Folium: A Revolutionary Water Repellant Bicycle Saddle

Brook S. Kennedy's Innovative Design Inspired by Nature

The inspiration for Folium came from observing the struggles of cyclists with wet bicycle seats. The solution often involved using unsightly plastic grocery bags or other makeshift covers. Kennedy saw an opportunity to create a more elegant solution by mimicking the water-repellant abilities of Lotus leaves. This phenomenon, known as the 'Lotus effect', has been replicated in the design of Folium using roll-to-roll technology, a manufacturing process that can mass produce nano-scale structures without the need for chemical treatments.

Folium's unique properties lie in its use of roll-to-roll technology, which enables the production of a micro-engraved seat surface that is both durable and comfortable. Unlike other solutions that rely on spray-on chemicals that eventually wear off, Folium's design is long-lasting. This technology has been used in commercially available surface films like Sharklet, which is being piloted in hospitals to reduce the spread of infections.

The saddle is designed to be left outside in the rain confidently. When rain hits the saddle, water droplets bead on the surface material and roll off due to the shape of the saddle. An open channel in the middle of the saddle prevents water droplets from remaining at the crest. Ridges on the seat surface texture help channel water off the saddle while providing a grip surface texture for the cyclist to sit on. The linear texture also communicates the technological novelty of the roll-to-roll material.

Folium is part of a larger research and development effort to understand how biological phenomena and modern manufacturing technology can provide the basis for practical, improved design experiences. The main challenge in creating Folium was finding an appropriate technology that could manufacture bio-mimetic details at the nano-meter scale that occurs in nature. The use of roll-to-roll technology was a critical enabler to produce the desired effect.

Folium is a self-initiated project that began in Blacksburg, Virginia, USA, with the partnership of Flexcon in Spencer, Massachusetts, USA. The project is ongoing, and it has already garnered recognition, winning the Silver A' Idea and Conceptual Design Award in 2018. This award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation.

In conclusion, Folium is a testament to the power of biomimetics and the potential of emerging nano technology materials. It is a practical solution to a common problem faced by cyclists worldwide, and it showcases the potential of design to improve everyday experiences. With its unique properties and innovative design, Folium is set to revolutionize the cycling world.