Origami-Based Design
Self Deploying Origami
The ReCS technique (regionally-sandwiching of compliant sheets) is a method to create thick origami that can self-deploy from a folded state to a planar state. The technique consists of rigid panels attached to the top and bottom of a flexible sheet.
Origami Bellows for Mars 2020 Rover
Origami-based bellows are designed to be highly compressible and capable of withstanding the extreme environments found on the surface of Mars. These bellows can reach over 100,000 cycles without failure and have been tested under expected thermal, ablation, and ultraviolet conditions.
Origami-based Endoscope Support
This origami-based support device prevents buckling of catheters and endoscopes while ex vivo during robotic surgery. The device is created from a single sheet of PET that can be stamped to size, providing an inexpensive alternative to traditional pantograph-based support systems.
Origami Bellows for Asteroid Redirect Mission
Bellows designed for asteroid-drilling are required to operate at -150 degrees celsius and contain loose conglomerate. These bellows are fabricated from polyvinyl fluoride and Kevlar, maintain rotational capabilities, and offer significant weight and compression advantages over traditional metal bellows.