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Principle

30. Flexible Films or Thin Membranes

a. Replace customary constructions with flexible membranes
and thin film
b. Isolate an object from outside environment with thin film or
fine membranes

  • Principle Description:  Replace traditional constructions with constructions of thin film or flexible / pliable membranes. Also, isolate an object from its environment via a thin film or flexible / pliable membrane.

  • Hints on Usage:  Access traditional constructions within a system. What types of thin film or flexible / pliable membrane constructions would improve processes, reduce costs, or improve reliability?

  • Would isolating a problem from its environment provide a solution? How could you do that with thin film or flexible / pliable membranes?

  • Also think about using thin objects instead of thick objects. For example, a pipe can be made with a thick wall in order to withstand exposure to high pressure — or, it can be made from a thin material rolled into pipe form, weighing less while performing the same functionality.


Examples:
  • A thin coat of oil can protect a surface from oxidation

  • A thin coat of soap-like substances can create easy-to-clean surfaces.

  • A thin coat of oxidation can reduce further oxidation.

  • A thin coat of piezoelectric material can convert pressure into electricity.

  • A thin coat of silver or gold on a low-cost base material provides high-quality electrical conductivity.

  • A thin sheet of paper, metal, plastic can be used to wrap an object to protect the object or keep it from being seen.

  • In social situations, appropriate manners (thin veneer) from a person known to be violent and short-tempered can balm the discomfort of being near such a person.

  • Protective films are used on a wide variety of products such as on cars during transportation or on scratch sensitive surfaces.

  • Cosmetics and nail polish provide protection and alter appearance.

  • Sunscreen and insecticides protect from sunburn and insect bites, respectively.

  • Shoe polish protects shoes.

  • Hard coatings on glasses prevent scratching, provide tint and block UV rays.

  • Military language is written to mask (thin barrier) the horrors of war. Deaths are called casualties.  People are called “troops”.  Responsibility is depersonalized with phrases like, “The decision was made”, rather than instead of “I made the decision.”

  • Cars have many thin layers of coatings – wax, clear coat, paint and primers to protect base metals.

  • A drumhead vibrates which results in sound.

  • Switches have membranes.

  • Membranes are used for selective separation of wastes.

  • Membranes are used for diffusion and also for dialysis.

  • Origami-like structures of thinly folded metals are used in space.  They are compact and lightweight when transported and large and structurally sound when expanded in space.

  • Rolled pins are used as dowel-like locating mechanisms in assemblies.

  • Fractional motors use stamped steel laminations as an alternative to solid cores.

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