Multitransformable Leaf-Out Origami With Bistable Behavior

Abstract

We study the kinematics of leaf-out origami and explore its potential usage as multitransformable structures without the necessity of deforming the origami's facets or modifying its crease patterns. Specifically, by changing folding/unfolding schemes, we obtain various geometrical configurations of the leaf-out origami based on the same structure. We model the folding/unfolding motions of the leaf-out origami by introducing linear torsion springs along the crease lines, and we calculate the potential energy during the shape transformation. As a result, we find that the leaf-out structure exhibits distinctive values of potential energy depending on its folded stage, and it can take multiple paths of potential energy during the transformation process. We also observe that the leaf-out structure can show bistability, enabling negative stiffness and snap-through mechanisms. These unique features can be exploited to use the leaf-out origami for engineering applications, such as space structures and architectures.