A Clark's Nutcracker sacrificed for science a century ago in Montana had eight-two whitebark pine seeds in its pouch." (Lanner 2006: 42-43)

Application Ideas: Individual reusable shopping bags that expand and contract to accommodate volume, food packaging that contracts as volume decreases to eliminate air and maintain freshness, textiles that expand for wearing and contract for seasonal storage.

Clark’s Nutcracker

http://asknature.org/media/image/11831

"The sandfish is a lizard having the remarkable ability to move in desert sand in a swimming-like fashion. The most outstanding adaptations to this mode of life are the low friction behavior and the extensive abrasion resistance of the sandfish skin against sand, outperforming even steel. We investigated the topography, the composition and the mechanical properties of sandfish scales. These consist of glycosylated keratins with high amount of sulfur but no hard inorganic material, such as licates or lime." (Baumgartner 2007:1)”

Application Ideas: Industrial equipment that needs little or no lubricating oils.

Skin of the sandfish skink exhibits abrasion resistance and low friction when moving through sand due to scales

Sandfish Skink


What do students say using SII Assessment?

Comments from Industrial Engineering students after using TIIC-b and the Biomimicry Cards

in an Ergonomics class


Strengths:

Apply biomimicry to the workplace and demonstrate our ability to use NABC

There were a variety of things in nature to be inspired by from asknature.org

The performance criteria and TIIC-b steps were clear and helpful for preparation

Allows for innovation, creativity and problem solving practice for real world issues

Allows for you to either be given or be inspired to create a new solution to your problem at work.

Improvements:

Define a minimum number of Biomimicry cards needed for design inspiration and include in steps or performance criteria

The biomimicry game, while fun, isn’t the best way to find the cards that might be the most helpful in inspiring solutions to the problems. Going straight to asknature.org might be better.

Having other classmates write the problems can lead to issues as some students don’t put as much work into the problem paper as others.

Insights:

The 13 steps in TIIC-b were very helpful in organizing the presentation

I was surprised by how helpful the things in nature were when creating new designs

The Biomimicry game in class was very useful for preparation

Interesting way to see some problems other co-ops experience. Gives you the chance to solve a problem in an environment you may never have the chance to work in.

Having a asknature.org to get inspiration from nature in the future can be a great tool for work.


Other disciplines can use the game with problem topics and applications to

various courses.


Industrial Engineering - Ergonomics – strength limitation for lifting heavy objects (occasionally) results in back pain.


Mechanical Engineering - Heat Transfer – Electronics products can overheat due to components generating too much heat. They run less oil or fail quickly. Need is to reduce heat to prevent component failure


Manufacturing Engineering Process – Robotics - Repeatability and accuracy of robot.

Need is to provide an end effector that is strong, sensitive and gentle to perform both heavy and sensitive tasks.


Multi-disciplinary Eng. - Project based class for senior design project - excessive phosphorus in local waterway due to fertilizer and animal waste. Need is to filter the water prior to use.


Biomimicry Innovation Card Game

Taxonomy of unique

characteristics

“Design inspired by nature”

Next iteration of cards: Add Physical and Technical Contradictions to each biological description to enable Bio-Triz Design game


Acknowledgements

• The first Tool for Inspiring Innovation in the Classroom (TIIC) was the direct result of the Entrepreneurship Across the University (EAU) initiative at Kettering University. One facet of the EAU is a series of faculty workshops culminating in the development of a classroom teaching tool.

• The Biomimicry Cards were inspired at a KEEN conference in January 2011. I first attended a session led by Jonathan Weaver on Biomimicry.

• The card game was presented as a rough idea in the KEEN Entrepreneurship Education Network Workshop Activity and ultimately resulted in the refreshed classroom tool, TIIC-b.

• The Biomimicry Institute and website asknature.org continue to be invaluable resources for advancing this important design tool.

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