Hierarchical assembly of self-replicating spacecraft using distributed mechanisms and actuation in digital materials

A discrete assembly system comprising:

• a plurality of parts belonging to a finite number of types including node part and strut part, wherein the node part comprises a two dimensional structure with a top and bottom, with strut-connecting slots along both top and bottom for receiving rigid connections to strut parts, wherein the strut part comprises a two dimensional structure with a top and bottom, with slots along both top and bottom for receiving rigid connections to node parts, the plurality of parts constructed to be joined with a common interface;
• wherein the node parts additionally comprise at least two node-assembly slots offset from respective edges of the two-dimensional structure and disposed only on the top of the node part, the node-assembly slots having larger length than the strut-connecting slots;
• wherein the parts, when joined, form a regular lattice structure;
• wherein, the plurality of parts are configured to be assembled vertically to make nodes solely by interconnection of node-assembly slots, and wherein assembled nodes may be interconnected through connection of node parts with strut parts at strut-connecting slots, allowing a structure to be assembled one part at a time;
• wherein the plurality of parts are fabricated at different length scales by 2-dimensional manufacturing processes;
• wherein the plurality of parts interlock, allowing loads to be distributed through a plurality of parallel load paths;
• and
• wherein the finite number of parts types comprises two parts types.