Making paper cuts in a structure generally increases its flexibility but decreases its rigidity. To solve this problem, the researchers used a polymer with memory as a magnetic particles as a material for the lamina, and then, they locally deformed specific parts of the sheet by applying an external magnetic field. This localized deformation effectively increased the stiffness of the sheet as a whole.
The experiments showed that the increase in the intensity of the magnetic field multiplied by 23 the rigidity of the structure. This property allows you to lift and move heavy objects. In fact, the research team managed to lift an object 28 times heavier than the sheet manipulating a 5 x 5 dome with a magnetic field. A normal sheet without cleft could not bear an object of the same weight.
Expectations for the development of new devices
According to the team of researchers, there are few technology research precedents that combine structures cut with paper and magnetic fields. Since this technology can optimize control based on the shape and weight of the object, it is expected to be applied in a wide range of fields, such as manufacturing, medicine, robotics and virtual reality (VR) devices, and that improve work efficiency.
For example, in the manufacturing industry it could be used for precise placement of parts in assembly chains. In the field of medicine, it could be applied to drug administration systems (DDS) to manage medications to specific parts of the body, while VR technology could lead to the invention of new devices that can obtain tactile feedback in real time, taking advantage of the characteristics of the structures Kirigamicapable of responding with sensitivity to minimum force changes.
Other possibilities include the development of intelligent materials capable of changing their shape and properties in response to the environment, optimizing the design of the structures of Kirigami. These materials are promising for their application in a wide range of fields, including aerospace architecture and engineering. Researchers expect new advances in this technology to allow the development of new devices that exceed conventional limitations.
Edited by Daisuke Takimoto
Article originally published in Wired Japan. Adapted by Andrea Baranenko.
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