Reconfigurable Modular Chain: A Reversible Material for Folding Three-Dimensional Lattice Structures

Xu, Zhe; McCann, Connor M.; Dollar, Aaron M.

doi:10.1115/1.4035863

Cited by 6 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…Our prototype reconfigurable modular chain consists of 287 identical links and was fabricated with a method similar to the one reported in (58). The two nodes of each link were 3D-printed (uPrint, Stratasys Ltd.) from rigid thermoplastic (ABS-P430).…”

Section: Fabrication Of the Modular Chainmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The CLaP System: Chain-based Lattice Printing for Efficient Robotically-Assembled Structures

Xu,

Dollar

2023

Preprint

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Due to the nature of their implementation, nearly all low-level fabrication processes produce solidly filled structures. However, lattice structures are significantly stronger for the same amount of material, resulting in structures that are much lighter and more materially efficient. In this paper we propose an approach for fabricating lattice structures that echoes commercially successful additive manufacturing/3D printing techniques. In it, a modular chain of specially designed links is “extruded” onto a substrate to produce various lattice configurations depending on the chosen assembly algorithm, ranging from one of the strongest known rigid lattices, the octet-truss, to significantly less dense configurations. Like 3D printing, the process allows material to be compactly stored before being deployed into structures of nearly arbitrary geometry, but unlike it, the approach allows for the use of nearly any material or combination of materials. We demonstrate the concept experimentally with a nearly 300-link chain that is fed from a spool and autonomously laid down onto programmed lattice arrangements via a robotic arm modified for the task. In the current prototype implementation, ~300-link structures are fabricated in 27 minutes, and a 3x3x2 lattice structure (287 total links) is shown to support approximately 1000N in compression testing.

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Section: Fabrication Of the Modular Chainmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The basic building unit of our modular chain is a link that consists of two identical node connectors and one connecting rod (Fig. 2A) (58). The geometry of the node is a rhombic pyramid (Fig.…”

Section: Development Of the Modular Chainmentioning

confidence: 99%

The CLaP System: Chain-based Lattice Printing for Efficient Robotically-Assembled Structures

Xu,

Dollar

2023

Preprint

Self Cite

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“…Jenett et al 29 described a lattice morphing wing with high-performance aerodynamic characteristics that assembled with two types of small discrete elements made of CFRP. Xu et al 30 designed a modular chain-like structure composed of connector nodes and links, which demonstrated the possibility of approximating different reconfigurable structures through the self-assembly chain. A reversible assembly method, mechanical interlocking connection using identical mass-produced carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite parts has been proposed to fabricate lattice structure.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Compressive properties of reversibly assembled lattice structures

Zhao

Zhang

et al. 2020

Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites

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Lattice structures are competitive to fabricate sandwich structures for their excellent mechanical properties and large internal space volume. A non-planar cross-shaped part as a regular building block has been designed and manufactured using glass fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites. Identical cross-shaped parts can be assembled into 120-unit cell lattice structures by a mechanical interlocking method. The compressive properties of unit cell lattice structures assembled with different connections pins and sequences were investigated. Lattices with steel pins possess higher compressive modulus and strength than those with composites pins. The compressive moduli of unit cell structures are more sensitive to assembly sequence than that of multi-cell structures. When the structures change to multi-cell from unit-cell with the same assembly sequence, the compressive moduli significantly decrease. The connection between face sheets and core by the ultrasonic welding improves the compressive properties of the structures. The reversible disassembly and strong designability of lattice structures are helpful to satisfy multifunctional requirements, meanwhile realizing energy saving and emission reduction.

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Foldable chain-based transformation method of 3D models

Zhang,

Wang,

Zhang

et al. 2023

Complex Intell. Syst.

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A 3D transformable model can be transformed into different shapes through folding operations to suit different needs, such as a table or a chair in daily life. Furthermore, the features of foldable structure and flat components allow it to be folded into a smaller stack for compact storage when not in use. To this end, this study applies a new foldable modular chain structure and proposes a novel method of constructing 3D models into 3D shapes based on this structure and guiding the transformation between shapes. For the construction of the model, that is, to find a module chain path that constructs the model shape, the divide-and-conquer method is adopted. The model is first divided into multiple units, and then the search for the linearly connected module sub-path is executed for each unit. This involves three major steps: unit-based segmentation of the model, search for the unit tree structure that can form the target 3D shape, and search for the modular chain path based on the unit tree. The experimental cases demonstrate the application of the square modular chain in the fields of furniture and toys and prove the effectiveness of the method in constructing and transforming the foldable chain-type modular configurations of the input 3D models.

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Reconfigurable Modular Chain: A Reversible Material for Folding Three-Dimensional Lattice Structures

Cited by 6 publications

References 25 publications

The CLaP System: Chain-based Lattice Printing for Efficient Robotically-Assembled Structures

The CLaP System: Chain-based Lattice Printing for Efficient Robotically-Assembled Structures

Compressive properties of reversibly assembled lattice structures

Foldable chain-based transformation method of 3D models

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