Shape-morphing space frame apparatus using linear bistable elements

A method of producing predictable and controllable length or shape changes in a space frame, allowing morphing from an initial stable shape into a resulting stable shape that is different from the initial shape, without the use of a hard stop, the method comprising:

• identifying the initial shape and identifying the resulting shape, each shape having a first end and a second end;
• providing at least one polygon formed of unit cells and rigid links, the unit cells and rigid links interconnecting in a tessellation pattern to form the initial shape, the tessellation pattern further including a top and a bottom formed of the rigid links,
• wherein each unit cell has bistability, such that a first stable position is the initial shape and a second stable position is the resulting shape, wherein the each unit cell does not include the hard stop to achieve the bistability;
• selecting the number and location of the unit cells in each of the polygons;
• determining an initial radius or length of the initial shape;
• determining a change in the radius or length at a midpoint of the resulting shape;
• determining the relative motion of the first end and the second end of the initial shape;
• and
• fabricating and configuring the space frame in the initial position based on the foregoing steps, whereby the space frame in the initial position can morph into the resulting position by a force being exerted onto the space frame,
• wherein each of the unit cells is in an open position or a closed position corresponding to the initial position or the resulting position of the space frame,
• wherein the unit cell becomes shorter when morphing from the open position to the closed position when the unit cell is placed in a diagonal direction of the polygon.