Bioanalogous Mechanical Joints for Authorized Disassembly

This paper describes bioanalogous, or biomimetic, lock-and-key mechanical joints that enable disassembly that is easy but only by those authorized. The problem is motivated by the increasing need for economical disassembly of products by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) while protecting high-value components from theft and third-party recyclers. The joints must be easy to disengage with the 'key' but difficult to disengage without it. They also must be easy to manufacture, assemble and provide sufficient stiffness. An analogous biological phenomenon involving enzyme-substrate interaction was used to inspire the development of a heat-reversible snap-locator joint system.