Flexible printed circuit boards (PCBs) make it possible for engineers to design devices that use space efficiently and can undergo changes in shape and configuration. However, they also suffer from tradeoffs due to nonideal material properties. Here, a method is presented that allows engineers to introduce regions of flexibility in otherwise rigid PCB substrates. This method employs geometric features to reduce local stiffness in the PCB, rather than reducing the global stiffness by material selection. Analytical and finite element models are presented to calculate the maximum stresses caused by deflection. An example device is produced and tested to verify the models.

This work introduces a type of motion termed “conceal-and-reveal” which is characterized by a state that protects a payload, a state that exposes the payload, and coupled motions between these two states. As techniques for thick, rigid origami-based engineering designs are being developed, origami is becoming increasingly more attractive as inspiration for complex systems. This paper proposes a process for designing origami-based conceal-and-reveal systems, which can be generalized to design similar thick, rigid origami-based systems. The process is demonstrated through the development of three conceal-and-reveal systems that present a luxury product to the consumer. The three designs also confirm that multiple origami crease patterns can be used to initiate viable approaches to achieving conceal-and-reveal motion.

Commercial computer aided design (CAD) tools are single user, thus only allowing one user to contribute to a CAD model at a time. The NSF Center for e-Design, BYU site is developing multi-user plug-ins for commercial CAD systems to extend their functionality to allow multiple users to simultaneously contribute to a collaborative design model. One central issue in developing and working in a multi-user CAD system is handling conflicts that occur between users. Semantic conflicts occur when multiple users perform operations which violate the design intent of the model, adding waste to the overall design process. Previous work has shown how automated feature reservation avoids conflicts which lead to data inconsistency, but does not discuss how this helps reduce semantic conflicts. This paper will discuss the development of a mathematical model and the results of experiments which suggest that automated feature reservation reduces semantic conflicts in multi-user CAD modeling.

As mechanisms with origami-like movement increase in popularity, there is a need for conducting electrical power across folds. This need could potentially be filled by the use of surrogate folds. Surrogate folds are a localized reduction in stiffness in a given direction allowing the material to function like a fold. Current methods for conducting across folds are reviewed along with current opportunities. A framework for designing conductive surrogate folds that can be adapted to fit specific applications is presented. Equations for calculating the resistance in single surrogate folds as well as arrays are given. Prototypes of several conductive joints are presented and discussed. The framework is then followed in the designing and manufacturing of a conductive origami-inspired mechanism.

This work introduces a type of motion termed “conceal-and-reveal” which is characterized by a state that protects a payload, a state that exposes the payload, and continuous motion between these two states. As techniques for thick, rigid origami-based engineering design are being developed, origami is becoming increasingly more attractive as inspiration for complex systems. This paper proposes a process for designing origami-based conceal-and-reveal systems, which can be generalized to design other thick, rigid origami-based systems. The process is demonstrated through the development of three conceal-and-reveal systems that present a luxury product to the consumer. The three designs also confirm that multiple origami crease patterns represent viable approaches to achieving conceal-and-reveal motion.