Networking of Bennett linkages and its application on deployable parabolic cylindrical antenna

Abstract In this study, the networking method of Bennett linkages is investigated, and a deployable parabolic cylindrical antenna is constructed based on the network. The alternative form of Bennett linkage has excellent performance in terms of deployment and folding. Using the alternative form as basic units, a networking method of Bennett linkage is proposed. In the network, the units are parallel in one direction and have an included angle in the vertical direction. Thereafter, the mobility of the mechanical network is analyzed through screw theory. Results show that the network has one degree of freedom, and that the included angle has no effect on network mobility. According to this property, a method of constructing parabolic cylindrical antennas is proposed. The parameters of units in the network are then analyzed. A parabolic cylindrical antenna is designed, and a prototype is constructed. The parabolic cylindrical antenna proposed in this study can be folded completely and can be deployed to the predetermined profile. This study provides a novel industrial application of the classical Bennett linkage.