Torben Anker Lenau

Biomimetics Applied to Centering in Microassembly

Abstract This paper describes the application of a biomimetic search method to develop Ideas for centering objects in microassembly. Biomimetics involves the imitation of biological phenomena to solve problems. An obstacle to the use of biomimetics in engineering is knowledge of biological phenomena that are relevant to the problem at hand. The method described here starts with an engineering problem, and then systematically searches for analogous biological phenomena using functional keywords. This method is illustrated by finding and using analogies for the problem of positioning and centering objects during microassembly. Relevant phenomena identified Involve microtubule organizing centers, photosystems, and retinal ganglion cells.

The missing element in design for manufacture

Abstract Most work on design for manufacture (DFM) concentrates on the analysis part of the design work, but support of synthesis activities has much less attention. Particularly the early selection of processes and materials needs further research. The paper will describe a systematic method for selection of manufacturing processes and materials as well as the Designers Manufacturing Inspirator - a computer based tool that inspires the designer to examine materials/processes unknown to him or her. An important research question is here the information modelling based on empirical investigations.

Features in integrated modelling of products and their production

Abstract This paper summarizes the reasons for considering new ways of modelling products and processes. Three different concepts for describing parts and products are described including different types of features, skeletons and hierarchical models. Two approaches for linking CAD and CAPP, namely feature recognition and feature-based design, are discussed and compared with the problem of either integrating or interfacing design and process planning activities. Results from a literature survey on feature-based design and feature definitions are described with the conclusion that feature definitions used are very different. A design-oriented manufacturing process database (MADED) and a feature-based CAD and CAPP system (DEPF), which currently are being developed at the Technical University, are presented.

Sensing in nature: using biomimetics for design of sensors

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how biomimetics can be applied in sensor design. Biomimetics is an engineering discipline that uses nature as an inspiration source for generating ideas for how to solve engineering problems. The paper reviews a number of biomimetic studies of sense organs in animals and illustrates how a formal search method developed at University of Toronto can be applied to sensor design.Design/methodology/approach – Using biomimetics involves a search for relevant cases, a proper analysis of the biological solutions, identification of design principles and design of the desired artefact. The present search method is based on formulation of relevant keywords and search for occurrences in a standard university biology textbook. Most often a simple formulation of keywords and a following search is not enough to generate a sufficient amount of useful ideas or the search gives too many results. This is handled by a more advanced search strategy where the search is eithe...

Intelligent Support Systems for Product Design

When carrying out his work, the product designer not only determines the functions, style and properties of the product, he also to a large degree set up requirements and limitations for how the individual parts can be produced. He is therefore responsible for a major fraction of the production cost. Consequently it is essential that those decisions are based on sound knowledge about manufacturing. There are different ways to facilitate the communication between production and design, and one very promising is the intelligent design support systems. This paper will describe the function of such systems, how the knowledge can be handled, and how the systems best fit into the designers work. Experiences from development work with a system for selection of surface treatment processes will be presented. It is developed in collaboration with major industrial companies and tested here.

Material and process selection using product examples

The objective of the paper is to suggest a different procedure for selecting materials and processes within the product development work. The procedure includes using product examples in order to increase the number of alternative materials and processes that is considered. Product examples can communicate information about materials and processes in a very concentrated and effective way. The product examples represent desired material properties but also includes information that can not be associated directly to the material, e.g. functional or perceived attributes. Previous studies suggest that designers often limit their selection of materials and processes to a few well-known ones. Designers need to expand the solution space by considering more materials and processes. But they have to be convinced that the materials and processes are likely candidates that are worth investing time in exploring. A database that support the selection procedure has been compiled. It contains uniform descriptions of a wide range of materials and processes. For each of those, good product examples have been identified, described and associated with keywords. Product examples matching the requirements can be found using a search engine, and through hyperlinks can relevant materials and processes be explored. Realising that designers are very sensitive to user interfaces do all descriptions of materials, processes and products include graphical descriptions, i.e. pictures or computer graphics.

Artificial intelligence for process selection

Abstract This paper describes why process selection plays a very important role in the modern factory, and describes how to build systems for process selection, that can be used by the designer while he is creating the design. Artificial intelligence and knowledge engineering offers new possibilities for automation of process selection and many other areas within manufacturing, and it will be discussed how production knowledge can be represented and handled in an expert system. Furthermore a system for selection of surface treatment processes that uses advanced knowledge engineering techniques will be presented. Surface treatment is a fast developing area with many new and improved processes, and is therefore an excellent area for investigating the possibilities for expert consulting systems. The system is based on an programming environment for expert system development, where knowledge is represented as frames and rules. This prototype system is developed as a joint program with a major Danish company.

The UV filtering potential of drop-casted layers of frustules of three diatom species

Diatoms are in focus as biological materials for a range of photonic applications. Many of these applications would require embedding a multitude of diatoms in a matrix (e.g. paint, crème or lacquer); however, most studies on the photonic and spectral properties of diatoms frustules (silica walls) have been carried out on single cells. In this study, for the first time, we test the spectral properties of layers of frustules of three diatom species (Coscinodiscus granii, Thalassiosira punctifera and Thalassiosira pseudonana), with special focus on transmission and reflectance in the UV range. The transmittance efficiency in the UV A and B range was: T. pseudonana (56–59%) >C. granii (53–54%) >T. punctifera (18–21%) for the rinsed frustules. To investigate the underlying cause of these differences, we performed X-ray scattering analysis, measurement of layer thickness and microscopic determination of frustule nanostructures. We further tested dried intact cells in the same experimental setup. Based on these data we discuss the relative importance of crystal structure properties, nanostructure and quantity of material on the spectral properties of diatom layers. Characterization of the UV protection performance of layers of diatom frustules is of central relevance for their potential use as innovative bio-based UV filters.

Mosquito inspired medical needles

The stinging proboscis in mosquitos have diameters of only 40-100 μm which is much less than the thinnest medical needles and the mechanics of these natural stinging mechanisms have therefore attracted attention amongst developers of injection devises. The mosquito use a range of different strategies to lower the required penetration force hence allowing a thinner and less stiff proboscis structure. Earlier studies of the mosquito proboscis insertion strategies have shown how each of the single strategies reduces the required penetration force. The present paper gives an overview of the advanced set of mechanisms that allow the mosquito to penetrate human skin and also presents other biological mechanisms that facilitate skin penetration. Results from experiments in a skin mimic using biomimetic equivalents to the natural mechanisms are presented. This includes skin stretching, insertion speed and vibration. Combining slow insertion speed with skin tension and slow vibration reduces the penetration force with 40%.

Biomimetic Self-Organization and Self-Healing

Self-organization and self-healing appeal to humans because difficult and repeated actions can be avoided through automation via bottom-up nonhierarchical processes. This is in contrast to the top-level controlled manner we normally apply as an action strategy in manufacturing and maintenance work. This chapter presents eight different self-organizing and self-healing approaches in nature and takes a look at realized and potential applications. Furthermore, the core principles for each approach are described using simplified drawings in order to make the ideas behind the self-organizing and self-healing principles more accessible to design practitioners.