Quasi-static behavior of a pair of serially-connected Kresling Origami springs

Abstract

Many of the patterns seen in Origami are currently being explored as a platform for building functional engineering systems with versatile characteristics that cater to niche applications in various technological fields. One such pattern is the Kresling pattern, which can be used to construct mechanical springs with unconventional properties and rich translational-rotational restoring behavior. In this paper, we investigate, both theoretically and experimentally, the quasi-static behavior of a pair of serially-connected Kresling Origami springs under different end loading conditions. We show that, depending on the end loading of the spring, it can exhibit coupled/ decoupled motion; one, two, or three equilibria; fixed, quasi-zero, or variable stiffness; and symmetric/asymmetric restoring behavior. We also present a technique to predict the restoring behavior of the serially-connected springs by combining a simple truss model with the experimentally-identified restoring behavior of a single unit. The technique permits accurate prediction of the deformation path of any number of serially-connected springs. We believe that serially connected Kresling Origami Springs offer a pathway towards the design of axial and torsional springs with unique and versatile functionalities.