Bionics – Examples
FG
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Topic
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Example
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| B1
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Architecture, Design
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| B2
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Lightweight construction, Materials
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| B3
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Surfaces and interfaces - structures and functions
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| B4
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Fluid dynamics, flying, swimming, robotics, DAMS
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| B5
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Biomechatronics, biomedical technology, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), actuatorics, robotics
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| B6
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Sensorics, information processing, communication
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| B7
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Bionic optimization methods
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Increased Strength and Durability of Structural Elements Inspired by the Growth of Trees
The optimization method Computer Aided Optimization (CAO) can calculate notch shapes without stress
peaks by simulating load-adaptive growth of biological load carriers like tree trunks. In regions
of high loads, more material is accumulated, whereas in regions of little loads, material is taken
away, until stress levels are uniformly distributed at the surface of a structural element.
The orthopaedic bone screw in the figure on the left was grown like a tree in a computer simulation.
Through minute growth of material at the base of the thread, maximum stresses could be reduced so
that the optimized implant has a significantly increased durability.
Read on
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Universalformen der Natur
Die Natur kennt keine Gnade! Wer nicht funktioniert, wer im Wettbewerb nicht bestehen kann, wird zumindest verjagt, überschattet, verdrängt oder gar aufgefressen.
Kein Wunder also, dass die Überlebenden der Evolution, was ihre mechanische Belastbarkeit angeht, sowohl formoptimiert als auch werkstoffoptimiert sind.
Weiterlesen  ,
Kontakt: Karlsruhe, FZ Biomechanik
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Schematic drawing of a [1, 2(4, 7)30]-evolution strategy with isolation
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Evolution Strategy as a Means of Optimization
Optimization by evolutionary strategies is based on the theory that in the course of biological
evolution, the rules for genetics were developed for a most efficient phylogenetic adaptation.
Evolution strategies (ES) emulate the effect of genetic processes on the phenotype - quite in
contrast to genetic algorithms. A boundary condition for coding variables in an ES is the
formulation of a sufficiently strong causality, i.e. small causal changes lead to small changes
in effect.
Read on
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Bionics as a Creativity Trainer
A new method for deriving innovative functional principles of technical systems from nature is
introduced. The transfer of properties of the biological model to a prototype of a technical system
is called “morphing”.
Read on
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Artificial Neural Networks
An artificial neural network consists of greatly idealized neurons. Like their biological
counterparts, they are made up of three components: a cell body, dendrites, and an axon. The
dendrites sum up the input to a cell from the network. The axon transmits the output of a cell
to dendrites of the next synapses in line. The strength of the synapses is represented by a
numerical value, the so-called weight. Thus, the connection between neurons can be formalized as
the weighted connection between cell i and j.
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Lightweight Construction Inspired by the Growth of Bones
The optimization method called Soft Kill Option (SKO) simulates the adaptive process of
mineralization in bones. Regions of high loads become stiffer, regions with little loads become
more flexible and finally erased. Thus, the excision of "lazy bones" from a structural element
in lightweight construction is greatly facilitated.
In a generous design space (A), a design (B) is proposed by removing un-loaded parts of a
structural element. This proposed design is already close to an optimum and can be split into
domains of tension and domains of compression (C). In the figure on the left, a loaded cantilever
is shown, which grows in a delicate skeleton framing. Although the example is straightforward and
simple, hardly any engineer in the world would have guessed this particular solution to the given
problem.
Read on
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The Self-Cleaning Lotus-Effect®
The unwettability of the surfaces of certain plant leaves had been well-known for quite some time
and is also well-analyzed. It had been overlooked, however, that unwettable surfaces and almost
unsoilable. This relationship was detailed and experimentally confirmed in the 1980s and 1990s
and subsequently transferred to technical surfaces: the self-cleaning Lotus-Effect®.
Industrial products include façade paints, roof tiles, and non-optical glasses.
Read on
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Penguin-Shaped hulls and Other "Patents by Nature"
After investigating some of the ingenious principles of nature, researchers at the Technical
University of Berlin have developed ideas for shaping wind turbines, zeppelins, and aircraft
wings.
Read on
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From a Spider's Leg to a Robotic Grip
Spiders are one of the favorites of bionic researchers - besides their amazing sensory performance
and their extraordinary silk, biomechanics are fascinated by the hydraulic drive in their legs.
The potential for miniaturization becomes obvious when the size of the smallest natural model
species is considered. From large tarantulas to dust mites, all have fluid channels between their
extension muscles. These confer the contraction force as pressure form the upper cephalothorax to
the legs, where the pressure is decoupled as a momentum via the joints, which have a special
functional design.
Read on
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