Expanding the Scope of the Universal Scissor Component: Transformable Geodesic Domes

This paper is concerned with the enlargement of the existing scope of a Universal Scissor Component (USC) for deployable scissor structures. In previous research, the designed USC, single and unique, is used to compose different configurations (deployable domes and barrel vaults) and can then be reconfigured and reused to meet changing requirements. Now, a closer look is taken on the triangulated geometry of geodesic domes and prismoid towers. This implies the necessity to design an adaptable USC: the USC is no longer the fixed component of a kit-of-parts system - being the deployable scissor structure - but the USC itself is a kit-of-parts system. A study is conducted to evaluate the efficiency of the adaptability of the USC according to geometrical and structural aspects. The research topic of the paper is used in order to investigate further explorations of the USC for mobile and temporary structures.