Gaussian-preserved, non-volatile shape morphing in three-dimensional microstructures for dual-functional electronic devices

Nat Commun. 2021 Jan 21;12(1):509. doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-20843-4.

Abstract

Motile plant structures such as Mimosa pudica leaves, Impatiens glandulifera seedpods, and Dionaea muscipula leaves exhibit fast nastic movements in a few seconds or less. This motion is stimuli-independent mechanical movement following theorema egregium rules. Artificial analogs of tropistic motion in plants are exemplified by shape-morphing systems, which are characterized by high functional robustness and resilience for creating 3D structures. However, all shape-morphing systems developed so far rely exclusively on continuous external stimuli and result in slow response. Here, we report a Gaussian-preserved shape-morphing system to realize ultrafast shape morphing and non-volatile reconfiguration. Relying on the Gaussian-preserved rules, the transformation can be triggered by mechanical or thermal stimuli within a microsecond. Moreover, as localized energy minima are encountered during shape morphing, non-volatile configuration is preserved by geometrically enhanced rigidity. Using this system, we demonstrate a suite of electronic devices that are reconfigurable, and therefore, expand functional diversification.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms*
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Droseraceae / physiology
  • Electronics / instrumentation
  • Electronics / methods*
  • Impatiens / physiology
  • Mimosa / physiology
  • Models, Biological*
  • Motion
  • Normal Distribution
  • Plant Leaves / physiology*