History & CultureHow it works

How a hook-and-loop fastener holds – copied from an annoying plant.

In 1941 Swiss engineer George de Mestral came home from hunting covered in burdock burrs. Under a microscope he saw tiny hooks catching in the loops of fur. He rebuilt it: one side of nylon hooks, one of soft loops. Thousands of hooks grip at once; each releases easily, but together they hold firm. Patented in 1955.

Useful: Many weak links that yield individually are together stronger than one rigid one.

Source: en.wikipedia.org

AlltagBionikErfindung

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