Adjustable, radii-controlled embedded lamina (RadiCEL) hinges for folding of thick origami-adapted systems

Abstract

This work presents a method for creating hinge-like motion for origami-adapted mechanisms using internal membranes attached between rigid panels. The goal is to remove adhesive requirements, preserve panel volume for use as hard stops, and reduce parasitic motion experienced by other membrane joint types, while keeping the stress in the membrane below the stress limits. Two configurations are presented. The first is the general case called the radii-controlled embedded lamina (RadiCEL) hinge. The second is a special case and is referred to as the Radii-Controlled Regionally Sandwiched Compliant Sheets (RC-ReCS). These two configurations are described for a planar, single-folding mechanism with a description of ways in which the adjustability can be utilized to benefit various design requirements. A comparison between methods is presented, focusing on the axial parasitic motion of each configuration. Each configuration is applied to a degree-4 origami vertex, with a discussion of the benefits of each and a multi-vertex pattern is also presented. Finally, the RadiCEL hinge is presented as the hinge used in a foldable metasurface antenna.