Unfoldable connected structure and method for unfolding the same

Abstract

An unfoldable connected structure has a structural unit movable in a folded and an unfolded state. The structural unit includes five arm units, and each of the arm units include an inner arm member having first and second ends, an outer arm member having first and second ends, an elbow joint mechanism movably connecting the first end of the inner arm member to the first end of the outer arm member, a shoulder joint mechanism movably connected to the second end of the inner arm member, and a wrist joint mechanism movably connected to the second end of the outer arm member; and means for connecting the arm units radially through their respective shoulder joint mechanism to form a frame of a pentagonal pyramid configuration when the structural unit is in an unfolded state. The unfoldable connected structure forms no void at its outer surface when it is in an unfolded state, has improved structural strength, and allows smooth folding and unfolding action.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.