Parameters for selecting biological features in multifunctional bio-inspired design: a convergent evolution approach

Area of Science:

• Bio-inspired design
• Convergent evolution
• Multifunctional conceptualization

Background:

• Biological systems exhibit convergent evolution, where diverse features independently develop to solve similar needs.
• Selecting appropriate biological features for multifunctional designs is challenging due to a lack of defined parameters.
• Existing design models lack systematic methods for feature selection based on biological principles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and identify parameters for selecting biological features for multifunctional bio-inspired design.
• To develop a framework that aids designers in choosing and combining suitable biological features.
• To support the generation of unique and uncommon multifunctional conceptual designs.

Main Methods:

• Hypothesizing design parameters by studying biological tissue formation mechanisms.
• Utilizing the Expandable Domain Integrated Design (xDID) ideation model.
• Conducting a case study to validate the proposed parameters and model.

Main Results:

• Identification of specific parameters crucial for selecting biological features with similar functions but different geometric relevance.
• Demonstration of how these parameters enhance the feature selection process within the xDID model.
• Validation of the parameter effectiveness through a practical case study.

Conclusions:

• The identified parameters significantly improve the selection of biological features for multifunctional bio-inspired design.
• The xDID model, augmented with these parameters, facilitates the creation of novel and effective multifunctional concepts.
• This research provides a systematic approach to harness convergent evolution in design.