Inverse Origami Crease Patterns for Rapid Soft Robot Development

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing origami design techniques for soft robots are complex and labor-intensive, requiring manual iterative modifications to achieve desired 3D structures, hindering mass production and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An inverse origami design model that automatically generates flat crease patterns based on desired folded shapes using parameters such as vector lengths, angles, and scalar dimensions, allowing for the generation of 3D foldable structures from 2D graphics, facilitated by a system comprising parameter extraction, pattern generation, and fabrication components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual iterative modifications are used to design origami structures, then design flexibility and customization are improved, but design complexity and labor intensity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoiddesign complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional design approach by using inverse origami mathematics to automatically generate crease patterns from desired 3D shapes, rather than manually folding 2D sheets to achieve 3D structures. This inversion resolves the contradiction by eliminating manual iterative modifications while maintaining design flexibility through parametric control of the inverse design equations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual folding process with a mathematical computation system that solves inverse origami equations. This substitution eliminates the need for labor-intensive iterative modifications while preserving design adaptability through programmable parameters, directly resolving the contradiction between design flexibility and design complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual iterative modifications are used to design origami structures, then design precision can be achieved, but manufacturing efficiency and productivity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary computational action by pre-solving the inverse origami equations to generate accurate crease patterns before manufacturing. This preliminary mathematical computation ensures design precision is achieved automatically, eliminating the need for manual iterative modifications and significantly improving manufacturing efficiency and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes manual iterative design processes with automated mathematical computation that rapidly generates precise crease patterns. This replacement maintains high design precision through exact mathematical solutions while dramatically improving productivity by eliminating time-consuming manual iterations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex manual design processes are used, then custom 3D structures can be created, but mass production capability is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidmass production capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the design-manufacturing workflow by using inverse mathematics to directly compute crease patterns from target 3D shapes. This inversion enables mass production capability by automating the design process, while customization is maintained through parametric inputs that can be easily modified without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables mass production of custom structures by using parametric equations where design parameters can be changed programmatically. This allows different 3D shapes to be generated by simply modifying input parameters rather than performing manual redesign, simultaneously achieving customization and mass production capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12539661B2Inverse origami design for soft robotic development

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 CITY UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG

AI summary

Inverse origami design for soft robotic development is described herein. A method as described herein can include determining, by a system comprising a processor, shape parameters corresponding to an input shape; generating, by the system based on the shape parameters, an origami crease pattern representative of the input shape, wherein the origami crease pattern comprises respective origami cell units, and wherein the origami crease pattern is defined by a group of vector size parameters corresponding to relative fold lengths associated with the respective origami cell units, a vector angle parameter corresponding to fold angles associated with the respective origami cell units, and a scalar cell height parameter; and imprinting, by the system, the origami crease pattern onto a tangible medium.