Tensile self-locking behavior of reconfigurable origami structure

Reconfigurable origami structures can adjust their mechanical performance by altering their geometric configuration. In this study, a origami structure composed of non-Euclidean vertex was designed and fabricated using planar cutting and assembly, with geometric analysis confirming its excellent reconfigurability. Tensile tests were then performed to evaluate the tensile self-locking behavior under different Z-direction and Y-direction unit layers and configurations. The test results revealed that the mechanical performance of the structure was closely related to the number of Z-direction and Y-direction unit layers, the reconfiguration state, the tensile layer, and the compression degree of the model. Increasing the Z-direction and Y-direction unit layers enhanced the tensile mechanical response, while configuration adjustments facilitated a transition from a non-self-locking to a self-locking state. These changes in unit layers and configuration resulted in up to 90 times variation in tensile performance. The structure displayed distinct mechanical properties in the Z-direction and Y-direction tensile layers. The Z-direction layers showed symmetric behavior due to geometric symmetry, while the Y-direction layers exhibited variations in performance due to asymmetry along the XOZ plane. Furthermore, the degree of compression significantly impacted self-locking performance, with smaller Z-direction heights enhancing the self-locking effect for the same configuration during tensile testing. The superior reconfigurability of the structure, along with the mechanical performance changes resulting from geometric adjustments, can potentially be applied in the future to robotic arms, soft robots, adaptive building skins, and as deformable materials for impact resistance.