A variable stiffness structure with single-side high rigidity and single-side bendable characteristics

By combining a flexible substrate with a double-sided differential stiffness array structure and filling blocks and protrusions, the efficient switching between flexible bending and high stiffness load-bearing of the deployable structure is achieved, solving the problems of complex switching mechanisms and poor local stability in the existing technology, and adapting to the needs of unilateral flexible bending and unilateral high strength load-bearing.

CN122359412APending Publication Date: 2026-07-10TIANJIN UNIV
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
TIANJIN UNIV
Filing Date
2026-05-21
Publication Date
2026-07-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing deployable structures are difficult to flexibly bend in the collapsed state and provide high stiffness in the deployed state. Furthermore, the switching mechanism is complex, has low reliability, and poor local stability, making it difficult to meet the requirements of unilateral flexible bending and unilateral high-strength load-bearing.

Method used

The structure employs a double-sided array structure with varying stiffness. By combining a flexible substrate, protrusions, and filler blocks, the stiffness of the structure is switched using an interference fit. One side of the flexible substrate is a flexible base that can be bent, while the other side forms a high-rigidity plane through the interlocking of filler blocks and protrusions.

Benefits of technology

It enables efficient switching between flexible bending and high-stiffness load-bearing, improves reliability and local stability in extreme environments, adapts to complex curved surfaces, simplifies the switching mechanism, and reduces system mass and energy consumption.

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Abstract

This invention discloses a variable stiffness structure with high stiffness and bendability on one side, comprising a flexible substrate, protrusions on one side of the flexible substrate, and filler blocks into which the protrusions can be embedded. The protrusions are arranged in a periodic array, with gaps between adjacent protrusions matching the size of the filler blocks. The filler blocks engage with the gaps via sliding joints, and the switching of the stiffness on both sides of the structure is achieved by inserting and removing the filler blocks. An array expansion mechanism can increase the number of filler block arrays along corresponding directions to achieve large-area / large-scale array splicing of the structure. In the fully embedded state, an interference fit structure relatively locks the positions of the filler blocks and the substrate protrusions, fixing one side of the structure in a high-stiffness stable state. This invention has a reasonable structure, reliable switching, high stiffness on one side and low stiffness on the other, a large load-bearing area, and can adapt to various topological configurations such as squares, triangles, and circles.
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