Design and dynamic analysis of a scissors hoop-rib truss deployable antenna mechanism

Abstract

As the support mechanism of space-borne antennas, space deployable antenna mechanism belongs to complex multi-closed-loop coupling mechanism, configuration design and dynamic analysis are more difficult than general parallel mechanism. In this paper, an unequal-length scissors mechanism (ULSM) is proposed by changing the position of the internal rotational joint through a basic scissors mechanism. A scissors hoop-rib truss deployable antenna mechanism (SHRTDAM) is constructed by replacing the parabolic rib with the ULSM. Kinematic analysis of SHRTDAM is conducted, and the degree of freedom (DOF) of the whole antenna mechanism is analyzed based on screw theory, the result showed that it has only one DOF. Velocity and acceleration characteristics of SHRTDAM are obtained by the screw derivative and rotation transformation. Based on Lagrange equation, dynamic model of this mechanism is established, the torque required to drive the mechanism is simulated and verified by Adams and MATLAB software. In addition, a ground experiment prototype of 1.5-m diameter was fabricated and a deployment test is conducted, which demonstrated the mobility and deployment performance of the whole mechanism. The mechanism proposed in this paper can provide a good reference for the design and analysis of large aperture space deployable antennas.