A novel deployable structure devised from a Kresling-Scissor interface

Abstract

Recent developments have shown that spatial structures devised from origami or low-dimensional rigid linkage mechanisms can be used to construct deployable arrays for antennas or satellites. Yet, some of these structures are limited to deploying in fixed planes or directions. This research introduces a reconfigurable single-degree-of-freedom spatial structure devised from a Kresling-inspired mechanism and scissor arms. Analytical models are constructed to demonstrate compaction, deployment, and acoustic wave guiding capabilities of the proposed structure. A case study using the linear scissor arm configuration is presented to illustrate the modular scissor arm behavior and large deployment-to-compaction volume ratio of the system. A second case study is also presented to demonstrate the acoustic wave guiding capabilities of the Kresling-Scissor structure by utilizing spiral scissor arms, thereby proposing a novel concept for constructing deployable spiral wave guiding arrays. The results encourage broader exploration of the interfaces between origami structures and rigid linkage mechanisms.