Air-dispersed sensor networks deployed from aerial robotic systems (e.g., UAVs) provide a low-cost approach to wide-area environmental monitoring. However, existing methods often rely on active actuators for mid-air shape or trajectory control, increasing both power consumption and system cost. Here, we introduce a passive elastic-folding hinge mechanism that transforms sensors from a flat, stackable form into a three-dimensional structure upon release. Hinges are fabricated by laminating commercial sheet materials with rigid printed circuit boards (PCBs) and programming fold angles through a single oven-heating step, enabling scalable production without specialized equipment. Our geometric model links laminate geometry, hinge mechanics, and resulting fold angle, providing a predictive design methodology for target configurations. Laboratory tests confirmed fold angles between 10 degrees and 100 degrees, with a standard deviation of 4 degrees and high repeatability. Field trials further demonstrated reliable data collection and LoRa transmission during dispersion, while the Horizontal Wind Model (HWM)-based trajectory simulations indicated strong potential for wide-area sensing exceeding 10 km.

翻译：从空中机器人系统（如无人机）中部署的空中分散传感器网络为广域环境监测提供了一种低成本方法。然而，现有方法通常依赖主动执行器来实现空中形状或轨迹控制，这增加了功耗和系统成本。本文介绍了一种被动弹性折叠铰链机构，该机构能在释放时将传感器从平坦、可堆叠的形态转变为三维结构。铰链通过将商用片材与刚性印刷电路板（PCB）层压，并经单步烘箱加热编程折叠角度制成，无需专用设备即可实现大规模生产。我们的几何模型将层压几何形状、铰链力学性能与最终折叠角度联系起来，为目标配置提供了一种可预测的设计方法。实验室测试证实折叠角度在10度至100度之间，标准差为4度，且具有高重复性。现场试验进一步证明了在分散过程中数据采集和LoRa传输的可靠性，而基于水平风模型（HWM）的轨迹模拟显示，其用于超过10公里广域传感的强大潜力。