Precisely manipulated origami for consecutive frequency reconfigurable antennas

Abstract

Shape and function reconfigurable materials and structures are widely explored for their unique merits. Since wireless communication devices are critical in cutting-edge communication systems, multi-function antennas with reconfigurable capability are highly pursued to meet the requirements of operating under different situations. To address critical problems in the currently explored reconfigurable origami antenna, including antenna durability, performance and structure stability, inaccurate manipulation, insufficient tunable bandwidths, here a novel type of frequency reconfigurable origami antenna is developed coupled with a precisely manipulatable mechanism, followed by manipulation with shape memory alloy springs. By integrating the dipole antenna components, the as-manufactured origami antennas are expected to present continuous frequency reconfiguration capability in the frequency range of 0.95–1.6 GHz, implying a relative broadened tunable operating frequency of 75%. According to the simulated and experimental results, combination of origami antenna design, precise manipulation technology and multi-material 3D printing collectively promises a simple and rapid strategy for achieving advanced continuous frequency reconfigurable antennas, which hold more durable and stable ability in both antenna structures and operating performance.