In this paper, Wayne presents a three dimensional structure composed of multiple layers of origami sheets connected strategically to allow for compact folding and reconfiguration. The key contributions include:
- The development of a design framework for these structures based on only a few parameters.
- The modeling and analysis of the foldability and stiffness of these multi-layered systems, exploring how different configurations and link orientations affect folding paths, stiffness, and packing ratios. The results provide insights for optimizing flat foldability and self-locking behavior in origami structures.
- The structure’s reconfigurable nature, which gives it increased functionality as an acoustic cloak or heat shield. These examples demonstrate the potential of these structures in areas requiring compact storage, rapid deployment, and varied functionality.
Impact Quote:
“The proposed modeling approach enables effective design and analysis of structures where multiple thin sheets are separately spaced and sparsely connected rather than bonded by continuous internal material. The multi-layered spaced origami has broad applications in multi-physical engineering scenarios such as architectural acoustics, space structures, and energy harvesting.”