Smart cushioning device integrating self-folding origami honeycomb structure and inductor-capacitor passive wireless sensor

In recent years, smart cushioning materials based on origami structures have emerged. In this study, we have developed a wireless smart cushioning material, the self-folded origami honeycomb device (SHD), utilising an origami honeycomb structure with an integrated Inductor-Capacitor (LC) passive wireless sensor. SHD can be fabricated with paper and copper tape, without the need for complex or costly manufacturing processes. Optimisation of the electrode design and placement, based on the compression behaviour of the origami honeycomb structure, reduced compression variation by 29.2%, enhancing deformation reproducibility and establishing SHD’s sensing mechanism. Finite element method (FEM) software confirmed that SHD operates as intended. Finally, we successfully measured the weight of loaded cargo and detected damage from the fallen object wirelessly. Our developed SHD is expected to contribute to logistics improvement and enhanced transport traceability, acting as a pioneering example of wireless smart cushioning materials.