Application of Wearable Structural Design Based on Geo-Inspiration and Additive Manufacturing

Geo-inspiration can combine existing material structures and biological functions on earth to observe, design, manufacture, and apply, providing researchers with innovative ideas and iterative optimization methods. It also can promote research and the creation of green and low-carbon eco-products with high performance, high durability, and high added value, as well as enhance living standards for people and protect the livable environment for the earth. This paper proposed the geo-inspired advanced manufacturing conception for the first time. It means to explore the innovative design and product application of wearable structures based on the geo-inspired mineral materials, structures and advanced manufacturing technology. In addition, this research takes the glass sponge as the geo-inspiration object to analyze mineral material, structure and properties. Then uses these as the original innovative idea to design the glass sponge lattice structure (GSLS) and to process a high-strength, fatigue-resistant, lightweight wearable structure based on additive manufacturing technology with high-performance titanium alloy. Furthermore, this paper provides a method of designing and manufacturing geo-inspiration products based on additive manufacturing technology according to the demand and characteristics of healthy and fashionable hand-wearable products. It also explores the application of GSLS on hand-wearable products to fixation, protection and treatment for finger and wrist metacarpal joints. Finally, this paper prospects the research direction of wearable structure design based on geo-inspiration and additive manufacturing, and discusses the manufacturability of multi-functional and high-performance hand-wearable products, and the feasibility of using gemstones and jewelry design to enhance the fashion and decorative value of products.