Jake Hvistendahl Assignment 3.

1 Biomimetic Design

Lifes Principles In Product Design

Cubelets
by Modular Robotics Cross Pollination and Mutation + Multifunctional Design
Cubelets are modular robotic pieces that can be combined to reveal a myriad of different functions. Made up of a number of individual blocks that each perform different functions, the ability to connect them in different combinations (cross pollinate them) creates a number of different robots. The addition or subtraction of any of the pieces changes the overall form and function accordingly. This modular and diverse design approach makes the Cubelets more sustainable because they can fulfill more desires and perform more tasks.

Jake Hvistendahl Assignment 3.1 Biomimetic Design

Lifes Principles In Product Design

Recycled Glass Countertops
By Dakota Surfaces
Simple/Common Building Blocks + Fitting Form to Function
Dakota Surfaces makes custom countertops out of combinations of 4 basic materials: Zero VOC epoxy resin or concrete, and recycled glass or aggregate stones. These countertops can be form fitted to any application, and also include form is function characteristics, like molded-in drain boards, soap dishes, cutting boards, or pot holders. The molded countertops by Dakota Surfaces are a more sustainable option to standard countertops because there is less waste (molding vs. cutting), less need for companion items (drain boards, soap dishes), and they materials can be combined to take on many different aesthetic characteristics without increasing costs to humans or the environment.

Jake Hvistendahl Assignment 3.1 Biomimetic Design

Lifes Principles in Process Design

Growing Carbon Nanotubes
Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition

Self Organizing
There are many processes that have been created for the formation of carbon nanotubes, which are useful molecules for just making small electrical devices. The most promising nanotube production process is plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PeCVD). PeCVD uses a metal catalyst, a benign gas like nitrogen, a seed gas that contains carbon like ethylene, and a plasma induced electrical field to grow the carbon nanotubes. The combination of those elements creates conditions in which carbon nanotubes begin to self assemble on the metal catalyst and grow in a uniform direction, using the electrical field as a guide.