The mechanism theory and application of deployable structures based on SLE

This paper aims at investigating the mechanism theory and application of deployable structures based on scissor-like element (SLE). The deployable structure has a wide application both in space structures and in general mechanical engineering. However, the mechanism theory of such deployable structures based on SLE is seldom probed systematically. Therefore, this paper starts from the mobility analysis of simple planar linkages, and then explores the mechanism theory of spatial deployable units utilized in flat, cylindrical and spherical deployable structures. The theoretical results obtained in this paper have a general adaptation in conceiving any kinds of deployable structures.