Two-dimensional deployable hexapod truss

A two-dimensionally deployable truss structure is newly proposed for space application. The most significant feature is the small number of mechanisms to be locked when the structure is deployed. Its packaging efficiency is shown to be better than that of many known deployable trusses. Several versions of the truss are also proposed. To confirm that the new deployable truss has enough design flexibility, a paraboloidal truss platform is designed for trial. Furthermore, a numerical investigation shows that the platform is actually deployable and foldable from a practical point of view. (Author)