Two-dimensional deployable hexapod truss

A two-dimensionally deployable truss structure is newly proposed for space application, whose most significant feature is its small number of mechanisms to be locked when it is deployed. Its packaging efficiency is shown to be better than many known deployable trusses. Several versions of the truss are also proposed. To confirm that the new deployable truss has enough design flexibility, a paraboloidal truss platform is designed for trial. Furthermore, a numerical investigation shows that the platform is actually deployable/foldable from the practical point of view.