A 4D-Printed Self-Folding Spatial Mechanism with Pre-Stressed Response Properties

Exploring the transformation of spatial mechanisms from their unfolded to controlled folding states meet requirements various application scenarios has long been a hot topic in mechanical structure research. Although conventional can be designed almost any scenario, design’s complex and excessive combinations structural components, kinematic pairs, drive units are unavoidable. It introduces many problems, such as poor reliability, complexity, control difficulties. Based on 4D printing technology, design self-folding that use pre-stressed response properties under predetermined thermal excitation achieve different shrinkage ratios integrates system components pairs. brings novel features while effectively avoiding problems associated with design. Further, model mechanisms’ excitation, morphing, driving investigation. Self-folding were prepared via fused deposition modeling, which verified theoretical analysis pre-stress correctness feasibility by experiments. The existing technology lacks paradigmatic method field. Contrarily, this work organically combined materials fabrication modeling. A systematic study morphing was carried out. This is expected introduce paradigm considerable prospects spherical radar calibration mechanisms.