Design and Analysis of Approximate Cylindrical Deployable Mechanism with Bennett Linkages

Abstract

Deployable mechanisms can be deployed to the designated configuration for work，and can also be folded for facilitating transportation. It has broad application prospects in space，architecture，and other fields. A deployable mechanism is presented, which uses the Bennett over-constraint mechanism as a basic element. Working surface of the mechanism can be fitted to cylindrical surface. Meanwhile，all bars of the mechanism can be compactly folded into a bundle configuration. Firstly，geometric description of the Bennett mechanism is analyzed，and its kinematic characteristics are discussed. Secondly，combination of unit mechanism is realized by using the scissors linkage，ensuring that the design key points are accurately located on the target surface. Finally，kinematics and dynamic performances of the mechanism are simulated, validating the proposed design and providing theoretical fundamental for the follow-up prototype development.The Bennett over-constraint mechanism in this paper is simple and have high precision and rigidity，which can be well applied to the cylindrical surface of the antenna design. This study is of great value to the design and analysis of aerospace deployable mechanism.

Keywords

deployable mechanism；Bennett linkages / cylindrical surface / kinematics analysis / simulation