On Generating a Class of Foldable Six-Bar Spatial Linkages

Abstract

Recently isolated through fortuity and subsequent inference, a family of six-revolute spatial linkages is distinguished by dimensional properties which allow the individual loops to be folded, hence making them of possible interest in the field of deployable structures. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a novel method for generating each of the linkages from planar and Bennett chains. Alternative compositions are discussed, along with the family's potential for being fashioned into nests of linkages.