Origami-Based Deployable Arrays for Rigid Materials Skip to main content

Origami-Based Deployable Arrays for Rigid Materials ID: 2013-081

An innovative deployment system inspired by origami to efficiently transition thick, rigid materials from compact to deployed states.

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Technology Overview

This technology utilizes origami principles to fold thick, rigid materials into compact forms that can then be expanded into large flat structures, such as solar arrays. It addresses the challenge of folding thick materials by allowing panels to flex or by using a flexible membrane with gaps, ensuring a high stowed-to-deployed diameter ratio.


Key Advantages

  • Highly efficient use of space with significant stowed-to-deployed diameter ratio
  • Accommodates the thickness of materials, enabling the use of rigid panels
  • Innovative use of origami principles for practical engineering applications
  • Detailed mathematical model ensures precise deployment
  • Tested through prototypes, demonstrating feasibility

Problems Addressed

  • Challenges of folding thick, rigid materials for deployment in constrained spaces
  • Lack of efficient deployment systems for large-scale applications, such as solar arrays in space

Market Applications

  • Solar arrays for satellites and space missions
  • Portable solar arrays for military use and camping
  • Deployable structures in aerospace and defense industries

Additional Information

Technology ID: 2013-081
Sell Sheet: Download the Sell Sheet here
Market Analysis: Contact us for a more in-depth market report
Date Published: 13 May, 2025

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