Conceptual configuration synthesis and topology structure analysis of double-layer hoop deployable antenna unit. (November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shi, Chuang; Guo, Hongwei; Zheng, Zhigang; Li, Meng; Liu, Rongqiang; Deng, Zongquan
• Is Part Of: Mechanism and machine theory. Volume 129(2018)
• Page Start: 232
• Page End: 260
• Publication Date: 2018-11
• Subjects: Conceptual configuration synthesis -- Topology structure analysis -- Graph theory -- Double-layer hoop -- Deployable antenna; Machine theory -- Periodicals; Machinery -- Periodicals; Machines -- Périodiques; Génie mécanique -- Périodiques; Machine theory; Machinery; Periodicals; 621.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2018.08.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-114X

Abstract

Highlights: In order to obtain a series of double-layer hoop deployable antenna units (DHDAUs) which can be folded into a straight line, a conceptual configuration synthesis and topology structure analysis method based on graph theory is proposed in this paper. Combined with graph properties, weighted adjacency matrixes, and several principles, a procedure for synthesizing the conceptual configurations of DHDAUs is obtained. Two-color topological graph of DHDAUs are presented by applying a variety of simplified rules and topology properties. A procedure for the identification of kinematic joints of DHDAUs is established to fold DHDAUs into lines. All 3 kinds of DHDAUs are discovered by using synthesis approach mentioned in this paper, and the models of them, which were produced via 3D printing, can be deployed flexibly, thus proving the correctness of the theoretical analysis. Abstract: A method involving conceptual configuration synthesis and topology structure analysis is developed based on graph theory to obtain a series of double-layer hoop deployable antenna units (DHDAUs) that can be folded into straight lines. First, a procedure for synthesizing the conceptual configurations of DHDAUs is obtained by combining graph properties, weighted adjacency matrixes, and several principles. Second, a fundamental topological graph is presented to describe joint connections in a DHDAU on the basis of the adjacency matrix. The fundamental topological graph is reduced to a two-color topological graph by applying various simplified rules and topology properties. Third, a procedure for the identification of kinematic joints is established to fold DHDAUs into lines. Finally, three types of DHDAUs are obtained through this synthesis approach. The models, which were produced via 3D printing, can be deployed flexibly, thus proving the correctness of the theoretical analysis. These methods can provide guidance for the design of large aerospace deployable mechanisms.