Test the Strength of Your Origami Bridge
To test the strength of your origami bridge, you can insert objects that are lighter than the paper you are using. Pencils or wooden toothpicks work well. Small coins and paper clips can also be used. You can also fold a sheet of copy paper three times in one direction and once more in the opposite direction.
Miura fold
The Miura fold is an advanced flat folding technique. It reduces the size of a sheet of paper by using repeating parallelograms. This fold is also known as the concertina fold or accordion fold. A protractor is useful in measuring the angles at each vertex.
The Miura fold was named after Koryo Miura, a Japanese astrophysicist. It has been used for solar satellites and other aerospace applications. Researchers have used the fold to make structures with unique aerodynamic properties.
Pleated paper
The Miura-ori pattern is the most common origami design. However, other patterns could also be used. Research should focus on developing a systematic method of pattern selection and investigating the mechanical properties of new materials. In addition, new methods of manufacturing origami-based cores should be investigated. Such cores would have unique mechanical properties that are adapted to different structures.
The first step is to fold the paper so that it resembles a pair of “M” shapes. Then, lay the folded paper over the books, placing equal parts of the paper on each one. For the best result, make the books close enough to allow the paper to cover both supports. Unlike flat paper bridges, a pleated paper bridge can withstand much more weight. The pleats on the folded paper distribute the weight of objects onto the foundation.
Accordion fold
The Accordion fold origami bridge is a simple, flexible structure that can be used for bridges or as a decorative piece. To build this structure, you will need a sheet of paper measuring six by twenty-four inches. The first step is to fold the paper into 16 equal pieces. You will need to fold the first and second triangles in the middle of the paper, then fold the remaining two triangles in the back and front. Then, you will need to carefully unfold the whole thing and gently stretch it out. The result should look something like the picture above.
The Accordion fold origami bridge is a perfect example of a temporary bridge. Instead of using a heavy steel structure, the Mobilebridge is lightweight, strong and reusable. This means that it can be transported to a disaster site in less than an hour.
Pleated paper bridge
Making a pleated paper origami bridge is an excellent STEM project for kids of all ages. The project focuses on building a bridge from household items and testing its strength to determine which design is the most sturdy. STEM activities are a great way to help kids develop an appreciation of structure and how they fit together.
A pleated paper bridge’s strength can be measured by placing a lighter object across the center of it. For this, a pencil, wooden toothpick, or small coin are ideal. Paper clips also work well. Another method is to fold a piece of copy paper three times, once in the direction shown, and then fold it in half again in the same direction to test its strength.
Microgarden
A Microgarden is a small, folding greenhouse designed for indoor farming. It’s a versatile, affordable way to grow edible microgreens. The micro-greens in the Microgarden grow partly in the dark. The water-saving microgarden contains a thin layer of seaweed-based gel and can be folded into many shapes. The same folding technology can be applied to robotics, where the spokes of a wheel can be folded and unrolled on the fly. The resulting alterations in diameter can increase the speed of a robot’s movement, while also increasing the torque.
Future applications
Future applications of origami bridges may include bridges that are self-actuating, kinetic facades in architecture, biomedical devices, and robotics. Because of their scalability, origami-based designs are flexible and can be customized to specific mechanical properties and tasks. This capability is particularly useful in designing novel metamaterials and fold-core structures.
Origami-based design systems also feature programmability, or the ability to change shape. Origami-based systems can be folded into a variety of shapes, and can even be manipulated by heat, water, or electrical current. These properties could make the structures versatile and useful in different applications, including post-disaster shelters and bridges.