Mimosa

Modular Self-folding Hinges Kit for Creating Shape-changing Objects

Conference Paper (2024)
Author(s)

Q. Liu (TU Delft - Emerging Materials)

S Ghodrat (TU Delft - Emerging Materials)

K. M.B. Jansen (TU Delft - Emerging Materials)

Research Group
Emerging Materials
Copyright
© 2024 Q. Liu, S. Ghodrat, K.M.B. Jansen
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1145/3623509.3633381
More Info
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Publication Year
2024
Language
English
Copyright
© 2024 Q. Liu, S. Ghodrat, K.M.B. Jansen
Research Group
Emerging Materials
ISBN (electronic)
979-8-4007-0402-4
Reuse Rights

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Abstract

We developed a shape-changing constructive kit, named Mimosa1. A key component of the toolkit is the modular hinges, each of which is equipped with two antagonistic shape memory alloy (SMA) wires. One wire deforms the hinge to approach its predetermined angle at high temperature, and another wire drives the hinge back when it cools down. Hinge leaves are available in different materials including acrylic, cardboard and textile, which increases the versatility of the toolkit. Every hinge weighs 2.1-5.4 g, and generates up to 5.7 N actuation force. A Bluetooth control module was developed, enabling remote control of the shape-changing objects. Mimosa aims to inspire designers to explore and create interactive shape-morphing objects with SMAs. A few examples are given such as a gripper, a rolling robot, a butterfly, an airplane and a self-closing pocket. A workshop study with 6 participants showed that Mimosa indeed motivated and inspired the participants to create new ideas.