Optimization of Origami-Based Tubes for Lightweight Deployable Structures

Tubular origami may provide both the needed deployment displacement and sufficient strength to be useful as deployable structures. This paper reviews origami tube-based deployable mechanisms and a structural optimization of FEA models is performed. Symmetric and non-symmetric 4-sided tubes are evaluated. Panel geometries and thicknesses are varied to produce rigidly foldable origami-tube-based mechanisms that are both strong and lightweight. The mechanical properties of these tubes over various deployment lengths are discussed. Three different configurations of this mechanism are compared and the advantages of each are discussed.