The initial idea for a potential final project was to create a wearable airbag/lifevest that expands from a contracted state upon detecting potential impact.

Link to CAD file.

I wanted to explore using foldable structures to allow an object to expand from a compressed, lightweight state. I then explored various folding patterns including the miura fold, glide reflection fold, and yoshimura polyhedral fold, and modeled the folding patterns based on mountain (raised/convex) and valley (sunken/concave) folds demarcated by red and blue lines respectively, and generated 3D models to simulate what the folds could look like. I also started conceptualizing making a helmet instead of a vest (see my final project page for elaboration on the design thought process), so something rounded.

This first iteration created the form that I wanted for a helmet design, but it was too big for the material that I wanted to lasercut with (12in roll of interfacing, coupled with the 36in x 24in Epilog laser bed, meant that max dimensions I could play with was 12in x 36in.)

Link to 3D file.

This next iteration fit within material constraints, but did not quite fold to create a sufficiently enclosed circular shape.

Link to 3D file.

By changing the orientation of the fold pattern, this iteration created the rounder end product that was desired.

Link to 3D file.