A systematic methodology for the conceptual design of deployable truss structures

Abstract

In the conceptual design of deployable structures, much of published literature on this topic relates mainly to the analyses of the designs that are presented. What is lacking are discussions on how such ingenious designs come about. This article attempts to bring about such a systematic procedure in the conceptual design of deployable structures by way of a mathematical technique known as graph theory. The resulting approach generates all possible conceptual designs based on a given number of links and nodes within a module of a deployable truss structure. The type of joints (revolute, universal, spherical) to be specified at the interconnections of Imks, is approached using kinematic graphs constrained by kinematic deployment characteristics of the deployable structure. Finally the entire set of concepts are sorted automatically using knowledge-based systems based on criteria such as deployability, total weight and folded volume. This systematic approach results in the enumeration of all conceptual designs including those already reported in the literature.

Dynamic characteristics of planar linear array deployable structure based on scissor-like element with joint clearance using a new mixed contact force model

“…Up to now, many scholars and research institutions have done a lot of researches on the issue of deployable structure. [4][5][6][7][8] Chew and Warnaar 4 studied the procedure of conceptual design of deployable structures systematically by way of a mathematical technique known as graph theory, and the resulting approach brought about all possible conceptual designs based on a given number of links and nodes within a module of a deployable structure. Zhao et al 5 investigated the mechanism theory and application of deployable structures based on scissor-like element (SLE).…”