Design Considerations for the Dimensional Synthesis of Cylindrical Developable Mechanisms

Abstract

Developable mechanisms provide unparalleled compactness and deployability. This paper explores the kinematic behavior of developable mechanisms that conform to regular cylindrical surfaces. Design considerations that aid in the dimensional synthesis of these mechanisms are developed and demonstrated through case studies. The design implications, limitations, and opportunities associated with regular cylindrical developable mechanisms are discussed through the lens of both an analytical and graphical methods.