Optimization of sensor placement and actuation strategy for a deployable origami structure through computational analysis and experimental investigation

Origami-inspired deployable structures represent a promising field of research in structural engineering, offering innovative solutions for the design and development of versatile next-generation structural systems. Incorporating bio-inspired design principles from nature provides a unique pathway toward realizing such deployable systems. This paper presents an experimental approach informed by a computational study to investigate the actuation of the Origami Pill Bug structure, a plate-based modular deployable structure that leverages origami mechanics and is morphologically inspired by pill bugs. The research addresses three objectives: formulating an equivalent bar model for thick plate elements to enable computational simulations for form-finding using dynamic relaxation method; developing a multi-objective optimization algorithm to guide optimal sensor placement; and conducting experimental investigations to correlate actuation strategy with resulting strain development. The integrated framework enabled the investigation of multiple actuation rates, successfully identifying the rate of 2 cm/s as optimal for the Origami Pill Bug structure. By establishing this computational-experimental framework, this research provides an effective methodology for selecting actuation strategies in origami-enabled deployable structures.