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A Versatile Reconfigurable Mechanisms Framework for Applications in Architecture

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Abstract

Reconfigurable architecture refers to buildings whose shape can be adjusted. Such buildings exhibit potential advantages compared to traditional fixed–shape ones, including better energy efficiency and improved comfort for the occupants. A family of planar linkage mechanisms is presented to establish a framework for reconfigurable buildings. These mechanisms constitute the basic structural and reconfiguration elements of the proposed building concept. They are kinematically coupled versions of well–known planar mechanisms, namely the 4–bar, the crank–slider, the swinging–block, and the turning–block. A control procedure, which involves alternative multistep reconfiguration sequences becomes relevant. It allows for energy efficient reconfigurations, while providing flexibility in motion planning. Simulation studies together with laboratory–scale hardware implementations exemplify the concepts, demonstrate the applicability of the methods, and highlight the potential as well as the challenges of reconfigurable architecture. Its relevance to robotics also becomes apparent.

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Funding

No funds, grants, or other support were received as part of this work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, 1 Panepistimiou Av., Nicosia, 2109, Cyprus

    Eftychios G. Christoforou

  2. Department of Architecture, University of Cyprus, 75 Kallipoleos St., Nicosia, 1678, Cyprus

    Marios C. Phocas

  3. Institute of Robotics, Johannes Kepler University, Altenberger Straße 69, Linz, 4040, Austria

    Andreas Müller

  4. Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, 1 Panepistimiou Av., Nicosia, 2109, Cyprus

    Loukas Georgiou

Authors
  1. Eftychios G. Christoforou
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  2. Marios C. Phocas
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  3. Andreas Müller
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  4. Loukas Georgiou
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Contributions

EGC, MCP and AM proposed the theoretical concepts and designed the simulation and experimental framework. LG designed and implemented the experimental setup and performed the simulation and experimental studies. EGC coordinated the overall work and drafted the manuscript, which was then revised and approved by all co–authors.

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Correspondence to Eftychios G. Christoforou.

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Christoforou, E.G., Phocas, M.C., Müller, A. et al. A Versatile Reconfigurable Mechanisms Framework for Applications in Architecture. J Intell Robot Syst 108, 14 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10846-023-01841-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10846-023-01841-2

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