  In the classic realm of impact mitigation, targeting different impact
scenarios with a universally designed device still remains an unassailable
challenge. In this study, we delve into the untapped potential of
Resch-patterned origami for impact mitigation, specifically considering the
adaptively reconfigurable nature of the Resch origami structure. Our
unit-cell-level analyses reveal two distinctive modes of deformation, each
characterized by contrasting mechanical responses: the folding mode that
displays monostability coupled with strain-hardening, and the unfolding mode
that manifests bistability, facilitating energy absorption through snap-through
dynamics. Drop tests further unveil a novel dynamic bifurcation phenomenon,
where the origami switches between folding and unfolding depending on impact
speed, thereby showcasing its innate self-reconfigurability in a wide range of
dynamic events. The tessellated meter-scale Resch structure mimicking an
automotive bumper inherits this dynamically bifurcating behavior, demonstrating
the instantaneous morphing into favorable deformation mode to minimize the peak
acceleration upon impact. This suggests a self-adaptive and universally
applicable impact-absorbing nature of the Resch-patterned origami system. We
believe that our findings pave the way for developing smart, origami-inspired
impact mitigation devices capable of real-time response and adaptation to
external stimuli, offering insights into designing universally protective
structures with enhanced performance in response to various impact scenarios.
