Slender Origami with Complex 3D Folding Shapes

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel origami-based method for shaping slender bodies into complex 3D forms using programmable Miura-ori folds, offering an accurate and single-actuation shape control solution.

Contribution

It presents a new origami design that enables easy, programmable transformation of slender bodies into complex 3D shapes, improving on traditional fabrication methods.

Findings

Demonstrated the ability to conform to complex spatial curves

Analyzed out-of-plane displacement characteristics

Provided examples of shape programmability

Abstract

One-dimensional slender bodies can be deformed or shaped into spatially complex curves relatively easily due to their inherent compliance. However, traditional methods of fabricating complex spatial shapes are cumbersome, prone to error accumulation and not amenable to elegant programmability. In this letter, we introduce a one-dimensional origami based on attaching Miura-ori that can fold into various programmed two or three-dimensional shapes. We study the out-of-plane displacement characteristics of this origami and demonstrate with examples, design of slender bodies that conform to programmed complex spatial curves. Our study provides a new, accurate, and single actuation solution of shape programmability.