Bio-inspired solutions for technical problems: Biomimetic cable entries and shock-absorbing pallets

Abstract

The variability in diameter of organisms or organs (e.g. the ambulacral feet of sea urchins) and fold-flap mechanisms of flowers and leaves served as concept generator for the development of two types of biomimetic cable entry systems. The damping properties of plants and the quills of the hedgehog are the biological models that were translated in a bio-inspired, optimised shock-absorbing transportation pallet. The new cable entry systems are easy to open and to close and are impermeable against fluids or dust. The optimised biomimetic transportation pallet has a very good damping behaviour and is well recyclable.