Kinetic rigid cover for spherical scissor-like mechanism

An essential step in designing kinetic structures as an architectural function is how covering them. Although the implementation of a kinetic rigid cover for these types of structures adds complexity to the design and joints, enables the long-term applicability for them. Spherical scissor-like element structures (SLEs) are one of the most complex transformable structures due to their complex motion mechanism and this study mainly aims to provide a solution to create a real-scale kinetic rigid cover for them. In this paper, parametric simulation and analytic geometry have been applied to prove the feasibility of design and fabrication of such kinetic rigid cover using point trajectory and examining changes in their spatial coordinates. Finally, it can be acknowledged that three main factors, namely dynamic mechanism, geometric behavior of covering panels, and the type of material and joints, are the main factors influencing the design of rigid covers for SLEs. •Covering transformable structures with kinetic rigid plates increases the lateral resistance and life span of the system.•Parametric and geometric simulation show the existence of planar surface in spherical SLEs that can be used as rigid plates.•In spherical SLEs, the combination of accordion-like and sliding motion allows rigid plates to have a simultaneous motion.•Movement mechanism, geometry of panels, materials and joints are main factors in designing kinetic rigid cover for SLEs.