|
|
|
Idea Inspired by nature |
|
Bionics (also known as biomimicry or biomimetic) is the application of biological methods and systems found in nature to the study and design of engineering systems and modern technology. The word "bionic" possibly originating from the Greek word "bion", meaning "unit of life" and the suffix -ic, meaning "like". The transfer of technology between life forms and synthetic constructs is, according to proponents of bionic technology, desirable because evolutionary pressure typically forces living organisms, including fauna and flora, to become highly optimized and efficient. A classical example is the development of dirt- and water-repellent paint (coating) from the observation that the surface of the lotus flower plant is practically unstick for anything (the lotus effect). Examples of bionics in engineering include the hulls of boats imitating the thick skin of dolphins; sonar, radar, and ultrasound imaging imitating the echolocation of bats. Also the Maritime Technic Pontoon System has its origin in nature. Model for that floating dock system was the leaf of giant water lilies (Victoria sp.). Victoria is the genus of giant water lilies in the plant family Nymphaeaceae. British explorer Sir Robert Schomburgk from the Royal Geographic Society named in 1837 the plant after their Queen Victoria - Victoria regia. The two valid species today are: Victoria amazonica (Syn: V. regia) native to the Amazon River basin, and Victoria cruziana (Syn.: V. trickeri) native to the Paraná River basin, both in South America. The water plants of this genus have very large leafs, up to 2 m in diameter on a stalk 6-8 m in length, that float on the water surface and support a weight of up to 50 kg. Stability and float capacity is achieved by a supporting frame on the underside of the leaf which includes chambers filled with air. The flowers of the plants bloom usually in September (July-December) but opens only two times at dusk, the first night they are white and become pink the second night. They are about 30 cm in diameter, and are pollinated by beetles. The inseminated flower sinks to the ground, where the seeds develop. Because of the good taste, the mature seeds are also used by native Indians as flour to bake cookies. In the 19th century the leafs served also a model for some technical lightweight constructions, like the Cristal Palast in London. The nature as model! |
System - Accessories - Assembly - Forms - Photos - Video
[Home - Patent - References - Press - Shows - News - Prices - Contact - Impress]
