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Scientists develop technology for roll-up laptop screens
21 September 2006New 'morphing' structures have multiple applications
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.
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.
Notes for Editors:
Seffen and his team are part of the Structures Group at the University of Cambridge's Department of Engineering.Assisted by Cambridge Enterprise, Dr Seffen and his team have filed a patent on the manufacture and operation of the morphing devices. They are currently seeking commercial partners for future development.
For more information, contact:
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Genevieve Maul, University of Cambridge Office of Communications, Tel: + 44 (0) 1223 332300, e-mail: Genevieve.Maul@admin.cam.ac.uk
Robert Fender, Cambridge Enterprise Tel: + 44 (0) 1223 760339 e-mail: robert.fender@enterprise.cam.ac.uk
