Hertsides

Hertsides are a class of modular, interlocking planar panels designed for construction of reconfigurable surfaces. They are used in architecture, aerospace, and art to form skins or shells whose shape can be altered by rearranging panels or adjusting joints.

Each hertsid features a standardized edge geometry and a joint interface that allows limited rotation and translation relative to neighboring panels. The joints can be hinge pins, cam locks, magnets, or purpose-built fasteners, enabling configurations from flat tessellations to curved shells. Panels are typically manufactured from lightweight composites, aluminum, or reinforced polymers, with thicknesses ranging from 2 to 8 millimeters depending on load requirements.

Assembly and behavior: In operation, a configuration algorithm determines panel layout to achieve a target curvature or stiffness. Stable states are achieved by locking joints and, when actuated, by adjusting actuation at a subset of joints. The surface response depends on panel geometry, joint stiffness, and material properties, allowing reconfiguration within minutes for large-scale structures.

History and usage: The concept emerged in the early 2020s within research into deployable architectures and reconfigurable skins. Prototypes include exhibition pavilions and lightweight satellite skins designed for rapid deployment and repair. Variants include standard hertsides, curved hertsides with pre-bent forms, and micro-hertsides used in soft robotics.

Limitations and research: Challenges include precise fabrication tolerances, joint wear, and actuation energy needs. Ongoing work focuses on improving connection reliability, integrating sensing, and developing software tools for automated layout optimization. Related concepts include modular tessellations, reconfigurable metamaterials, and deployable structures.