Title: Ecodesign and Bionics applied to the development of retractable hinges

Authors: Wilson Kindlein Jr, Luis Henrique Alves Candido, Roner Jose Salvador

Addresses: Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Coordinator of Laboratory of Design and Material Selection, LdSM/DEMAT/EE/UFRGS, Brazil. ' Laboratory of Design and Material Selection, LdSM/DEMAT/EE/UFRGS, Brazil. ' Master in Ambient Engineering, LdSM/DEMAT/EE/UFRGS, Brazil

Abstract: The paper applies the Ecodesign and the Bionics methodologies to the conception of a wide opening angle retractable hinge. In this process of redesign, modifications in the product conception were performed, keeping the main focus on the creation of an environmentally adequate and innovative hinge, based on the studies of snake jaw and crustacean paws.

Keywords: ecodesign; bionics; hinge design; junction elements; furniture; retractable hinges; product redesign; snake jaws; crustacean paws; environmental impact.

DOI: 10.1504/JDR.2007.015179

Journal of Design Research, 2007 Vol.5 No.4, pp.400 - 415

Published online: 20 Sep 2007 *

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