KÜNDIG manufactures large sanding machines that take up significant space in factories. To optimize space usage, KÜNDIG wants to position their machines as close as possible to the factory walls. However, the conventional doors of their machines open sideways and rotate around a single axis, requiring a big distance to the wall.
KÜNDIG therefore sought a door that (a) folds during opening, (b) opens with a single degree-of-freedom so that factory workers can open the door with a single, one-handed motion, and (c) can be operated from one side of the machine.
Below is a compilation of concepts that were considered but not selected as the final solution, which is currently undergoing the patent process.
Dr. Matthew Gardiner at Ars Electronica in Linz, Austria, sought the expertise of ORIKIN to assist in the construction of a large-scale art installation as part of a funded research project. The primary issue was that the art piece's underlying paper model, an origami spiral, contains more symmetries than usual and is consequently not rigidly foldable, rendering it unsuitable for production with stiff materials.
To address this open problem, ORIKIN provided scientific rigid origami knowledge, investigated the design space and developed a novel solution to make the spiral rigidly foldable. The construction and selection of suitable hinge designs for manufacturing resulted from collaborative effort.
The art installation was showcased at the Ars Electronica Festival from September 4th to 8th, 2024, in Linz, Austria.
Der Falter is a large-scale kinetic sculpture planned to be on display at the Swiss Science Center Technorama starting summer 2025.
At ORIKIN, we are passionate about showcasing the incredible world of origami and folding in general. Folding is an intricate, three-dimensional process that can be challenging to conceptualize in the brain. That’s why experiencing it firsthand through interactive pieces like Der Falter is so important—it brings the complexity of folding to life in a tangible way. And where better to experience this than at Technorama?
The rendering below represents the planned size of the sculpture but not its final placement or exact shape. Stay tuned for updates!
... and many more to come!