A photo from open sources
The prototype of a modern umbrella from rain and wet snow appeared in our world over a thousand years ago. Of course, at that time he was not at all like today, for example, could not take shape in a small case that can be thrown even into the ladies’ handbag, however, and the modern design of the umbrella is very imperfect.
This is understood not only by manufacturers of umbrellas, but also by themselves users, especially when they have to use data device in strong winds. In this case, the umbrella is often develops inside out, which leads to inconvenience of use him, and to the breakdown of his metal structure. Although sometimes there are more serious cases, after which the umbrella is practically Can not be repaired. It is no coincidence that people tend to try not to to use umbrellas in strong winds, which is a pity …
That is exactly what Japanese engineers think, which have long been eyeing the design of the wing of the ladybird beetle we all call the “ladybug”. The fact is that the transparent wings of this they aren’t afraid of the wind, because they are arranged fundamentally differently, than a modern umbrella, and at the same time this colorful bug without labor stacks (packs in compact origami folds) its wings under its elegant shell.
A photo from open sources
21st Century Umbrella
However, until recently, designers were prevented from understanding the principle the packing of the wings of the ladybug, because its elytra hid this moment – and it was impossible to tear them off, because after that the bug became a cripple incapable of demonstrating how did he spreads, and then folds its wings.
The problem was solved quite simply: Tokyo specialists University of Industry and Science transplanted “ladybug” transparent elytra (from special resin), after which they could trace the whole process, record it, study and based on this start working above a fundamentally new type of rain umbrella.
Understanding natural mechanisms helps scientists create truly optimal designs, such as strength and elasticities spied on by spiders weaving their inimitable cobwebs. And now all of us beloved “ladybug”, it seems, ready to give Japanese designers a fundamentally new type an umbrella. At least, the experts themselves are sure of this. University of Tokyo. And we are waiting for the umbrellas of the 21st century …
Time
