Design alternatives of network of Altmann linkages

Abstract

This paper presents a method of building deployable network assemblies derived from the single degree of freedom (DoF) over constrained Altmann linkage as a basic module. The method is based on assembling linkages with common links and joints or overlapping with extra R or 2R joints. New loops are emerged with overlapping method. The networks created have a single DoF, are over-constrained and have both fully deployed and folded configurations. The computer-aided models (CAD) are used to demonstrate these derived novel mechanisms.