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Origami Inspired Self-assembly of Patterned and Reconfigurable Particles
Published on: February 4, 2013
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A rigidly foldable and reconfigurable thick origami antenna
Shun Yao1, Constantinos L Zekios1, Stavros V Georgakopoulos1
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Florida International University, 10555 W. Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33174, USA.
Summary
A novel, rigidly foldable origami antenna offers robust, reconfigurable operation for extreme environments like space. Its design transforms a dipole to a conical spiral antenna, simplifying manufacturing and enabling satellite communications.
Area of Science:
- * Engineering
- * Electromagnetics
- * Materials Science
Background:
- * Traditional antennas often lack adaptability for diverse operational needs.
- * Extreme environments necessitate robust and reconfigurable communication systems.
- * Origami principles offer a unique approach to structural design and functionality.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To develop a rigidly foldable and reconfigurable origami antenna.
- * To enable spatial transformation between dipole and conical spiral antenna configurations.
- * To validate the design and performance for potential space applications.
Main Methods:
- * Utilized the origami flasher pattern for antenna reconfiguration.
- * Derived design equations for the origami conical spiral antenna (CSA).
- * Fabricated a prototype using standard FR4 printed circuit boards (PCBs).
Main Results:
- * Successfully demonstrated spatial transformation from a 0.48 GHz dipole to a 2.1–3.7 GHz CSA.
- * Simulated and measured antenna parameters showed excellent agreement.
- * The rigid structure ensures robust operation and reliable folding/unfolding actuation.
Conclusions:
- * The developed origami antenna is highly suitable for satellite communications due to its rigidity and reconfigurability.
- * Standard PCB manufacturing simplifies production, making the design practical.
- * This work highlights the potential of origami-inspired structures in advanced antenna applications.
