Strategy and Demonstration of Latch Mechanisms with Kinematic Coupling for Precise Deployable Structures

This paper proposes a new strategy for improving deployment repeatability in deployable structures using kinematic couplings. In this strategy, the order of the pressing and the pressing load applied to the coupling are controlled to meet the necessary conditions. The basic theory for latch completion conditions is derived based on our previous study, which revealed the mating completion conditions of kinematic couplings. An experimental model that consists of two circular plates and three parts of two–degrees of restraint (2–DOR) (balls with grooves) with pressing load mechanisms using tension springs is developed. The shape repeatability in the experimental model is evaluated by measuring the relative displacements of two plates in each installation while changing the pressing order and load applied. The effects pressing order and load applied on shape repeatability are evaluated through these experiments, and the effectiveness of the strategy for pressing load adjustment is demonstrated.