Actuation of Adaptive Origami Structural Systems

Current infrastructure is designed to simultaneously comply with all possible loads and this leads to inefficiency in terms of energy and cost. Emerging computational methods for structural control have enabled practical applications of adaptation such as for shape control for civil engineering structures.
Lightweight and modular structures, such as origami structural systems, are ideal candidates for adaptive control [1]. Adaptivity requires a diversity of movement through actuation to satisfy performance criteria [2]. Origami structures, such as those with a Miura-Ori fold pattern, have one principle direction of kinematic freedom where rigid foldability holds true. However rigid foldability is not applicable for motions such as twisting, curling, and bending that require origami panels to bend [3-4].
The goal of this work is to develop an actuator location algorithm with local and global shape-changes for an adaptive origami system. Test structures include four-module Miura-Ori structures in sheet and beam configurations that are constructed of heavy cardstock. Actuation is achieved through lengthening and shortening of cables attached to crease vertices of the Miura-Ori structures.
Optimal actuator locations are evaluated based on the performance of roof and floor structural systems that undergo local and global shape-changes. Load cases discussed in this work include static loads and moving point loads. Displacement values caused by the load cases are measured at crease vertices and are compared with simulation results. A statistical diagnostic tool is useful for actuator optimization to compare measured with simulated shape-changes of modular adaptive origami structures.
This interdisciplinary work on adaptive origami structural systems addresses a challenge with practical applications in structural engineering by drawing from the fields of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and architecture. Impact of this work on the engineering field is two-fold: building a feasible large-scale origami structural system and generalizing active control systems for implementation in the construction industry.

References
[1] Sychterz, A.C., Smith, I.F.C. (2019). Damage Mitigation of Near-Full-Scale Deployable Tensegrity Structure through Behavior Biomimetics, Journal of Structural Engineering, 146 (1), 1-13.
[2] Reksowardojo, A. P., Senatore, G., & Smith, I. F. C. (2019). Experimental Testing of a Small-Scale Truss Beam That Adapts to Loads Through Large Shape Changes, Frontiers in Built Environment, (5) 93, 1-16.
[3] Grey, S., Scarpa, F., & Schenk, M. (2018). Local Actuation of Tubular Origami. In Origami: Proceedings of the 7th International Meeting on Origami in Science, Mathematics and Education (7OSME).
[4] Sessions, Deanna, Ruff, Joshua, Fuchi, Kazuko, Cook, Alexander, S. Gillman, Andrew, Pankonien, Alexander, Buskohl, Philip, and Huff, Gregory. (2018). Coupled Structure-Electromagnetic Analysis of Embedded Electromagnetic Devices on Origami-inspired Adaptive Structures., Antenna Applications Symposium, Allerton, IL