9 applications into the amazing science and technology of Origami

Origami is not only about folding paper, it is spreading its influence when more and more scientific applications are inspired by origami.

You went to an origami workshop - a Japanese art of paper folding. It is not surprising that the principles of origami are now widely used in life - from satellite design, robot self-deploying, retina . But paper folding is related to problems. deals on? Origami has formed and developed over the past centuries, involving folding figures such as animals or boxes. Japanese artist Akira Yoshizawa has been honored for the popularity of origami in the 20th century, creating guidelines that are used as a collaborative language between artists and scientists.

Since the 1960s and especially in the last few years, the harmony between origami, math, mechanics and other industries is growing rapidly. According to researcher Glaucio Paulino, the principle of origami can help create 3D objects from flat materials. Its application could be a nano microscope to the solar panels on satellites. Applying the origami principle can place large objects into small spaces and then return to the original size when needed. Here are some great apps inspired by origami:

Robots deploy themselves

Robot deployed from flat state.

The idea of ​​transformation robot is popular through Transformers character model. Now MIT and Harvard researchers have designed something similar: robots can deploy themselves. From flat materials, electronic devices are attached and connected by hinges, supporting temperature-based folding. Such robots can be used for remote automatic deployment, such as when placing satellites in space or construction in hazardous environments. Rescue cases are also very potential when robots can be brought in through a tight space and deployed when in contact with victims.

Mirrors and solar batteries in space

The principle of origami helps you get something small when taking off and expanding back in space - like mirrors used for the James Webb space telescope. The same idea applies to solar panels and many other devices. The way to do this is to use Miura, a folding model taken by the Japanese astronomer Koryo Miura. When a piece of paper is folded according to the Miura model, one only needs to lie on both ends and pull as the piece of paper is opened.

Equipment used in other spaces

Besides solar panels, there are other uses of origami in space. Mark Schenk, a British researcher, is building a box-shaped, box-shaped satellite. This column needs to quickly extend and retain that state - a challenge. His solution was deployed to use the origami principle, using a thin material that could be opened in 6 seconds. In the future, this type of deployment structure can be used for a variety of structures in space, such as connecting bars between solar panels or satellites.

Air bag

Robet Lang - a physicist and origami artist helped a German company develop software that simulates folding airbags and opened them.

Making an air bag is a difficult job, when required it can be opened in a very short time and becomes solid but not too hard. The best way to make this product is to inflate to create a polyhedron from a flat sheet with folds. Robet Lang, a physicist and origami artist helped a German company develop software that simulates folding airbags and opened them. At the same time his algorithm was used in computer emulator programs to improve products.

Cardiac catheter

According to Japanese tradition, if someone folds 1,000 and cranes, there is a wish - it can be used to save a life. In fact, the origami principle can save lives when applied through science. Oxford University researcher Zhong You and colleagues developed a cardiac catheter. Using such materials, the tube can be placed small enough to enter the patient's body and when it arrives, it can be inflated to open the artery.

Architecture

Neil Katz, an architect, thinks that inspired by origami is increasingly popular in architecture. It is used to make houses foldable, easy to assemble or adjust the level of light passing through a wall or window. Panels used to cover sunlight to reduce heat to the house and then open it when it is cool.

Nano device

DNA model.

Researchers have used the twisted properties of DNA to create microscopic objects, including boxes or "ships" that dispense drugs into the body or create micro robots. These devices can be used to collect data to diagnose the body.

Retinal implants

Cal Tech researcher Sergio Pellegrino is developing a retinal implant program inspired by origami. He said his product advantage is low cost, increasing the density of the signal transmission to the retina and elasticity to accommodate different retinal sizes.

Excellent artwork

As you would expect, the principle of origami is still used to make . origami. Tomohiro Tachi, a researcher at Tokyo University, created three-dimensional sculptures using the origami principle.

Tomohiro Tacho and his work.