Lightweight and Low-Cost Deployable Origami Antennas—A Review

Abstract

The art of paper folding also known as Origami plays an important role in various research areas of different scientific fields. Origami structures possess many useful characteristics such as reconfigurability, flexibility, deployability, compactness, and multi-functionality. These attributes are inevitable for modern communication systems. Additionally, they provide antenna engineers an extra degree of freedom while blueprinting next-generation designs. One of the desirable features of origami is its folding capability. Using this property, it can be transformed into a two-Dimensional (2D) sheet from a three-Dimensional (3D) structure and vice versa through external stimulus. In recent years, researchers have proposed numerous smart materials to optimize folding behavior. These smart materials extend the functionality of origami technology for designing self-folding structures required in space systems, small scale devices, and self-assembly systems. Origami structures feature many useful characteristics pertinent to modern day design challenges of communication systems such as reconfiguration, flexibility, compactness, and multifunctionality. In this work, a state of the art review is presented on conceptualization, design challenges, and fabrication of light-weight and low-cost deployable origami antennas. Furthermore, to provide critical insights deployment challenges and possible solutions are also provided. It is believed that this work will not only help peers to understand the basic working principles of different origami structures but will also lay the foundation for future research in the evolving field of origami-based antennas. Moreover, the design methodology proposed in this paper will also provide pragmatic solutions for origami antennas suitable for the harsh and rigid environments.

Charge‐Programmable Photopolymers for 3D Electronics via Additive Manufacturing

“…In contrast, conventional deployable antennas save volume or area via paper folding or origami with one layer of simple patterns which is insufficient to realize phase compensation to focus electromagnetic beams. [ 40 ] Unfolding those antennas required a specific mechanism to flatten the patterns on the thin film substrates where minimal dislocation is inevitable. They typically only function as directional antennas for communication and CubeSat applications below 5 GHz.…”

Soft Exoskeleton Mimics Human Cough for Assisting the Expectoration Capability of SCI Patients

“…The geometric parameters of soft Yoshimura origami (Y-ori) are shown in Note S3 and refer Fig. S2 for details [48], [49]. The soft origami can be unfolded and stretched, achieving dual-mode morphing similar to the actuator made by Woongbae [50].…”

Shape-Morphing Antenna Array by 4D-Printed Multimaterial Miura Origami

“…Moreover, it is especially suitable for military applications because it is compact and transportable. 33 However, paper is fragile, vulnerable to moisture, and unstable for repetitive use. Polypropylene (PP), Kapton, and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) films are alternatives to paper in terms of rigidity and stability.…”

“…Conventional origami-inspired RF electronics utilize foldable materials as the substrate, with paper being a popular material as it is thin, lightweight, inexpensive, and eco-friendly. Moreover, it is especially suitable for military applications because it is compact and transportable . However, paper is fragile, vulnerable to moisture, and unstable for repetitive use.…”

“…There has been extensive research into 4D-printed origami structures recently, − although only a few studies have addressed 4D-printed origami RF electronics . However, in refs , , , and , the conductor parts of the RF electronics consisted of copper foil. This requires the copper foil to be shaped into the desired form and precisely attached to the location, which can be challenging, especially on large surfaces.…”