How to use parametric curved folding design methods- a case study and comparison

Designs based on developable surfaces can be convenient for many reasons, however designing developable patterns that make use of curved creases is a challenge. Many studies propose new methods to tackle the problem but sometimes these methods do not generate a parametric model which is easily modifiable by changing the input parameters. Furthermore, the known methods are applicable only to certain families of curved folded models, because there is no generalized method for curved folding yet. Thus, sometimes, it is hard for designers to decide which method is more suitable for their needs. This paper shows how to use different well-known and newer approaches to produce parametric curved folded designs. The potentialities and criticalities of three approaches are compared by applying them to the same case study, namely the “curved folded tripod”. The aim, thus, is to make the design of curved folded geometries more accessible to designers without a background in origami theory.