Shape-Morphing Antenna Array by 4D-Printed Multimaterial Miura Origami

Abstract

The rapid development of four-dimensional (4D) printing technology has resulted in its application in various fields, including radiofrequency (RF) electronics. Moreover, because origami-inspired RF electronics provide a physically deformable geometry, they are good candidates for reconfigurable RF applications. However, previous origami-inspired RF electronics have generally been fabricated on paper for easy folding and unfolding. Although this facilitates easy fabrication, the resultant structures suffer from a lack of rigidity and stability. In this paper, we propose a 4D-printed multimaterial Miura origami structure for RF spectrum applications. For thermal actuation and robustness, the proposed structure consists of high-temperature durable cores with shape memory polymer (SMP) hinges. The high-temperature durable cores provide rigidity to the desired part and reduce the level of distortion of the conductive pattern, while the SMP hinges enable shape morphing. To demonstrate the feasibility of the technique for RF electronics, a shape-morphing pattern reconfigurable antenna array is designed at 2.4 GHz using the proposed 4D-printed multimaterial structure. Through numerical and experimental demonstrations, the proposed antenna's maximum beam direction is changed from 0°to 50°by thermally morphing the Miura origami. In addition, the antenna successfully recovers to its memorized original state.

In-space manufacturing of morphing electronics

“…8,9,24 SMPs, especially those respond to multiple physical stimuli, are appealing for space applications. The inherent adaptability and versatility of SMPs have been harnessed in the creation of adjustable antennas 25,26 and aerodynamic components. 27 Additionally, the integration of micro/nano-scale electrodes or optical patterns on SMPs has led to structures with tunable electromagnetic signatures 7,28 or optical appearances.…”

“…Additive manufacturing (AM) of SMPs, also known as four-dimensional (4D) printing, can tackle the existing manufacturing challenges. Recent 4D printing efforts encompasses various AM methods, including fused deposition modeling (FDM), 26,[30][31][32] material extrusion (MEX), 11,17 digital light processing (DLP), 33 stereolithography (SLA), 34 selective laser sintering (SLS), 35 PolyJet printing, 36 and inkjet printing. 37 However, printing of multifunctional SMPs with light-absorbing coatings and integrated flexible electronics remains complicated.…”

Screen-Printed Metamaterial Absorber Using Fractal Metal Mesh for Optical Transparency and Flexibility

“…ITO or silver nanoparticle inks are employed as flexible conductors, contributing to the overall flexibility of the fabricated MMAs [27,28]. The fabrication method for these materials is particularly well-suited to screen-printing technology, which leverages masks to facilitate high-resolution printing on various flexible substrates [29,30]. Screen printing offers a simple, cost-effective, and rapid process, providing significant advantages in mass production capabilities compared to inkjet printing or laser alignment [31,32].…”

Effect of manufacturing process parameters on the compression and energy absorption properties of 4D-printed deformable honeycomb structure

“…Yue et al [30] designed and fabricated a 4D-printed thick-walled Kirigamiinspired honeycomb structure, which had a good programmability and shape memory capability. Park et al [31] proposed the 4D-printed multi-material Miura origami structure for RF spectrum applications, which exhibited thermal actuation and robustness while enhancing the antenna's maximum beam direction. Bodaghi et al [32] proposed a new class of lightweight boat-fendering systems based on 4D-printing technology, which has excellent energy absorption/dissipation and shape recovery capabilities.…”