Deployable truss structure with flat-form storability using scissor-like elements

Abstract

Deployable structures have received much attention in the building of large structural systems in space due to the limitations in the packaging capabilities of satellites and launch vehicles. Among various categories of deployable structures, deployable truss structures are most commonly used because of their high stiffness and strength. However, deployable truss structures typically have low packaging efficiency. To improve the packaging efficiency of deployable truss structures, this paper proposes a deployable truss structure that can be stored in a flat form. The proposed structure has a high packaging efficiency while preserving the major advantage of conventional deployable truss structures. The deployment motion is analyzed through a kinematic model, and the packaging efficiency is calculated and compared to a conventional deployable truss structure. The dynamic model of the proposed structure is derived and the deployment characteristics are investigated considering the driving force for deployment and gravity. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed structure is demonstrated with a deployment test of the prototype.