BIONICS – NATURE AS A MODEL
Burdocks – Model for velcro fasteners
A well-known example of bionics is the Velcro fastener. The inventor saw burdocks in dog fur and remodelled the plant’s barbs for this pioneering fastener.
AHA!
Have you ever wondered what bionics means?
Bionics is when functional principles from nature serve as a model for technical inventions. The term is made up of ‘biology’ and ‘technics’.
The seal vibrissae – model for measurement technology
Seal vibrissae have complex follicles with blood-filled chambers and sensitive nerve endings. When the vibrissae move, the blood in the chambers is displaced, which stimulates the nerve cells and transmits impulses to the brain.
A special feature of harbour seal vibrissae is their flattened, slightly wavy shape, which does not vibrate with normal currents. This makes them particularly sensitive to external stimuli – a property that is to be scientifically researched and utilised for technical applications.
Artificially recreated vibrissae serve as highly sensitive underwater sensors that – similar to seals – detect the smallest water turbulence and thus identify objects such as ships or strong currents. Research is also being carried out into whether their special structure can be used in the construction of bridges, masts and high-rise buildings. Passing water or air trigger vibrations that lead to instability in the long term. Imitating the shape of the vibrissae could stabilise the structures.
Shark skin – model for aviation
The grooved scaly structure of shark skin reduces water resistance and saves energy when swimming. As air flows in a similar way to water, special foils imitate this principle. On aeroplanes, they reduce air resistance and thus lower fuel consumption.