Biomimetics & Product Design - Opportunities and Innovation Creation
Author
Bernas, Jaroslaw Blazej
Term
4. Term
Education
Publication year
2023
Submitted on
2023-05-25
Pages
70
Abstract
Denne kandidatopgave fra Sustainable Design Engineering på Aalborg Universitet København undersøger, hvordan biomimetik (design med inspiration fra naturen) og en materialedrevet designpraksis kan løse et udbredt problem i åbne kontorlandskaber: manglende mulighed for privatliv og hyppige forstyrrelser. Projektet fulgte en tværfaglig proces, hvor materialer, fremstilling og design blev behandlet samtidig. Det kombinerede design thinking med en top-down biomimetik-tilgang for at omsætte principper fra naturen til praktiske koncepter. Med denne tilgang blev der udviklet en foldbar, compliant mekanisme—en konstruktion der bevæger sig gennem bøjning i stedet for hængsler—med inspiration fra ørentvistens foldemønster. Konceptet fungerer som en rumdeler, der kan skabe midlertidig afskærmning i åbne kontorer. Prototyper blev fremstillet i VR-Lab på Aalborg Universitet med Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP), en avanceret teknik til at lægge fibre efter planlagte baner. Prototyperne blev testet for brugervenlighed, compliant-egenskaber og materialers ydeevne. Der blev bevidst valgt bæredygtige, naturlige materialer. En livscyklusvurdering (LCA), som vurderer miljøpåvirkning gennem et produkts livsforløb, blev udført på den valgte prototype for at validere bæredygtighedsambitionen og sikre overensstemmelse med bæredygtighedsprincipper. Vurderingen indikerede bidrag til bæredygtighedens tre søjler og fremmede bæredygtige, innovative fremstillingspraksisser. Samlet set bidrager opgaven til biomimetik og bæredygtig design engineering ved at foreslå en naturinspireret, praktisk måde at forbedre privatliv i nutidens arbejdspladser.
This master’s thesis from the Sustainable Design Engineering program at Aalborg University Copenhagen explores how biomimetics (design inspired by nature) and a materials-driven design approach can address a common issue in open-plan offices: lack of privacy and frequent distractions. The project followed a multidisciplinary process that considered materials, fabrication, and design at the same time. It combined design thinking with a top-down biomimicry approach to translate natural principles into practical concepts. Guided by these methods, the team developed a folding, compliant mechanism—an element that moves by flexing rather than using hinges—inspired by the folding pattern observed in earwigs. The concept functions as a partition to create temporary seclusion in open offices. Prototypes were made in Aalborg University’s VR-Lab using Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP), an advanced technique that lays fibers along designed paths. The prototypes were tested for usability, compliant-mechanism behavior, and material performance. Sustainable, natural materials were deliberately selected. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which evaluates environmental impact across a product’s life, was carried out on the chosen prototype to validate the sustainability intent and align the design with sustainability principles. The assessment indicated contributions to the three pillars of sustainability and encouraged sustainable, innovative manufacturing practices. Overall, the thesis adds to biomimetics and sustainable design engineering by proposing a practical, nature-inspired way to improve privacy in contemporary work environments.
[This abstract was generated with the help of AI]
Keywords
Documents