Abstract
As represented by Miura-ori, origami has inspired various types of deployable structures. Usually, these Origami structures are designed under the assumption of "rigid folding", which means each plane is undeformable and connected with ideal joints. The authors proposed a new strategy for designing deployable structures by using partially elastic origami models. These new origami structures take into account the elastic deformation. It enables us to estimate the elastic energy through folding and unfolding process and to design self-deploying origami structures. This paper presents the manufacturing methods for the deployable structures based on partially elastic origami. The challenge is summarized in two main problems: treating of plate thickness and designing for hinge parts. Firstly, the authors propose the method using commercially available hinges and make the sample of aluminum alloy plate. Secondly, by using 3D printer, some plastic samples are made and the representative one is shown. Finally, the deformations of elastic parts in these trial models are compared with a theoretical model.
