A new mechanism for the deployment of modular solar arrays: kinematic and static analysis

This paper presents a new solar arrays deployment mechanism for space applications. It consists of a modular kinematic structure, which is operated by a single cable (1 DoF). Compared to traditional methods, this mechanism has the advantage of being reversible in the movement. Kinematic analysis of the mechanism is carried out in this work, as well as static analysis. They allow to define the main actuation parameters such as cable pull tension and spring stiffness. Moreover, suitable values for the mechanism parameters are computed by means of a dedicated algorithm.