EmbeddingGemma 2: an open, lightweight multimodal embedding model
deepmind.google·6d ago
AI Engineering
Hacker News·Jul 22·5 min read
A Zipper Patent Sat in a Garage for 40 Years. Now It's Real
TL;DR
MIT researchers have revived a 40-year-old patent for a three-sided zipper, creating the Y-Zipper, a 3D-printed fastener that transforms flexible structures into rigid beams with a simple pull.
✦ Why It Matters
Explore 3D printing options to create customizable structures using the Y-Zipper technology.
Key Takeaways
- Consider how tunable stiffness can enhance your projects.
- Experiment with CSAIL's design software for custom applications.
- Think about the implications of flexible-rigid materials in your field.
- Stay open to ideas that may need time to develop.
How It Works
The Y-Zipper combines three independent flexible strips into a triangular rod that becomes load-bearing when zipped. Unzipping returns it to a soft state, allowing for easy transport and storage.
Users can customize the design through CSAIL's software, selecting strip lengths, bend angles, and motion configurations.