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Roll-up Laptop Screens? New 'Morphing' Structures Have Many Applications

Date:
September 25, 2006
Source:
University Of Cambridge
Summary:
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed a range of unique, shape-changing structures, which can be used as roll-up display screens (such as laptop screens), re-usable packaging, roll-up keyboards and self-erecting, temporary habitats.
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Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed a range of unique, shape-changing structures, which can be used as roll-up display screens (such as laptop screens), re-usable packaging, roll-up keyboards and self-erecting, temporary habitats.

These structures, also known as 'morphing' structures, afford multiple configurations without the need of complex parts or sophisticated manufacturing. Dr Keith Seffen, from the Department of Engineering, has developed the structures and is currently exploring various applications for their ingenious behaviour with co-worker Dr Simon Guest and graduate student Alex Norman.

Dr Seffen said, "They offer substantial shape-changing capabilities whilst preserving structural integrity. They are simply made and their operation does not rely upon advanced materials. They afford compact, inexpensive solutions for multifunctional devices, which are required to be lightweight, stiff, but foldable on demand."

By using an ordinary sheet of metal, Dr Seffen can produce structures with no moving parts but which can be configured between at least two distinct, self-locking and stable forms. For example, an A5-sized flat screen can be snapped into the shape of a tube for compact carriage in a briefcase or pocket (please see attached photo).

The operation does not require hinges, latches or locks, and without these extra parts, production times and costs are reduced compared to traditional folding structures.


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Materials provided by University Of Cambridge. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Cite This Page:

University Of Cambridge. "Roll-up Laptop Screens? New 'Morphing' Structures Have Many Applications." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 25 September 2006. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/09/060923120830.htm>.
University Of Cambridge. (2006, September 25). Roll-up Laptop Screens? New 'Morphing' Structures Have Many Applications. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 28, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/09/060923120830.htm
University Of Cambridge. "Roll-up Laptop Screens? New 'Morphing' Structures Have Many Applications." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/09/060923120830.htm (accessed March 28, 2024).

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