Deployable Cellular Structures of Pyramids and Prisms for Construction of Large-scale Deployable Supporting Trusses

Abstract

Pyramidal and prismatic deployable structures always serve as fundamental components of large-scale deployable supporting trusses. In this paper, the mechanism design and drive layout selection of deployable cellular structures are focused on for constructing different types of deployable mechanisms. First, deployable mechanisms with two types of backbone mechanisms are proposed as basic units to construct structures of pyramids and prisms. The mobility analysis of the proposed deployable mechanisms is carried out via screw theory. Subsequently, deployable cellular pyramids and prisms are constructed by proposed deployable mechanisms via modular assembly with central and planar symmetry. Kinematic analysis is then presented to understand the input-output relationships and deployable characteristics. Performance evaluation and comparisons of deployable mechanisms considering different actuated joints are carried out to select the optimal drive layout by adopting motion/force transmission and constraint indices. As a result, modular-designed supporting trusses are proposed for space-borne mesh reflectors and parabolic antennas based on deployable cellular structures. The proposed deployable cellular structures and constructed deployable trusses are expected to contribute valuable references in the field of deployable mechanisms.