Design of a Translational Flexible Truss Based on Distributed Guide-Slot Optimization

This paper presents a proof-of-concept study of a translational self-deployable flexible truss with distributed spherical guide-slots. A constrained trajectory-design procedure is developed by integrating guide-slot parameterization with flexible multibody dynamics. A two-stage optimization strategy is implemented, where the stowed compactness achieved in the first stage is incorporated as a feasibility constraint for the subsequent contact-force minimization. The proposed approach coordinates the deformation of flexible members with the kinematic guidance of multiple guide-slots, enabling the synchronous translational retraction and deployment of the truss. Numerical simulations demonstrate coordinated single-bay and multi-bay deployment dynamics, while reducing the modeled peak guide-slot contact force from 6.741 kN to 4.325 kN. The results establish the kinematic feasibility and trajectory-design capability of the proposed concept, providing a baseline reference for future investigations of joint stress, composite strength, structural stiffness, and load-carrying capacity.