Folium Water repellant bicycle saddle by Brook S. Kennedy |
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| DESIGN DETAILS | |||||
| DESIGN NAME: Folium PRIMARY FUNCTION: Water repellant bicycle saddle INSPIRATION: The inspiration for Folium developed in two stages: first, the idea came from observing bicyclists struggle awkwardly with wet bicycle seats after rain showers. Often, unsightly plastic grocery bags and other work-arounds are used to cover bike saddles. Secondly, Folium was inspired by the water repellent abilities of Lotus leaves which in principle could help saddles repel rain without needing an additional cover. Recently, new technologies such as roll-to-roll processing have shown potential to mass replicate the nano-scale 'Lotus effect' phenomenon without chemical treatments that wear off over time. UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Folium incorporates Roll-to-roll technology to enable the production of a micro-engraves seat surface that is both durable and comfortable. No spray-on chemicals are needed which ultimately wear off. This technology has been used to produce commercially available surface films like Sharklet, which is being piloted in hospitals to reduce the spread of infections. OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: Folium bike saddles can be left outside confidently in the rain. When rain hits the saddle, water droplets bead on the surface material and by the shape of the saddle, roll off. An open channel in the middle of the saddle keeps water droplets from remaining at the crest. Ridges on the seat surface texture help channel water off the saddle while providing a grip surface texture for the cyclist to sit on. The linear texture also communicates the technological novelty of the roll-to-roll material. PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: Folium is a self-initiated project begun in Blacksburg, Virginia, USA with the partnership of Flexcon in Spencer, Massachusetts, USA. The project is ongoing. FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Office Furniture Design |
PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: Folium incorporates Roll-to-roll technology to enable the production of a micro-engraves seat surface that is both durable and comfortable. No spray-on chemicals are needed which ultimately wear off. SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Length 260mm x Width 160mm x Height 70mm TAGS: Sustainable design, Bioinspired design, Biomimetic design, New materials, Hydrophobic materials RESEARCH ABSTRACT: Folium is part of a larger research and development effort to further understand ways in which biological phenomenon and modern manufacturing technology can provide the basis for practical, improved design experiences in the present. Folium demonstrates real world potential of Biomimetics. CHALLENGE: After observing many examples of hydrophobic (water repellant) behaviors of plants in the natural world, including Lotus plants and many others, the main challenge became finding an appropriate technology that could manufacture bio-mimetic details at the nano meter scale that occurs in nature. Roll-to-roll technology is a critical enabler to produce desired effect. ADDED DATE: 2018-02-17 20:41:44 TEAM MEMBERS (1) : Brook Kennedy IMAGE CREDITS: Image #1 Brook Kennedy Image #2 Brook Kennedy Image #3 Brook Kennedy Image #4 Brook Kennedy Image #5 Brook Kennedy PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS: US and International design and utility patents pending, along with copyrights and trademarks. |
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| CLIENT/STUDIO/BRAND DETAILS | |
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NAME: Brook Kennedy, Industrial Design PROFILE: Brook Kennedy's Industrial Design studio combines professional consulting services in Industrial Design, User-Experience Design and Strategy with a research practice focused on exploring emerging technologies and processes in product design and development. Brook Kennedy Industrial Design is especially interested in processes and technologies serving product renewability and access to basic human needs. |
| AWARD DETAILS | |
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Folium Water Repellant Bicycle Saddle by Brook S. Kennedy is Winner in Idea and Conceptual Design Category, 2017 - 2018.· Press Members: Login or Register to request an exclusive interview with Brook S. Kennedy. · Click here to register inorder to view the profile and other works by Brook S. Kennedy. |
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