Design and model (virtually, with paper or 3D printed) the packaging of key mission components for size constrained spacecraft to minimize stowed volume, but maximize capabilities.
Explanation
We have worked on the Challenge Origami; Space Recycled. Our solution is called: Default Refold.
WHO.
Our team consists of e-textile designer Beam, and me - Jos - who used
to make a living as an house film producer. We had indispensible
long-distance technical support from Andy, who's a civil engineering
student from Brisbane, Australia. On top of the incredible reception
here in Noordwijk of course!
Now as to the WHAT: What immediately grabbed our attention when it comes to applying
origami-based designs, is that it has the potential of tool-less
assembly and reduction of transportation space.
We
started exploring the possibility of a pre-fab interior structure of
habitats for beautiful but inhospitable places with high harmful
radiation levels such as Mars. Infrastructural applications of the
compartmentalized spaces of the folding structure, include for instance a
heat exchanger.
In
our final brainstorm we discovered two main properties of folding: One
for static structures and one for dynamics. And with dynamics we mean
movement or transformation properties.
Folding
offers surprizing extras. In combination with elastic properties of the
material that we will end up choosing, you could apply the folding for
more than one purpose. As a demo we opted for shelter versus lifting.
This here is a hybrid folding showing both shelter and lifting.
Once
you're done with on-site folding and assembly, the highly enlarged
surface volume provides structural strength by redirecting applied
forces.
In
more hospitable places such as Earth pre-fabricated structures maintain
the possibility of creating highly personalized habitat designs and
surprizing interior light scapes. In this example we've achieved very
fast loss of symmetry by cutting only three holes in a random folding
pattern. (This example is triangle-based, but it works for more
rectangular spaces too.)
WHEN.
Our vision when it comes to a possible future is that pre-processed
standardized sheets of the materials can be brought along for a wide
range of unforeseen situations that require either dynamic or static
applications, or both.
WHY.
Our product has the advantages of: A simple production process of
prepared highly standardized modular elements, and yet it's extremely
versatile in its application, with a relatively low effort assembly.
And thereby - not without significance - it stimulates recycling.
Benefits of "COOL" Origami Folded Designs versus "BORING/ UDATED" regular construction ** (IN GENERAL)**
The
ability to save space on transit while delivering a large deployable
structure that can function statically and dynamically.
Statically, able to provide shelter which has the ability to expand to needs.
It offers a fast deployment method of a rigid structure , which may be helpful for tired travelling astronauts
Dynamically,
able to hold potential elastic energy when compressed in its high
energy state and able to release its energy upon deployment.
The energy storage, can be useful for lifting or can be applied to robotics
Folds are diverse and can be dual use or refolded for other needs if needed -Flexible Design
Can be aesthetically pleasing, giving a psychological boost, giving them a "home" feeling
Smaller
folds can be incorporated in small satellites to provide more room for
sensor equipment and better telecommunications. Or use as a heat
exchanger for 2 separate liquids.
