ProBand: Adaptable Materials Modeled on the Intervertebral Disc

As part of the BMBF funding measure “Biologization of Technology: Bioinspired Materials Research”, the ProBand project is developing innovative solutions for shock absorbers that can adapt dynamically to changing loads. The human intervertebral disc serves as a model, whose unique structure enables a combination of elasticity and shock absorption.

Under the coordination of phoenix GmbH & Co. KG, Festo SE & Co. KG, the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Programmable Materials and the Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK) at the University of Freiburg are working together to transfer the biological principle of the human intervertebral disc to technical materials. The aim is to develop programmable damping elements that react flexibly through fluid interaction within the material structure and always exhibit ideal braking behavior. 
 

The intervertebral disc uses an interplay of solid and fluid elements in its gradual layered structure to combine elastic and damping properties under different loads. This principle is to be exploited for a new material to be developed in order to be able to react specifically to external stimuli and dynamically adapt properties. The programmable material obtains its properties by arranging different unit cells in a matrix. Scalable production is already taken into account when designing the programmable unit cells in order to enable series production. In addition to conventional and additive manufacturing processes, innovative approaches such as the combination of deep drawing and subsequent foaming of films are also used.

The technology not only promises to set new standards in automation and production technology, but also offers sustainable potential. Adaptive shock absorbers could replace specialized components and thus save resources, while better recyclability and improved energy efficiency contribute to waste and cost reduction.

Find out more about the exciting approaches and background to ProBand on the project page (only in German), where you will find further information and contact details. 

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