One String to Pull Them All: Fast Assembly of Curved Structures from Flat Auxetic Linkages
Author(s)
Zaman, Akib
Aslarus, Jacqueline
Li, Jiaji
Mueller, Stefanie
Konakovic Lukovic, Mina
Date Issued
December 4, 2025
Journal
ACM Transactions on Graphics
Publisher
ACM
Citation
Akib Zaman, Jacqueline Aslarus, Jiaji Li, Stefanie Mueller, and Mina Konakovic Lukovic. 2025. One String to Pull Them All: Fast Assembly of Curved Structures from Flat Auxetic Linkages. ACM Trans. Graph. 44, 6, Article 234 (December 2025), 18 pages.
Version
Final published version
Abstract
We present a computational approach for designing freeform structures that can be rapidly assembled from initially flat configurations by a single string pull. The target structures are decomposed into rigid spatially varied quad tiles that are optimized to approximate the user-provided surface, forming a flat mechanical linkage. Our algorithm then uses a two-step method to find a physically realizable string path that controls only a subset of tiles to smoothly actuate the structure from flat to assembled configuration. We initially compute the minimal subset of tiles that are required to be controlled with the string considering the geometry of the structure and interaction among the tiles. We then find a valid string path through these tiles that minimizes friction, which will assemble the flat linkage into the target 3D structure upon tightening a single string. The resulting designs can be easily manufactured with computational fabrication techniques such as 3D printing, CNC milling, molding, etc. in flat configuration that, in addition to manufacturing, facilitates storage and transportation. We validate our approach by developing a series of physical prototypes and showcasing various application case studies, ranging from medical devices, space shelters, to architectural designs.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory
Terms of Use
Creative Commons Attribution
Persistent DSpace Link
DOI of Published Version
https://doi.org/10.1145/3763357
