Skeletal construction provides shock absorption: cats

1 of 1 Cheetah in full run / Jason Bechte.. / License

The skeleton of a cat allows it to absorb shocks to its forelimbs because it has no direct skeletal connection between its collarbone and vertebral column.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Maintain physical integrity >
	Manage structural forces >
	Impact

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Bumpers for buses and trains Guard rails Cables for industrial equipment and pumps

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"Cats have no direct skeletal connection through a collarbone between the bones of their forelimbs (pectoral girdle) and those of their vertebral columns. In effect, they have shock-mounted forelimbs, which cushion a landing after a jump. None of these schemes reduce the extremes of velocity one bit; what they reduce are the velocity gradients." (Vogel 2003:77)

About the inspiring organism

Felidae
Felidae

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Bumpers for buses and trains, guard rails, cables for industrial equipment and pumps, ergonomic equipment.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Transportation, industrial engineering, ergonomics

References

Steven Vogel. 2003. Comparative Biomechanics: Life's Physical World. Princeton: Princeton University Press. 580 p.

Skeletal construction provides shock absorption: cats

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