Electro-Active Polymer Based Self-Folding Approach Devoted to Origami-Inspired Structures

Amine Benouhiba, Kanty Rabenorosoa, Patrick Rougeot, Morvan Ouisse, Nicolas Andreff
2018 Volume 1: Development and Characterization of Multifunctional Materials; Modeling, Simulation, and Control of Adaptive Systems; Integrated System Design and Implementation   unpublished
In the growing field of origami engineering, self-folding is of a high regard. The latter is regularly used by nature as an efficient approach for autonomous growing and reorganizing. In this work, we present a self-folding approach based on Electro-Active Polymer (EAP), especially Conductive Polymers (CP). This approach proposes lightweight, compact and energy efficient self-folding structures, as well as large angle and reversible folding. We study the behavior of a three-segment
more » ... re containing two passive segments made of paper, separated by an active segment made of CP. The folding motion of the structure was modeled and experimentally validated. Furthermore, as a proof of concept, a self-folding origami cube is presented.
doi:10.1115/smasis2018-8153 fatcat:2ojn5opw7nbwdl26cdu4izwtra