A review of a family of self-deploying tensegrity structures with elastic ties

Abstract

A review of a family of tensegrity structures that self-deploy from a stowed or packed configuration is presented. In the packed configuration, the mechanism is of a cylindrical form with the struts lying side by side. Such structures may be applied in the deployment of antennas in space and in the rapid deployment of shelters or tents. This family of structures evolved from a study of in-parallel platforms with compliant legs or connectors. A number of relevant references are cited.