Multistable Shape-Shifting Surfaces

Abstract

This paper presents designs for Multistable Shape-Shifting Surfaces (MSSS) by introducing bistability into the Shape-Shifting Surface (SSS). SSSs are defined as surfaces that retain their effectiveness as a physical barrier while undergoing changes in shape. The addition of bistability to the SSS gives the surface multiple distinct positions in which it remains when shifted to, i.e. by designing bistability into a single SSS link, the SSS unit cell can change into multiple shapes, and stabilize within the resulting shape, while maintaining integrity against various forms of external assaults normal to its surface. Planar stable configurations of the unit cell include, expanded, compressed, sheared, half-compressed, and partially-compressed, resulting in the planar shapes of a large square, small square, rhombus, rectangle, and trapezoid respectively. Tiling methods were introduced which gave the ability to produce out-of-plane assemblies using planar MSSS unit cells. Applications for MSSSs include size-changing vehicle beds, expandable laptop screens, deformable walls, and volume-changing rigid-storage containers. Analysis of the MSSS was done using Pseudo-rigid-Body Models (PRBMs) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) which ensured bistable characteristics before prototypes were fabricated.

Multiresponse Optimization of Linkage Parameters of a Compliant Mechanism Using Hybrid Genetic Algorithm‐Based Swarm Intelligence

“…BCM aims to operate as a deployable unit cell, requiring one degree of freedom (i.e., one actuation input), and occurs within multiple applications such as developing structures, self-closing, gates, and switches [1,2]. Such unit cells can be tessellated and arranged to execute shape-morphing systems in an organized pattern [3,4] for morphing structures, increasing the ability to morph the unit cell surface profile when actuated, deploying space antennas, and aircraft wing flaps [5][6][7]. Should such designs be produced at microscale levels, they could be deployed within relays and medical grips [8].…”