Concept of Convex Hinge Mechanisms for Self-Deployable Panels

Abstract

Developing 2-dimensional large self-deployable panel structures with higher flatness, we proposed a convex hinge and investigated the folding properties by experimental model. In the experiments, two types of configurations of convex hinge were evaluated in the load testing with the Miura-ori folded panel structures. The result showed the performance of folding properties for convex hinges. Finally, possibility of convex hinges for applying 2-dimensional self-deployable structures were discussed.