Rationale
I have proposed an alternative method of drying dishes after being washed, with the added bonus of being somewhat environmentally friendly, due to the ability to collect and recycle water that runs off wet dishes and is generally lost down the drain. My biomimetic storage solution mimics the system by which a fern gathers water to nourish its roots. Water is collected and absorbed, as it falls upon the leaves of the fern and run or trickle down the long, angled leaves to the root of the plant, where it is absorbed.
I have designed a system that allows plates and bowls to be stored whilst they are drying. The water that is on the china slides off and falls into a trough at the base of the structure, where it is stored, and then ready to be used to water plants/herbs/vegetables and the like. The base consists of four segmented catchments, so that it is easy for the user to simply remove a segment to utilise the water collected without impairing the structural integrity of the rack. It also makes easy pouring of the water as they are able to carried with one hand.
The ‘Silver Fern’ mimics nature in the way that it collects water I its base/catchment area, just like a fern is able to collect water that falls onto its leaves. The leaf configuration of the fern allows the water to trickle down into/towards the root of the plant, providing necessary nourishment for its survival. The ‘Silver Fern’ also resembles an actual fern, as its “racks” protrude from the “stems” of the rack structure – just as a fern does in nature.
For mass-production, the predominant material utilised in the manufacture of the ‘Silver Fern’ would be stainless steel, due to its smooth surface which allows water to slide over evenly, its durability, hardness, corrosion resistance, light weight, affordability and its ability to be coated in plastic if needed, i.e. for increased aesthetics. Also, chromed steel is another viable option also due to its smooth surface, durability and corrosion resistance. Polypropylene is another viable option due to its smooth surface, allowing water to pass over easily, its light weight, ability to be manufactured easily and its inexpensive cost. Timber is also able to be used to manufacture the ‘Silver Fern’, although it does not possess the same smooth surface properties as metal or plastic, it is able to be coated to obtain such properties. Generally it is cheap to use in manufacturing, it possesses hardness properties, and is easy to shape.
COMPONENTS/PROGRESS
PRODUCT USAGE
FINAL PRODUCT
HERO SHOTS
PRODUCT USAGE
STORYBOARD OF VARIOUS OTHER DESIGNS
References:
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7kBHjPEvUkEKm2UfR6eMh8rgtHbS6gVvTjvMiMRjiesR5t9lPhAgnVj4On46XqUo2Q2uIGYdhYYhvR3AEEw-MZ43f1Hrk18ylcOd08mg-a2RU7w0fQGWwsBXiYoqrWXPlAVx_4vFlUAg8/s1600/Boon-Grass-Countertop-Drying-Rack.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEpZpVC_oMKzftwpNDso30YE3ybAh85hHSe7aT2BcTnto3nB5C3arhwrL7qiXFqO5m0cocgr3qNw5BJ5UH_tNxIg3hAtoj-Zd2o2nsAepNhA8weP3o2KIzfrfYyYe358kGeMBEll9OdGj_/s400/highdry-dish-drainer.png
http://www.nova68.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=AC22&Category_Code=608
http://mocoloco.com/fresh2/2011/12/24/house-dish-rack-by-veronika-paluchova.php
http://www.lushlee.com/images/kitchen-accessories/09/4/modern-dish-rack.jpg
Peer Comments:
http://dougcusack-ides1031.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/studio-project-1-biomimetics.html
http://jacquelinebui3377777.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/project-1-bio-inspired.html?showComment=1332699278402
