Meta-level design parameters for bio-inspired impact resistance: a case study in helmet design

Bioinspiration offers an innovative approach to product design. A key challenge is selecting suitable biological features for complex engineering problems. The phenomenon of convergent evolution, where distantly related organisms independently develop similar functions, adds to this complexity. This study introduces novel meta-level design parameters to systematically select biological features with differing geometries yet similar functions. These parameters were derived through physical testing and numerical analysis of woodpecker-beak-inspired and Balanus-inspired structures, focusing on their impact resistance capabilities. These structures demonstrate potential for practical applications, such as in bicycle helmet liners.