What it does
AquaFold is a compact, self-inflating swim buoy designed to improve water safety. Inspired by origami, it uses a bistable folding structure and recyclable TPU material to solve the problems of bulkiness, slow deployment, and limited portability in traditions.
Your inspiration
The idea for AquaFold came from observing how traditional swim buoys often remain unused due to their size, weight, and inconvenience. During research into emergency preparedness and portable safety gear, we found a clear gap in personal flotation devices that are both compact and effective. Inspired by deployable structures in aerospace and foldable rescue systems, we began exploring how origami principles could improve aquatic safety. The Kresling fold stood out for its bistable nature and rapid transformation, offering both functionality and simplicity.
How it works
AquaFold uses a bistable Kresling origami structure to create a swim buoy that is compact when stored and stable when deployed. In its folded form, it compresses into a flat disc that fits easily in a backpack. When released, it rapidly expands into a cylindrical shape with an 18 cm diameter and 60 cm length, weighing only 250 grams. Internal air chambers provide flotation, and a BOA-inspired mechanical release system allows for one-handed deployment. The origami structure holds its shape without any external frame. Made from recyclable TPU, the buoy is flexible, waterproof, UV-resistant, and durable enough for repeated use. After use, the buoy is easily retracted by pressing it downward with one hand and twisting the air valve shut, returning it to its compact form. No pumps, tools, or electronics are required. AquaFold offers a lightweight, intuitive, and sustainable flotation solution for everyday swimmers and emergency scenarios alike.
Design process
The design process began with market research, where we identified that most portable swim buoys require manual inflation before entering the water or trapping air by hand—making them unsuitable for emergencies. We studied existing flotation devices and their limitations—mainly bulkiness, slow deployment, and poor usability. Inspired by deployable structures in aerospace and medical design, we explored how origami could improve function. The Kresling pattern was selected for its bistable properties and ability to transform from compact to rigid. We built paper models to test folding behavior, then moved to 3D-printed prototypes using PLA and TPU. Initial versions were unstable or too rigid. We refined the fold angles and material thickness, and added a BOA-inspired locking system for one-handed deployment. Later prototypes used recyclable TPU for durability and flexibility in water. Field tests revealed issues with inflation speed and valve sealing, which were addressed in the final design. User-friendliness, portability, and sustainability guided each stage.
How it is different
AquaFold uses a bistable Kresling origami structure that instantly expands from a flat, folded form into a rigid flotation device—without the need for pumps or external parts. Unlike other foldable buoys that trap air by wrapping fabric, AquaFold forms internal chambers that self-inflate and maintain structure through geometric stability. The BOA-inspired mechanical release system allows single-handed deployment, improving usability under stress. Made from recyclable TPU, it’s durable, flexible, and better suited for marine environments than common materials like PVC. Its lightweight form (250g) and compact footprint enable true portability, fitting into small bags without compromising performance. AquaFold integrates structural engineering, sustainable design, and emergency readiness into one intuitive solution—offering a unique user experience not found in typical water safety gear.
Future plans
Our next steps focus on refining the final prototype for improved sealing and faster inflation. We plan to conduct broader user testing with swimmers, rescue professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts to validate functionality and gather feedback. Based on testing insights, we will iterate the design for mass production using sustainable materials. Long-term, we envision AquaFold as part of a modular series of foldable emergency tools. We also plan to launch a crowdfunding campaign to build a community and bring this solution to market. Our goal is to make personal water safety more accessible, compact, and intuitive.
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