Research through Design of a One-Dimensional Cable-Rod Deployable Mechanism

Abstract

With the development of human space exploration activities, the structures of many spacecrafts tend to be large. Due to the limitation of payload envelope size in the launch vehicles, large space structures must be folded in a limited space, and stretch to the desired configuration after reaching their orbits. Large space structures can be basically classified as assembling structures, expansive structures and deployable structures. Deployable structures are the most widely used, and the rod-shaped space stretching arms are the most widely applied one-dimensional space deployment mechanism. Currently, there are mainly three forms of rod-shaped space stretching arms are used in the field of aerospace: Storable Tubular Extendable Member[1,2], Coilable Mast[3], and hinged-rod stretching arm[4,5]. Hinged-rod stretching arm now becomes the studying focus of rod-shaped deployment mechanism for its precise positioning due to high strength and stiffness and characteristics that is in line with the large-scale spatial structure. The designs of a one-dimensional cable-rod deployment mechanism which is cable-driven based on the contrast of working principle and working characteristics of existing rod-shaped space deployment mechanism, and also some research was studied on its working principle and key technologies.