A novel prism deployable mechanism based on straight-line mechanism. Issue 2 (1st January 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lu, Shengnan; Zlatanov, Dimiter; Ding, Xilun; Molfino, Rezia
• Is Part Of: International journal of mechanisms and robotic systems. Volume 1:Issue 2/3(2013)
• Page Start: 185
• Page End: 201
• Publication Date: 2013-01-01
• Subjects: prism deployable mechanisms -- straight-line mechanisms -- unit mechanism -- magnification ratio -- kinematics; Robotics -- Periodicals; Mechanical engineering -- Periodicals; 629.892
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2047-7244

Abstract

This paper proposes a novel planar deployable mechanism (PDM) based on the Hoekens straight-line linkage. The new mechanism has the property of deploying and compacting in only one dimension. The kinematics and the singularities of the PDM are analysed, and its magnification ratio is calculated as a function of the geometry of the links. Furthermore, we describe the possibility and the principles of combining multiple unit mechanisms into a larger deployable mechanism. This process allows the creation of a series of deployable mast units, which in turn are used to design a novel family of prism deployable mechanisms with one degree of freedom and invariable cross-sections.