Improving efficiency is a central research topic – for example in vacuum technology. Schmalz continuously optimizes its systems and looks beyond the horizon in their development. In a current project, the suction organs of leeches are the focus.
Velcro fasteners, the lotus effect, and airplane wings are some prominent examples of how bionics can solve technical tasks. Nature offers fascinating answers to everyday challenges. 'It is usually very efficient,' emphasizes Dr. Harald Kuolt. He leads the research projects at Schmalz. 'We have been looking for natural suction methods to improve our own vacuum systems.'
Schmalz found inspiration in leeches. They have the ability to hold onto different surfaces with their two suction organs at the front and rear. Whether slimy or porous, whether underwater or above water – thanks to the combination of suction adhesion and mechanical gripping or clamping, they can securely attach to their hosts. Together with the University of Freiburg, Schmalz started a project to better understand the biological adhesion systems. 'We investigated the functional morphology and biomechanics of leeches,' describes Prof. Dr. Thomas Speck. He leads the working group 'Botany – Functional Morphology and Bionics' at the University of Freiburg.
After manual suction tests, the researchers built rotating systems to determine at what centrifugal force the leeches detach from the respective surface. 'We ventured into new territory and developed special test setups to measure the adhesion forces of the leeches,' explains Thomas Speck. In a current research project, the team is investigating the anatomy of the suction organ, which consists of muscle-controlled suction, sealing, and gripping lips. 'Understanding the form-structure-function relationship of the suction organ is essential for further abstraction and implementation steps for new, bionically optimized systems from Schmalz,' explains Dr. Simon Poppinga, who leads the biological fundamental research on the model organism at TU Darmstadt.
From Aquarium to Industry
Harald Kuolt: 'Our preliminary development has subsequently produced a prototype that differs from our standard range.' On the one hand, the sealing lip runs in a different direction than with conventional grippers. On the other hand, Schmalz adjusted the curvature radii and combines hard and soft materials. 'We were able to reduce the dead volume and thus evacuate significantly faster,' says the research leader with satisfaction. 'Our goal is for the new gripper to perform better in terms of holding and shear forces as well as sealing behavior than the usual models. Additionally, it should be manufacturable industrially.' Its carbon footprint must also be comparable to existing grippers.
Currently, two variants are the focus, which Schmalz is further optimizing. With short evacuation times, the new models save energy. They seal better on rough surfaces and impress with high service life. Thanks to the new structure of the seal, they are also expected to provide a secure hold on uneven or sensitive surfaces. 'The grippers must function reliably in standard applications; we do not want to develop a solution for just a few special cases,' emphasizes Harald Kuolt.
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