a b s t r a c tIn this paper, a new adaptive deployable spatial scissor-hinge structural mechanism (SSM) is introduced, which can be converted by means of actuators between a multitude of arch-like, dome-like and double curved shapes, where it can be stabilized and carry loads. This novel SSM is a spatial extension of a planar SSM introduced recently that can achieve a wide range of planar geometries. Main differences of the proposed structural mechanism from current deployable structures are the new connection type of the primary units and the proposed modified spatial scissor-like element (MS-SLE). With the development of this new connection detail and the modified element, it becomes possible to change the geometry of the whole system without changing the dimensions of the struts or the span. After presenting some disadvantages of current deployable structures and outlining the main differences of the proposed spatial SSM with existing examples, the dimensional properties of the primary elements are introduced. Then, geometric principles and shape limitations of the whole structure are explained. Finally, structural analyses of a typical structure in two different geometric configurations are performed, in order to discuss stiffness limitations associated with the advantage of increased mobility.

This study deals with a review of planar scissor structural mechanisms (SSMs) and reports on how they can be easily transformed from a stowed to a deployed configuration. These mechanisms have an important transformation capacity of their extension and rotation properties, and many examples have been proposed that vary in size, type and geometry. Although there are many studies dealing with designing new planar or spatial SSMs and their calculation methods, there is no systematic study demonstrating the basic typologies, geometric principles, design rules and constraints of such SSMs. Further, current calculation methods are based on the inductive approach in which the dimension of one scissor unit (SU) is given, but the span of the whole structure is found later according to the number of SUs that are used to assemble the structure. However, this approach is not convenient for architectural applications, because it requires a deductive approach in which the dimensions and required number of SUs are calculated according to defined span length. On the basis of this concept, this article, first, analyses the geometric design of SSMs systematically in terms of their possible configurations and then develops trigonometric calculation methods for different types of SSMs, using a deductive approach.

a b s t r a c tHigh levels of energy consumption in residential buildings and global warming are important issues. Thus the energy performance of buildings should be improved in the early stages of design. This article describes an approach for developing guidelines on sensitive and robust design parameters for the present, the 2020s, the 2050s and the 2080s. Such guidelines can help architects to design low-rise apartment buildings that require less energy for various purposes, such as heating or cooling. The article consists of a general literature review, interviews with architects, the generation of case-specific information and a mock-up presentation and a meeting with professionals. An example guideline that aims to reduce annual cooling energy loads under global warming in low-rise apartment buildings located in hot-humid climates is presented to demonstrate how the proposed approach can be applied. For this guideline, case-specific information was generated, and a global sensitivity analysis based on Monte Carlo Analysis and the Latin Hypercube Sampling technique was performed. The results show that the suggested approach is feasible and could be used to provide helpful information to architects during the design of low-rise apartment buildings with high energy performance. The most sensitive design parameters that affect annual cooling energy loads in low-rise apartment buildings were natural ventilation, window area, and the solar heat-gain coefficient (SHGC) of the glazing. The results are relevant for the present, the 2020s, the 2050s and the 2080s.

The Miura Ori is a mechanism composed by a polyhedral deployable surface. It has favorable qualities from engineering prospective that lead the growing interest on it. The present work focuses on its transmission of motion. The mechanism can be represented by spherical 4 bar linkages, and on this account a simple and effective mobility formula is presented. The mechanism having a number of excessive rigid members, it is also possible to remove all or some of them, variously arranged. The changes are included in the calculation of allowable mobility of the system. The resulting tool can be directly used for the design of deployable Miura Ori surfaces with customized shape.

In this paper, a novel two-dimensional scissor structure that transforms between concave and convex configurations is presented. The structure is designed by a method of assembling kite or anti-kite loops in the flat configuration. Angulated units are generated from the assembled loops. Finally, a new angulated scissor unit is introduced in order to design the novel scissor structure.