Creating Linkage Permutations to Prevent Self-Intersection and Enable Deployable Networks of Thick-Origami

Sci Rep. 2018 Aug 28;8(1):12936. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-31180-4.

Abstract

Origami concepts show promise for creating complex deployable systems. However, translating origami to thick (non-paper) materials introduces challenges, including that thick panels do not flex to facilitate folding and the chances for self-intersection of components increase. This work introduces methods for creating permutations of linkage-based, origami-inspired mechanisms that retain desired kinematics but avoid self-intersection and enable their connection into deployable networks. Methods for reconfiguring overconstrained linkages and implementing them as modified origami-inspired mechanisms are proved and demonstrated for multiple linkage examples. Equations are derived describing the folding behavior of these implementations. An approach for designing networks of linkage-based origami vertices is demonstrated and applications for tessellations are described. The results offer the opportunity to exploit origami principles to create deployable systems not previously feasible.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.