Design of a reconfigurable deployable structure

Abstract

This paper introduces a reconfigurable mechanised structure design composed of planar linkage units. The alternative forms that a linkage can be constructed with the same links and connections are called configurations or assembly modes of the linkage. During its motion, the linkage may pass from one assembly mode to another, which is called reconfiguration or assembly mode change. The reconfigurable structure presented in this paper is a single DOF multi-loop mechanised structure which has more than two configurations. Design and position analysis of the mechanism are implemented in Microsoft Excel environment. The link lengths can be varied in this environment and the structure can be simulated by changing input joint parameters. The mechanised reconfigurable structure can be used as a multifunctional canopy which can take any form in a few minutes for urgent needs after disasters, military purpose or public needs.