Researchers at the University of Stuttgart have developed a bioinspired adaptive shading system that responds to changing weather conditions without electricity. Mimicking the pine cone's humidity-driven scale movement, the system uses a bilayer material composed of wood veneer and a bacterial cellulose layer. When humidity increases, such as during rain, the cellulose swells, causing the shading elements to close. Conversely, in dry conditions, the cellulose shrinks, opening the elements and allowing light to pass through. This passive system offers a sustainable and energy-free solution for climate control in buildings, reducing the need for energy-intensive air conditioning and heating.
Designer and maker Nick DeMarco created a simple yet effective laptop stand using just a single sheet of recycled paper. By cleverly folding the paper using a series of creases, he formed a sturdy structure capable of supporting a laptop. The design is lightweight, portable, easily replicated, and demonstrates a resourceful approach to utilizing readily available materials. The stand is specifically designed for smaller, lighter laptops and aims to improve ergonomics by raising the screen to a more comfortable viewing height.
Hacker News commenters generally expressed skepticism about the practicality and durability of the single-sheet paper laptop stand. Several questioned its ability to support the weight of a laptop, especially over extended periods, and predicted it would quickly collapse or tear. Some suggested that while it might work for lighter devices like tablets, it wouldn't be suitable for heavier laptops. Others pointed out the potential for instability and wobbling. There was some discussion of alternative DIY laptop stand solutions, including using cardboard or other more robust materials. A few commenters appreciated the minimalist and eco-friendly concept, but overall the sentiment was that the design was more of a novelty than a practical solution.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42744357
Hacker News users discussed the practicality and scalability of the bioinspired shading system. Several commenters questioned the cost-effectiveness compared to existing solutions like motorized shades or electrochromic glass, expressing skepticism about its real-world application. Others pointed out potential maintenance issues with the delicate pine cone-inspired design, especially concerning dust accumulation and insect infestations. The longevity and durability in various weather conditions were also questioned. Some appreciated the elegance of the biomimicry, but the overall sentiment leaned towards cautious interest with significant concerns about practical implementation. A few suggested exploring alternative materials beyond wood for improved durability and scalability.
The Hacker News post titled "Bioinspired weather-responsive adaptive shading" linking to a University of Stuttgart article about a new type of adaptive shading system sparked a relatively short but interesting discussion.
One commenter expressed skepticism about the practicality of the system, questioning whether the complexity and potential maintenance costs would outweigh the benefits compared to simpler shading solutions. They also pointed out the inherent limitations of biomimicry, arguing that natural systems are often optimized for different parameters than human-designed systems.
Another commenter focused on the potential energy savings of such a system, suggesting that even small improvements in shading efficiency could lead to significant reductions in building cooling costs, particularly in hot climates. They also brought up the possibility of integrating the system with smart building controls for further optimization.
A further comment praised the elegance and ingenuity of the bioinspired design, contrasting it with the often clunky and visually unappealing nature of traditional shading systems. They expressed excitement about the potential for this technology to improve both the energy efficiency and aesthetics of buildings.
Several commenters also discussed the specific mechanism of the adaptive shading system, which uses a hydrogel that swells and shrinks in response to humidity changes. Some questioned the durability and long-term performance of the hydrogel, while others suggested potential improvements to the design, such as incorporating different types of hydrogels with varying responsiveness to humidity levels.
Finally, one commenter raised the issue of scalability, wondering whether the system could be manufactured and deployed cost-effectively on a large scale. They also pointed out the potential for unintended consequences, such as increased humidity levels around buildings due to the water absorption of the hydrogel.
While the number of comments is relatively limited, the discussion touches upon several key aspects of the technology, including its practicality, potential benefits, design challenges, and scalability. The comments offer a balanced perspective, highlighting both the promise and the potential limitations of this bioinspired approach to adaptive shading.