Development of Foldable Conical Shell

摘要

The aim of this paper is to invent foldable (or developable) conical shells in their axial direction- Foldable conical shells with several different types of folding patterns have newly been designed by geometrical considerations with the help of Origami concept. By using thin polypropylane sheet as well as papers, the designed conical shells with prescribed folding lines were actually manufactured, and it was verified that the shells are fully folded as expected. The designed models will make it possible to construct foldable/developable structures such as tents and dome-roof or to manufacture new types of industrial products.