Methods and apparatus for shape transformation of multi-linkage structure

US11208800B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology · US

Inventors

• Jifei Ou · Somerville, US
• Sen Dai · Cambridge, US
• Zhao Ma · San Jose, US
• Jannik Peters · Aachen, DE
• Nikolaos Vlavianos · Boston, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 5, 2019
• Grant date: Dec 28, 2021
• Expiry date: Mar 19, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16C11/00
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A modular structure may comprise multiple mechanical linkages. The structure may undergo two-dimensional or three-dimensional shape transformations, such as bending, twisting, shearing, uniform scaling, and anisotropic scaling. These shape transformations may be actuated by applying force to one or more specific locations in the structure. Each of the linkages in the modular structure may comprise a four-bar linkage. The exact shape transformation that the structure undergoes may be determined by the type and location of the linkages in the structure.