Origami-Based Design of Conceal-and-Reveal Systems

Abstract

This work introduces a type of motion termed “conceal-and-reveal” which is characterized by a state that protects a payload, a state that exposes the payload, and continuous motion between these two states. As techniques for thick, rigid origami-based engineering design are being developed, origami is becoming increasingly more attractive as inspiration for complex systems. This paper proposes a process for designing origami-based conceal-and-reveal systems, which can be generalized to design other thick, rigid origami-based systems. The process is demonstrated through the development of three conceal-and-reveal systems that present a luxury product to the consumer. The three designs also confirm that multiple origami crease patterns represent viable approaches to achieving conceal-and-reveal motion.