Deployable masts based on the Bennett linkage

Abstract

A concept of building a deployable mast using the Bennett linkage as the basic bay is proposed in this paper. The deployable mast is assembled by placing in series a number of modular bays constructed using the Bennett linkages. It has one degree of mobility. Geometrical analysis of the deployable mast has been conducted to determine the deployment length and cross section of the mast. The effects of the Bennett linkage parameters on the overall dimension of the mast are considered. The results show that the concept is valid and can be easily tailored to suit practical requirements. © Springer-Verlag London 2012.