DEVELOPMENT AND KINEMATIC ANALYSIS OF ORIGAMI
INSPIRED RETRACTABLE ROOF STRUCTURES
Jinyu Lu, Jiangjun Hou, Ding Lu (2024)
1. AIM
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To design and analyze three novel retractable roof structures inspired by origami geometry
(Miura-ori and its variants), and to investigate their kinematic coordination, structural
feasibility, and potential in architectural and civil engineering applications.
2. NOVELTY
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Introduces three innovative retractable roof systems combining Miura-ori patterns (classic,
arched, and fan-shaped) with scissor hinge units.
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Provides a new method for thick plate transformation in rigid origami for real-world
applications.
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Integrate parametric modeling using Grasshopper/Rhinoceros and motion simulation using
SolidWorks.
3. METHODS
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Three Variants Studied:
1. Classic Miura-ori Retractable Roof
2. Arched Variant Retractable Roof
3. Fan-shaped Variant Retractable Roof
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Combined origami panels with scissor joint units for deployability and strength.
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Derived formula for maximum opening ratio based on notch length and panel thickness.
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Simulation Tools:
a) Grasshopper/Rhinoceros: Parametric modeling for geometry control.
b) SolidWorks: Simulated displacement and velocity of reference points (A, B, C, D).
4. KEY RESULTS
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All three designs successfully achieved smooth retractable motion without mechanical
interference.
a) Classic Miura-ori Retractable Roof:
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Transverse motion dominant initially, shifting to longitudinal.
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Angular displacement of panels reached 100°.
b) Arched Variant Retractable Roof:
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Notable difference in motion speeds between edge and center; control of edge joints is
critical.
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Required coordination between scissor joints and origami folds.
c) Fan-shaped Variant Retractable Roof:
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Exhibited 35.66% opening efficiency.
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Showed stable radial unfolding with minimal z-direction height reduction.