cAR gILLS
Inspired By: The gill slits of cartilaginous fish that require them to move constantly to bring oxygen to their body
Applied to: A Car
The Problem:
A lot of incomplete combustion occurs in a car if there is not enough oxygen available which produces carbon monoxide and carbon. Carbon/Particulates are produced usually when diesel fuel undergoes the process of incomplete combustion and does not burn completely thereby producing these tiny particulates that contain carbon and unburnt hydrocarbons. When animals (including humans) breath this in it can result in respiratory problems overtime. Carbon monoxide is firstly dangerous to animals because it attaches to the binding sites of haemoglobin thereby stopping oxygen from being transported, which can result in cells dying due to suffocation. Another problem it poses is to the atmosphere. When it is released, carbon monoxide can be present for approximately a month and it can be transported over long distances. Carbon monoxide in itself is only a weak greenhouse gas, but the problem lies in its presence affecting other factors. Carbon monoxide very readily goes into reaction with the hydroxyl radical OH, which forms a much more dangerous and stronger greenhouse gas: Carbon Dioxide. This reaction now has an effect on the levels of methane, another strong greenhouse gas, because the most common way that methane is removed from the atmosphere is by reacting with OH. NASA reports that carbon monoxide is responsible for a 13% reduction in OH concentration and a 9% reduction in sulcate levels (through other reactions). Sulfate assists in stopping some of the global warming by reflecting solar radiation back into space.
The Solution:
If "Car Gills" are placed on either side of the car to capture air while driving and diverting it to the engine it will mean that more complete combustion can occur due to a higher oxygen supply.
Applied to: A Car
The Problem:
A lot of incomplete combustion occurs in a car if there is not enough oxygen available which produces carbon monoxide and carbon. Carbon/Particulates are produced usually when diesel fuel undergoes the process of incomplete combustion and does not burn completely thereby producing these tiny particulates that contain carbon and unburnt hydrocarbons. When animals (including humans) breath this in it can result in respiratory problems overtime. Carbon monoxide is firstly dangerous to animals because it attaches to the binding sites of haemoglobin thereby stopping oxygen from being transported, which can result in cells dying due to suffocation. Another problem it poses is to the atmosphere. When it is released, carbon monoxide can be present for approximately a month and it can be transported over long distances. Carbon monoxide in itself is only a weak greenhouse gas, but the problem lies in its presence affecting other factors. Carbon monoxide very readily goes into reaction with the hydroxyl radical OH, which forms a much more dangerous and stronger greenhouse gas: Carbon Dioxide. This reaction now has an effect on the levels of methane, another strong greenhouse gas, because the most common way that methane is removed from the atmosphere is by reacting with OH. NASA reports that carbon monoxide is responsible for a 13% reduction in OH concentration and a 9% reduction in sulcate levels (through other reactions). Sulfate assists in stopping some of the global warming by reflecting solar radiation back into space.
The Solution:
If "Car Gills" are placed on either side of the car to capture air while driving and diverting it to the engine it will mean that more complete combustion can occur due to a higher oxygen supply.
underwater robotic camera
Inspired by: An Alligator
Applied to: A camera
The Problem:
A lot of robotic underwater cameras are quite large and not as easily manoeuvrable and stable.
The Solution:
An underwater robot that has the shape of an alligator and is about 25 cm long. The long and strong tail at the back is shaped like that of an alligator and can move from side to side to propel the robot and stabilise it. The trunk/body of the alligator has feet attached that at the joint can rotate, making a pushing movement. The feet have the same structure as webbed feet to ensure maximum force when manoeuvring. The head consists of a camera that can move upwards, downwards and sideways to adjust the position of the underwater camera. Humans know very little about the oceans and a major part of its secrets are yet to be uncovered. This robotic camera could allow us to get valuable footage of animals over time in their natural habitat, and can give us the opportunity to learn more about this world.
Applied to: A camera
The Problem:
A lot of robotic underwater cameras are quite large and not as easily manoeuvrable and stable.
The Solution:
An underwater robot that has the shape of an alligator and is about 25 cm long. The long and strong tail at the back is shaped like that of an alligator and can move from side to side to propel the robot and stabilise it. The trunk/body of the alligator has feet attached that at the joint can rotate, making a pushing movement. The feet have the same structure as webbed feet to ensure maximum force when manoeuvring. The head consists of a camera that can move upwards, downwards and sideways to adjust the position of the underwater camera. Humans know very little about the oceans and a major part of its secrets are yet to be uncovered. This robotic camera could allow us to get valuable footage of animals over time in their natural habitat, and can give us the opportunity to learn more about this world.
Shark NETS
Inspired by: Shark behaviour
Applied to: Nets
Problem:
Nets often get put up especially for sharks to keep them away from the swimming areas. The problem is that the sharks swim into the nets and get tangled up. By the time they realise what has happened it is too late and their frantic thrashing entangles them even more. If no one comes to rescue them they get stuck and die. The problem here is that this happens very frequently in areas where sharks are known to be around and therefore the numbers are dwindling, which can disrupt the ecosystem they are part of.
Solution:
The nets that are put up should create electrical fields that the sharks are able to sense because they have ampullae that can detect weak electrical fields. The electricity required for this can be generated by the flow and current that moves the net thereby creating opposite charges at certain points that can be used for this purpose.
Applied to: Nets
Problem:
Nets often get put up especially for sharks to keep them away from the swimming areas. The problem is that the sharks swim into the nets and get tangled up. By the time they realise what has happened it is too late and their frantic thrashing entangles them even more. If no one comes to rescue them they get stuck and die. The problem here is that this happens very frequently in areas where sharks are known to be around and therefore the numbers are dwindling, which can disrupt the ecosystem they are part of.
Solution:
The nets that are put up should create electrical fields that the sharks are able to sense because they have ampullae that can detect weak electrical fields. The electricity required for this can be generated by the flow and current that moves the net thereby creating opposite charges at certain points that can be used for this purpose.
Silent underwater suits
Inspired by: Placoid scales of Cartilaginous Fish
Applied to: Wetsuits
For:
- Special Forces such as the Navy Seals
- Scientific observational purposes, allowing us to easily watch animals underwater without startling them
Problem:
A lot of the time when swimming underwater humans are quite "loud", sending strong vibrations through the water. Therefore it is very hard for us to observe and get to areas unnoticed by a lot of animals and other humans.
Solution:
The adapted placoid scales, made from a strong but flexible rubber that is water repellant, are very small in size and overlap each other in a head-to-tail direction to ensure smooth water flow and it makes them more flexible. The way they are built allows them to reduce force and friction as they have tiny vortices. This ensures much quieter and more efficient swimming. These "scales" would be on the outer side of the wetsuit, embedded in the fabric.
Applied to: Wetsuits
For:
- Special Forces such as the Navy Seals
- Scientific observational purposes, allowing us to easily watch animals underwater without startling them
Problem:
A lot of the time when swimming underwater humans are quite "loud", sending strong vibrations through the water. Therefore it is very hard for us to observe and get to areas unnoticed by a lot of animals and other humans.
Solution:
The adapted placoid scales, made from a strong but flexible rubber that is water repellant, are very small in size and overlap each other in a head-to-tail direction to ensure smooth water flow and it makes them more flexible. The way they are built allows them to reduce force and friction as they have tiny vortices. This ensures much quieter and more efficient swimming. These "scales" would be on the outer side of the wetsuit, embedded in the fabric.