Foldability of hinged-rod systems applicable to deployable space structures

An earlier study performed on hinged-rod structural systems and their geometry and foldability is presented. A general necessary and sufficient condition of the foldability of hinged-rod systems is derived. The basic principles enable the synthesis of rod structures with a foldability feature. New concepts of foldable and deployable rod structures are discussed, which are derived from the foldability condition and are suitable for applications in large space structures. These concepts range from foldable hinged-rod support structures for reflective surfaces to peripheral deployable ring structures of large antennas. Related concepts and research results are addressed in the paper.