A modular approach to adaptive structures

TL;DR

This paper introduces a modular algorithm for designing adaptive cellular structures inspired by plants, enabling efficient shape adaptation with enhanced properties through cytoskeleton integration.

Contribution

It presents a novel modular algorithm for decomposing target shapes into standardized adaptive modules, extending previous pressure-actuated cellular structure concepts.

Findings

Algorithm effectively breaks down complex shapes into modules.

Cytoskeletons improve adaptive module performance.

Demonstrations include adaptive seats and aircraft edges.

Abstract

A remarkable property of nastic, shape changing plants is their complete fusion between actuators and structure. This is achieved by combining a large number of cells whose geometry, internal pressures and material properties are optimized for a given set of target shapes and stiffness requirements. An advantage of such a fusion is that cell walls are prestressed by cell pressures which increases, decreases the overall structural stiffness, weight. Inspired by the nastic movement of plants, Pagitz et al. 2012 Bioinspir. Biomim. 7 published a novel concept for pressure actuated cellular structures. This article extends previous work by introducing a modular approach to adaptive structures. An algorithm that breaks down any continuous target shapes into a small number of standardized modules is presented. Furthermore it is shown how cytoskeletons within each cell enhance the properties of adaptive modules. An adaptive passenger seat and an aircrafts leading, trailing edge is used to demonstrate the potential of a modular approach.