With laser cutting technology and the assembly of uniformly thick triangular panels, the engineering team has created load-bearing structures.
The origami structure can be compacted and is made from load-bearing fiber panels. (Video: Michigan Engineering)
Engineers Evgueni T. Filipov and Yi Zhu at the University of Michigan, USA, have developed a modular origami structure that can be compacted using load-bearing wood fiber panels with high applicability, as reported by Design Boom on March 20. This structure can be used as a bridge, to build habitats on the Moon, serve as emergency shelters, walls, floors, columns, and more.
The engineering team utilized a laser cutter to shape medium-density fiber panels. They then assembled each individual panel using aluminum hinges and locks. These two components transform the fiber panels into a origami structure (the Japanese art of paper folding). The triangular panels are not dependent on orientation and can be installed in any necessary direction. They feature symmetrical connection holes on both sides.
Yi Zhu stated that to construct common structures like bridges and bus stations using origami, mathematical tools are needed to directly assess thickness during the initial design phase. Subsequently, the research team discovered that uniformity in the origami structure is key for the fiber panels to bear loads. “If thickness is added here and a different thickness there, it will become misaligned. When load is applied to these parts, warping begins to occur,” explained Evgueni T. Filipov.
The engineering team uses a laser cutter to shape the medium-density fiber panels.
Engineer Evgueni T. Filipov noted that many current origami systems lack uniformity in thickness. “Once that is achieved, combined with appropriate locking devices, the applied weight can be distributed evenly throughout the structure,” he stated. In their new research, the engineering team demonstrated how they transformed load-bearing fiber panels into a 4-meter long pedestrian bridge, a 2-meter high bus station, and a 4-meter tall column.
Origami fiber panel construction technology could facilitate the rapid reconstruction of facilities and systems damaged or destroyed in natural disasters. Additionally, this technology could be deployed in areas previously considered impractical, such as outer space or the Moon, or applied to projects that require quick assembly and disassembly, like concert stages or events.
