Design of a Bistable Origami Reverse-Fold Using Spherical Kinematics

Abstract

This paper presents a new design concept for bistability that can be implemented as a reverse-fold origami mechanism or as a spherical four-bar mechanism. The design is based on the conceptual overlap between a certain simple class of origami mechanisms (the reverse-fold) and a class of spherical change-point mechanisms. Using both a partially compliant spherical mechanism and a piece of origami made with two sheets of paper, we implement the design concept for bistable behavior. The design concept consists in adapting planar two position synthesis to spherical mechanisms and in using a formal analogy between spherical mechanisms and certain simple origami folds. The dimensional synthesis of these two mechanisms is performed using parametric CAD. The design concept was successfully prototyped both as origami and as a partially compliant spherical mechanism.