Motor-Free Smart Shades Inspired by Pinecones

Aug-22-18 A smart shading system inspired by the pinecone can self-adjust without the need for electricity or motors.

Developed by a team at ETH, the adjustable shading system is based on the mechanism of the pinecone, which will close its scales in cold, wet weather. While the pinecone does this with fibers that contract in dry air to pull the scales open, the shading system is made up of planks connected with layers of spruce and beech that have been joined so that the wood bends in response to humidity. This relationship will cause the shutters to lay flat in humid air, and open in dry air to let in air while increasing shade.

More Info about this Invention:

[FUTURITY.ORG]
[ETHZ.CH]

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