Aside from creating things that are fun to look at and play with, principles of origami can also be used to prototype new designs, create helpful tools, and solve real world problems.

This Oriceps design is an example of a compliant mechanism that was inspired by Shafer's origami “Chomper,” and was made for application as a pair of forceps that were later adapted and implemented for use on one of Intuitive Surgical's “da Vinci” robots. This gripping mechanism could be used for applications in remote-controlled space tools, other surgical devices, household items, and toys.

The Oriceps can be 3D printed or laser cut. The filament material used will determine the fatigue and flex properties of the mechanism. More flexible filaments will yield a mechanism that endures greater use and requires less force to actuate. More rigid filaments will yield a mechanism that requires more force to actuate, but will likely become brittle and break after fewer uses.

This design was developed by the Compliant Mechanisms Research Group (CMR) from Brigham Young University (BYU). Follow us at @byucmr on Instagram, @CompliantMechanismsResearchGroup on Facebook, or visit the BYU Compliant Mechanisms Research (CMR) website to learn more about compliant mechanisms.