Bio-Inspired Solutions in Design for Manufacturing of Micro Fuel Cell

In this paper the application of biomimetic principles in design for micro manufacturing is investigated. A micro direct methanol fuel cell (μDMFC) for power generation in hearing aid devices is considered as the case study in which the bio-inspired functions are replicated. The focus in design of μDMFC is mainly on solving the problem of fuel delivery to the anode in the fuel chamber. Two different biological phenomena are suggested, and based on them different bio-inspired solutions are proposed and modeled in CAD software. Considering the manufacturing constraints and design specifications, the advantages and drawbacks of each proposed solution is discussed. Finally, the most feasible idea, in terms of manufacturing and function, is selected and an initial experimental verification is carried out.