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This research investigates the feasibility of utilizing origami folding techniques to create an optimized jumping mechanism. As a theoretical example, we study the dynamic characteristics of a jumping mechanism consisting of two masses connected by a Tachi-Miura Polyhedron (TMP) origami structure with nonlinear stiffness characteristics. We show how the desired “strain-softening” effects of the TMP structure can lead to design of jumping mechanisms with optimized performance. The kinematics of TMP origami structure is reviewed and a modified model of its reaction-force displacement curve is presented. We derive the equations of motion of the jumping process and use their numerical solutions extensively for design optimization. Through this process we are able to obtain optimum geometrical configurations for two different objectives: The maximum time spent in the air and the maximum clearance off the ground. Results of this study can lead to emergence of a new generation of more efficient jumping mechanisms with optimized performance in the future. 

Origami, the ancient Japanese art of paper folding, is not only an inspiring technique to create sophisticated shapes, but also a surprisingly powerful method to induce nonlinear mechanical properties. Over the last decade, advances in crease design, mechanics modeling, and scalable fabrication have fostered the rapid emergence of architected origami materials. These materials typically consist of folded origami sheets or modules with intricate 3D geometries, and feature many unique and desirable material properties like auxetics, tunable nonlinear stiffness, multistability, and impact absorption. Rich designs in origami offer great freedom to design the performance of such origami materials, and folding offers a unique opportunity to efficiently fabricate these materials at vastly different sizes. Here, recent studies on the different aspects of origami materials—geometric design, mechanics analysis, achieved properties, and fabrication techniques—are highlighted and the challenges ahead discussed. The synergies between these different aspects will continue to mature and flourish this promising field.