Multitransformable Leaf Out Origami With Bistable Behavior

Abstract

We study the kinematics of leafout origami and explore its potential usage as multitransformable structures without the necessity of deforming the origami's facets or modifying its crease patterns. Specifically, by changing folding/unfolding schemes, we obtain various geometrical configurations of the leafout origami based on the same structure. We model the folding/unfolding motions of the leafout origami by introducing linear torsion springs along the crease lines, and we calculate the potential energy during the shape transformation. As a result, we find that the leafout structure exhibits distinctive values of potential energy depending on its folded stage, and it can take multiple paths of potential energy during the transformation process. We also observe that the leafout structure can show bistability, enabling negative stiffness and snapthrough mechanisms. These unique features can be exploited to use the leafout origami for engineering applications, such as space structures and architectures.