Abstract
In this paper a solution-driven bionic approach applied in a process of product redesign with intention to improve its ergonomic properties is presented. The main goal was to reformulate and use the properties of a unique natural phenomenon in a specific design field. The skeletal structure of the seahorse, its load-bearing capacity with retained flexibility, was an inspiration to explore products where these properties could be applied for improving the functionality. The research process resulted with detecting a problem caused by poor product design - spine deformities of students caused by non-ergonomic school backpacks. This ignited the idea to use the analyzed biological properties for designing school backpacks with improved ergonomics. The final result was the design of school backpacks with an integrated mechanical system based on the biological skeletal structure of the seahorse which would help to achieve maximum comfort and support the healthy posture of students.
Highlights
The technological advances and design of new products are often directly inspired by nature, given the fact that in our everyday lives we encounter the same kind of problems as organisms in nature
This paper describes a solution-driven bionic approach
Noticing the problem of frequent spine deformities in primary and high school students and analyzing the causes for these medical conditions defined the flow of the reformulation of the biological solution. This resulted with the idea for designing a school backpack with improved ergonomic properties - a backpack with an integrated mechanical system based on the biological skeletal structure of the seahorse
Summary
The technological advances and design of new products are often directly inspired by nature, given the fact that in our everyday lives we encounter the same kind of problems as organisms in nature. Natural selection and changing environmental conditions have led organisms to respond to a wide range of problems with the creation of robust and efficient solutions. Through evolution, these solutions were tested according to their effects on the organism's efficiency and, afterwards, were kept or completely rejected. It comes as no surprise that engineers and designers often turn towards nature to seek inspiration for creating novelties, viewing nature as a vast database of already tried and tested solutions to various problems. During the period of renaissance biomimicry is apparent in the designs of the visionary Leonardo da Vinci [1]
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