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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
07:53
Cutting Procedures, Tensile Testing, and Ageing of Flexible Unidirectional Composite Laminates
Published on: April 27, 2019
Collapsible scissored surfaces
Noah Toyonaga1, Seri Nishimoto2, Colter J Decker3
1Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138.
Summary
Researchers developed a new method to design transformable pantograph lattices. These structures unfold from 1D to 2D surfaces, enabling novel applications through automated 3D printing.
Area of Science:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Computational Design
Background:
- Transformable structures offer unique mechanical properties.
- Existing designs often lack scalability and design flexibility.
- Pantograph mechanisms provide a basis for deployable structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce an additive design approach for pantograph lattices.
- To demonstrate the unfolding capabilities of these lattices into 2D surfaces.
- To develop an automated fabrication method for complex pantograph structures.
Main Methods:
- An additive design approach using two-bar linkages (scissor mechanisms).
- An algorithm for growing pantograph structures to explore design space.
- Computational design and physical assembly of example lattices.
- Streamlined automated fabrication using multimaterial 3D printing.
Main Results:
- Pantograph lattices can transition from 1D collapsed states to 2D surfaces.
- The developed algorithm enables exploration of diverse pantograph lattice designs.
- Successfully designed and assembled complex pantograph structures.
- Demonstrated efficient automated fabrication via 3D printing.
Conclusions:
- The additive approach facilitates the design of versatile transformable pantograph lattices.
- Automated fabrication enables rapid prototyping and realization of complex deployable structures.
- This work opens avenues for novel applications in adaptive architecture and robotics.
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