The document discusses using function mapping to connect engineering problems to biological solutions. It provides examples of how function mapping can represent material, energy, and signal flows. Function mapping shows promise as a tool to link design problems to biological analogs but has not been widely adopted. Standardizing function mapping terminology could facilitate cross-disciplinary use between engineering and biology and help integrate biomimicry into design.

1. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012
Application of Function Mapping
to Find Biological Solutions
Darrell Kleinke1, Jonathan Weaver1, and Terri Lynch-Caris2
1 University of Detroit Mercy Mechanical Engineering Department
2Kettering University Industrial Engineering Department

2. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012
Outline
• Function Mapping Overview
• Biomimicry Connection
• Conclusions and Next Steps

3. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012
Three primary “flows” are defined and
generally accepted in the literature
Material Material
Energy Energy
Action
Signal Signal

4. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012
Simple Example of Material Flow
Material
Material Toothpaste
Toothpaste Squeeze
In the Tube Material
Tube

5. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012
Simple Example of Material Flow
Material
Material Toothpaste
Toothpaste Squeeze
In the Tube Material
Tube
Boa Constrictor
asociacionecoanimal.blogspot.com

6. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012
Simple Example of Material Flow
Material
Material Squeeze Toothpaste
Extrude
Toothpaste Separate
In the Tube Material
Apply
Tube

7. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012
Simple Example of Material Flow
Using more generalized names for materials
Material
Material Squeeze
Dispense Tooth Cleaner
Tooth Cleaner Extrude
In a dispenser Apply Material
Separate
Dispenser

8. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012
Simple Example of Material Flow
Material Material
Squeeze
Tooth Cleaner Dispense Tooth Cleaner
In a dispenser Extrude
Apply Material
Energy Separate
Dispenser
Human
Force
How can this be linked to biological solutions
if the user is not aware of the biology?

9. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012
Short list of flow types
MATERIALS ENERGY (units) SIGNALS (types)
Single Isolated element Mechanical Mechanical
(Horsepower hp, (Tactile, visual, acoustic, pressure, force,
kinetic / potential energy J, position)
Light lm )
Multiple independent elements Electrical / Magnetic Electrical
Examples: Independent solids, isolated (Watts/hr, emf) (voltage, current, charge, emf)
gases, stratified liquids.
Multiple combined elements Fluid Cognitive
Examples: Conjoined solids, blended (Head loss) (taste, olfactory, emotion)
gases, mixed liquids.
Thermal
(BTU)
Chemical
(electronvolts eV)
Acoustic
(Sound Pressure Level SPL)

10. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012
No Standardized Actions (Yet)
Row = Inflow Material (M) Energy Signal M+E M+S E+S M+E+S
Column = (E) (S)
Outflow
Material (M) Store Convert Sense Cell 11 + Cell 11 Cell 12 + Cell 11
Combine Measure Cell 12 + Cell 13 +
Disperse Cell 13 Cell 12
Change-state +
Cell 13
Energy Store Store Sense Cell 21 + Cell 21 Cell 22 + Cell 21
(E) Combine Combine Measure Cell 22 + Cell 23 +
Disperse Disperse Cell 22 Cell 22
Change-state Change-state +
Cell 23
Signal Actuate Actuate Sense Cell 31 Cell 31 Cell 32 Cell 31
(S) Regulate Regulate Indicate + + + +
Change Change Measure Cell 32 Cell 33 Cell 33 Cell 32
Form Form Display +Cell 33
M+E 11+21 12+22 13+23 11+12+ 11+13+ 12+13+ 11+12+
21+23 31+33 22+23 13+21+
22+23
M+S 11+31 12+32 13+33 11+31+ 11+13+ 12+13+ 11+12+
12+32 31+33 32+33 13+31+
32+33
E+S 21+31 22+32 23+33 21+22+ 21+23+ 22+23+ 21+22+
31+32 31+33 32+33 23+31+
32+33
M+E+S 11+21 12+22 13+23 11+12+ 11+13+ 12+13+ All cells 31 to 33
+31 +32 +33 21+22+ 21+23+ 22+23+
31+32 31+33 32+33

11. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012
Example of function-nesting in a
two layer hierarchy
Material: Material: Tube
Toothpaste
In the Tube Squeeze
Material: Toothpaste
Material: Brush
Signal: Energy: with paste
Thought Flex Force Combine
Material:
Brush

12. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012
A perspective from the literature
Function mapping has not gained industry wide
acceptance like some other techniques such as TRIZ.
Dieter (2009): “There are weaknesses in using functional
structures during conceptual design. A function
structure is not a complete conceptual design. Even
after developing a function structure, you still need to
select devices, mechanisms, or structural forms to fulfill
the function.
There are no comprehensive catalogs of solution
embodiments like those available in the German
technical literature.”

13. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012
Example of Biomimicry
Termite Mound Eastgate Center, Zimbabwe

14. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012
Another Example of Biomimicry
Basking Shark Water-driven Turbine

15. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012
Use Function Mapping to Make
Connections
Camera
Energy: Signal:
Sense
Light lm Voltage V
Beetle Eye
Energy: Signal:
Sense
Light lm Cognitive

16. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012
Process Issues Can be Mapped
Nuclear Waste
Material:
Caesium Material:
Capture
Material: Harmless
Sulphide Molecule
Venus Flytrap
Material:
Flys Material:
Capture
Material: Helpless
Venom Meal

17. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012
Conclusion
• Function mapping has the potential to become the link
between engineering design problems and biological
solutions.
• If standardized and codified, function mapping becomes
easier to use and can represent a common practice that could
cross numerous diverse engineering and biology disciplines.
• Function maps can be formulated by engineer and biologist
alike, and can become the common link to connect
biomimicry and engineering design.

18. Biomimicry Tools NCIIA 2012
Special thanks to the
Kern Family Foundation