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Abstract:
This paper describes the application of a biomimetic search method to
develop ideas for centering objects in micro-assembly. Biomimetics involves
the imitation of biological phenomena to solve problems. An obstacle to
the use of biomimetics in engineering is knowledge of biological phenomena
that is relevant to the problem at hand. The method described here starts
with an engineering problem, and then systematically searches for analogous
biological phenomena using functional keywords. This method is illustrated
by finding and using analogies for the problem of positioning and centering
objects during micro-assembly. Relevant phenomena identified involve microtubule
organizing centers, photosystems, and retinal ganglion cells.
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