A Hybrid Deployable Vault Structure by Coupling Origami Folded Plates with a Scissors – Four Bar Linkage Frame

In this paper, a novel concept of a lightweight deployable vault structure, consisting of a curved folded plate surface, paired with a retractable frame mechanism is proposed. The retractable frame, in its deployed and constrained configuration, will function as a structural and load-bearing system, whereas the rigid origami folded plate structure will serve as a covering surface. A miura-ori first-level derivative crease pattern, such as the Arc Pattern, will be used for this purpose. The retractable frame consists of scissor bars of different lengths combined with four-bar linkages with specific sliding joints. This frame acts as a motion actuator, as well as a supporting and locking mechanism for the folded plate surface. For the study of the form and kinematic behavior of the proposed vault structure, a parametric model has been developed in the Rhino Grasshopper programming environment and small-scale physical models have been constructed.