Compliant mechanisms are useful for improving existing machines and creating new ones that were not previously possible. They also help us to think of new methods and technologies needed to both improve existing systems as well as manufacture systems that have not been done before. The purpose of this thesis is to show novel implementations of compliant mechanisms into folding systems, and to show new methods for fabricating such mechanisms with nontraditional materials and on difficult scales. Folding systems are shown in furniture applications with chairs, stools, and childcare furniture applications as results of research into how such structures could be created with compliant mechanisms to be deployed from a flat state. Compliant mechanisms are also shown to be folded by a laser into simple mechanisms and into a potentially more complex parabolic reflector. Small-scale flexible (or compliant) mechanisms are valuable in replacing rigid components while retaining comparable motion and behavior. However, fabricating such mechanisms on this scale (from 0.01 to 10 cm thick) proves difficult, especially with thin sheet metals. The manufacturing method of laser forming, which uses a laser to cut and bend metal into desired shapes, could facilitate this fabrication. However, specific methods for designing mechanisms formed by lasers need to be developed. This work presents laser forming as a means for creating compliant mechanisms on this scale with thin sheet metal. The unique challenges for designing mechanisms to be laser-formed are explored, and new adaptations of existing designs are fabricated and discussed. The design of basic "building blocks" and features are developed for several mechanisms: a parallel-guided mechanism, a cross-axis flexural pivot, a LET joint array, a split-tube flexure, and a bi-stable switch. These mechanisms are shown to perform repeatable behavior and motion comparable to existing non-laser-formed versions. The further possibilities for fabricating compliant mechanisms with laser forming are explored, as advanced applications can benefit from using lasers to create compliant mechanisms from thin sheet metal. One such possible system is a parabolic reflector, which is useful for making solar collectors and antennas. Such shapes have been developed in various patterns and typically manufactured out of rigid components. Applications for these systems could benefit from paraboloids that can fold up and be deployed into a final shape. This work presents a conceptual method for designing a flat-foldable paraboloid and a means for its fabrication using laser forming.

El proyecto que se presenta a continuación trata acerca de la venta de muebles multifuncionales a través de una plataforma web, el cual evidencia la sostenibilidad y escalabilidad del modelo de negocio. La investigación se realiza en Lima Metropolitana y está dirigida a familias del NSE B y C, que viven en departamentos de hasta 80 m2 y se encuentran en una constante búsqueda de maximizar sus espacios. Debido a la creciente demanda de departamentos cada vez más pequeños, el mercado mobiliario acepta la existencia de una tendencia de muebles pequeños, pero con múltiples funciones, ofreciendo adaptabilidad y variedad de acuerdo con los gustos y preferencias de los consumidores. Por ello, se identifican los stakeholders de Dream Home, los cuales son tercerizados durante todo el proceso para satisfacer la demanda del mercado y, por supuesto, lograr superar las expectativas con un valor agregado, el cual se basa en la personalización. La validación de todos los cuadrantes de Business Model Canvas se desarrolla a través de varios experimentos que reconocen y confirman los conceptos descritos en la herramienta. Asimismo, se elabora el desarrollo del plan de negocio, el cual consiste en la elaboración del plan estratégico, el plan de operaciones, el plan de marketing, el plan de responsabilidad social empresarial, el plan de recursos humanos y el plan financiero. Finalmente, se puede asegurar la viabilidad del negocio y presentar el proyecto a los respectivos inversores dispuestos a considerar a Dream Home como una empresa rentable. / The project presented below deals with the sale of multifunctional furniture through a web platform, which shows the sustainability and scalability of the business model. The research is carried out in Metropolitan Lima and is aimed at families from NSE B and C, who live in apartments of up to 80 m2 and are in a constant search to maximize their spaces. Due to the growing demand for smaller and smaller apartments, the furniture market accepts the existence of a trend for small furniture, but with multiple functions, offering adaptability and variety according to the tastes and preferences of consumers. For this reason, Dream Home stakeholders are identified, which are outsourced throughout the process to meet market demand and, of course, exceed expectations with added value, which is based on personalization. The validation of all the Business Model Canvas quadrants is developed through several experiments that recognize and confirm the concepts described in the tool. Likewise, the development of the business plan is prepared, which consists of the preparation of the strategic plan, the operations plan, the marketing plan, the corporate social responsibility plan, the human resources plan and the financial plan. Finally, the viability of the business can be ensured and the project presented to the respective investors willing to consider Dream Home as a profitable company. / Trabajo de investigación