Deployable space grids with lockable joints

Abstract

The use of deployable structures in architecture began in the 1960s, based on the pioneering work of Emilio Pérez Piñero. It has had an interesting development using bundle or scissor modules, but with solutions that are always based on through-bolted joints. In this document, a new system for deployable space grids is proposed. This new system is based on the use of self-lockable joints, opening up a new and interesting field of design possibilities. The resulting space grids can be deployed by means of joints arranged on the bars that have a self-locking mechanism which is engaged in the final open position. This configuration overcomes the significant buckling that is characteristic of deployable structures with through-bolted joints. Different solutions are proposed for various uses, and the data from the theoretical and experimental analysis are provided.