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More flexing cubes

Posted by Dave Brill on August 1, 2017 in Uncategorized

The Yoshimoto Cube is a marvellous folding and flexing toy originally conceived by Noaki Yoshimoto in 1971: here’s a video of the whole set of 3 interconnecting cubes.

The set can be obtained here: worth investing in if you’re a Yoshimoto fan like me!

You may be familiar with my origami version of Yoshimoto Cube 1, which I wrongly titled Double Star Flexicube in Brilliant Origami: this was before I knew the correct name for it.

Two ingenious new approaches to the challenge of an origami Yoshimoto Cube recently caught my eye. The first is by Olga Amimono:

Olga says:

My method is almost modular origami – it is necessary to make 12 identical modules and connect them inserting one into another (but 4 modules are to be cut in half before assembling). To avoid cutting (because generally cutting is prohibited in origami) alternatively it is possible to fold 4 “left” and 4 “right” modules using half-sized paper. But making 12 identical modules seems more beautiful for me. 
In comparison with your method, this new method has several pluses: use only one paper size, only 12 parts, and what I like most – it is strong, none of its parts fall apart if you play with it. There is strong connection in the place where 6 small triangles touch each other, and strong connection between all 8 parts.
About me – my name is Olga, I am Russian living in Japan, Chiba prefecture. I am interested in mathematics, I like different polyhedra and geometric patterns. I was not related to origami before, except for “Japanese cranes” and “little boats”. My first origami model was “Origami cube that can move, how to make without adhesive”  https://youtu.be/pEIlY26CqCQ   It is the model that uses Sonobe units and extended unit that is used for strong parts connection.
Olga’s you tube channel is worth exploring: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOEVWxIZaxOLit1Lqm0Z3bQ/videos

 

Another great origami Yoshimoto Cube version is by Yuki Honma.

Yuki writes:

I am the owner of a wrapping paper online shop in Japan.

I am making videos how to make pretty and useful boxes, bags and etc. out of wrapping paper. I am very excited about folding Yoshimoto cubes recently. When I was a kid, I had toys something like that, but I got bored soon. But now although I am almost 40, I can play with them forever. One reason might because they were made by myself. I want other people to experience the feeling, too. And also, I want to design a new 3D puzzle model by myself.

Have a look at Yuki’s youtube channel which also has many interesting ideas to try.

Finally I was intrigued by a rather similar flexing cube toy called the DynaCube.

After some fruitless expriments I have acheived an origami version using Brillik Cube units: see if you can work out how I did it.

 

Great fun to be had by all with flexing cube toys!