Folding and Unfolding Properties of Extension Boom with Slide Fasteners for High Rigidity and Storability

抄録

In this research, the folding and unfolding properties of the bi-convex boom whose edges are combined using slide fasteners are evaluated experimentally. The bi-convex boom is the extension boom which have superior features such as lightweight, highly rigid and storable. We propose the method of forming closed cross section by combining convex booms using slide fasteners. Folding and unfolding tests under hanging gravity compensation are conducted using trail product of this boom. And the folding and unfolding properties of the boom are evaluated. Consequently, the boom bended in folding because of the low restoring force from pressed cross section to circular cross section. So we added the guide rollers to the unfolding and unfolding mechanisms in order to raise the restoring force of the boom. And we indicate that it is possible to unfold normally using this unfolding and unfolding mechanisms added guide rollers.