A Prototype “Clicking” Scissor-Link Deployable Structure

The paper presents engineering details of a prototype scissor-link deployable structure and outlines a systematic development approach as an example of the steps involved in realizing a new idea. The arch-like structure consists of multiple pairs of scissor-linked rod elements, which can be deployed instantaneously to form a stable, spatial network and which can be collapsed to a compact bundle of nearly parallel rods. A momentary geometric non-fit during deployment causes large displacement bending or buckling and a self-stabilizing ာclickingိ effect which facilitates full deployment, and leaves the structure with no residual internal stresses after deployment. The paper concludes with recommendations for further experimental work on the subject.