Foldingback

Foldingback, or folding back, is the act of folding a part of a structure back toward its origin along a crease or edge. The term is used across several fields to describe a similar physical action, though the specific purpose and methods vary by context.

In mechanical design and manufacturing, a fold-back refers to a bend that folds an edge or portion of material back onto itself, creating a flange, hem, or reinforced edge. This technique adds stiffness, protects edges, or provides a surface for joining parts. In packaging and textiles, fold-back flaps or folds serve to close, seal, or conceal features while adding structure.

In electronics, foldback (often called foldback current limiting) describes a protective behavior wherein the output current collapses to a low, safe level when a fault is detected. This helps prevent component damage during short circuits or overloads. Foldback protection can cause the powered load to experience a drop in voltage or current until the fault is cleared, after which auto-recovery may occur.

In other domains, folding back can describe techniques used to reduce protrusions, optimize aerodynamics, or create layered, compact forms. The general idea remains the same: a portion of a structure or system is redirected or reoriented by folding it back toward its origin, yielding functional or protective advantages.