MIE.25 – Design Reasoning and Evolution for Advanced Manufacturing Lab (DREAM Lab) – 3D Printed Structures

• Bolaji Afolayan
• Aseel Alrafati
• Elly Haljiti
• Sandzhar Primbetov

The purpose of this project was to incorporate the unique aspects of traditional Japanese art of Origami and Kirigami into 3D-printed structures that enable new approaches to solving technical problems. The Design Reasoning and Evolution for Advanced Manufacturing Lab (DREAM Lab) thrusts research into the area of design, robotics and manufacturing. The DREAM Lab requested we develop a product, with novel mechanical properties, that incorporate these traditional techniques. As a solution to the task, the team developed ideas that could benefit society and provide an innovative way of improving existing designs and manufacturing techniques. After careful consideration, the team decided to pursue a satellite design that would incorporate some Origami and Kirigami techniques. Besides the satellite design, the team proposed different ideas, including a foldable 3D-printed bag that would allow for a quick and compact utilization. The team evaluated various design ideas for a satellite prototype, and implemented a decision matrix in order to decide on the best design to pursue. The key criteria that were considered were the application of Origami and Kirigami properties, area when unfolded, compactness, number of folds, number of solar panels, and size and geometric mean. Hence, the best overall design with the highest score among the established criteria was chosen. The final design successfully utilized Origami and Kirigami properties by taking advantage of folds and cuts, as well as providing adequate functionality.