Buckminster
Fuller coined the term “Trim
Tab Factor” to describe the
leveraging effect of a small, precise
intervention to produce a powerful result.
The term aptly describes the work of a
TrimTab Artist or consultant.
When a
huge ocean liner is traveling at great
speed, its massive forward momentum creates
tremendous resistance to changing course.
Enormous effort is required to redirect
such a powerful driving force. By building
a tiny rudder into the trailing edge of
the main rudder, the ship becomes extremely
responsive to sudden demands to change
direction. It takes only a minuscule amount
of pressure to turn the small rudder,
which causes the big one to pivot, which
makes it easy to alter course. This is
called the “Trim Tab Factor.”
An aeronautical
trim tab is a fine-tuning control device
used to bring an airplane into balance
and maintain stabilized flight. Economies
of maximum fuel efficiency and reduced
structural stress are thus achieved.
Power
boat trim tabs elevate the stern, causing
a boat to plane. Used primarily on racing
boats to reduce drag, or friction, peak
performance cannot otherwise be obtained.
An excellent
example of a societal TrimTab in action
is “Joy Car.” Just by driving
around it spreads joy and happiness. A
reading of the “Mission Accomplished”
stories at www.JoyCar.org
explains.
