Thick Rigidly Foldable Origami Mechanisms Based on Synchronized Offset Rolling Contact Elements

We present a general technique for achieving kinematic single-degree-of-freedom origami-based mechanisms with thick rigid panels using synchronized offset rolling contact elements. We present general design analysis for planar and 3D relative motions between panels and show physically realized examples. The technique overcomes many of the limitations of previous approaches for thick rigidly foldable mechanisms.Copyright © 2016 by ASME