Applying scissor mechanism to the design planning of deployable free form surface structure

Abstract

This thesis proposes a design methodology for versatile, deployable three-dimensional curved structures by integrating scissor mechanisms with umbrella-like frameworks. The umbrella’s handle, framework, and membrane are reinterpreted as columns, beams, and walls, expanding structural design possibilities. A key feature of this approach is the use of a scissor mechanism that can deploy along a curved path, corresponding to the frameworks of an umbrella. This enables efficient deployment and retraction towards any location by moving a single point, offering greater control over complex curved surfaces. To facilitate the realization of various curvatures and ensure smooth operation, a mechanism allowing for variable member lengths has been developed. This adaptability enhances the system’s flexibility, making it applicable to diverse architectural and engineering contexts. To validate the method's effectiveness, a full-scale model was constructed, and its performance and structural integrity were thoroughly evaluated. Using an algorithm developed in Grasshopper, the methodology bridges the gap between complex design and practical construction, enabling the deployment of scissor structures on arbitrary three-dimensional surfaces. The results demonstrate new possibilities for adaptable, deployable structures, suitable for various applications.