Switching Adhesion with Origami

One of the most interesting features of origami, is its ability to form both mechanically stable (or stiff) and unstable (or soft) configurations. Here we show how the changes in stiffness of origami structures relate to their adhesion with surfaces. Specifically, we designed three bi-state origami designs made of polycarbonate, cut with a Cricut cutter, and supplemented with 3D printed “holders” to decrease the compliance of the stiff state. We use well-understood polydimethylsiloxane(PDMS) elastomers as adhesive pads in order to carefully explore adhesion as the designs shift their mechanical state. Ultimately, we show how the ‘stiff’ state breaks adhesive contact similar to a bulk solid, soft states tend to fail by initiating ‘peel’ modes on various facets. According to our observations, we are capable of moderate switching ratios (Fon/Foff ~50) and offer many options for scaling designs up or down in size as well as pointing out practical considerations for manufacturable devices.