Aerodynamic Ceiling Fan Inspired by Sycamore Seedpods

Innovation: Industry

Sycamore Technology

2002

Image: Manfred Richter / Pixabay / CC BY - Creative Commons Attribution alone

Move in/Through Gases

Living systems must move through gases (which are less dense than liquids and solids) such as those in the earth’s atmosphere. The greatest challenge of moving in gases is that because the living system is heavier than the gas, it must overcome the force of gravity. Moving efficiently in this light medium presents unique challenges and opportunities for living systems. As a result, they have evolved countless solutions to optimize drag and increase lift so that they can stay aloft and take advantage of variable currents. Additionally, they must overcome gravity when moving from a liquid or solid into the air. The fairyfly, the smallest known insect, is a tiny wasp that must move through the air. To the wasp, air feels like a heavy liquid and to move through it, it uses special feathery oars rather than wings.

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Distribute Gases

Gases of particular importance to living systems are oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen. Oxygen and carbon dioxide are involved in respiration, so distributing these gases efficiently and effectively is important for a living system’s survival. However, gases are difficult to contain because they disperse easily. To accommodate this, living systems have strategies for confining gases and using gases’ properties to their advantage. For example, prairie dogs and mound-building termites build systems of tunnels and mounds that take advantage of wind to ventilate their underground homes.

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Patents

The Sycamore Ceiling Fan from Sycamore Technologies has a single blade that provides high air flow and creates minimal noise.

Benefits

Energy efficient
Reduced noise
Reduced materials

Applications

Residential and commercial buildings

UN Sustainable Development Goals Addressed

Goal 9: Industry Innovation & Infrastructure

The Challenge

Ceiling fans are a common sight in many residential and commercial buildings. However, conventional flat fan blades used on most ceiling fans require high operating speeds to achieve high airflow, creating high turbulence and wind noise. They also typically use 3-4 blades, which requires more materials and increases cost.

Innovation Details

The Sycamore Ceiling Fan fan has a specially designed blade inspired by sycamore seeds. It is able to operate at low speeds while providing high air flow with low turbulence and minimal wind noise.

Sycamore ceiling fan.

Biological Model

A sycamore tree’s falling seedpod autorotates due to its curved shape, allowing it to stay in the air for longer and travel greater distances. The balance between the weight of the seed and the length of the single wing is accurately matched, enabling the seeds to autorotate smoothly during free fall.

See Related Strategy

a green winged seed against a black background

Biological Strategy

Seedpod Spirals to Stay Aloft

Sycamore maple

Seed shape and distribution of mass ensure self-orientation and autorotation.

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