ORIGAS - Origami Gas Inflated Panel - Heliostat design

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NOTE 1 : The animation of the deployment shows cuts in the panel on first stage, that does not exists . In fact, I was not able to simulate this flaps deployment accurately, since it is also very compact. Nonetheless, the concept of this folding step can be observed in the origami video. Firstly, the pair of flaps, which are folded on each , are deployed thanks to pressure acting in the outer hinges (folded 180°), and secondly, the "waterbomb based" deployment is realized by the inner hinges (1 and 2 starting from center). NOTE 2 : The pantograph mechanism is not fully detailled (each arm should be double in order to have a parallelogramm), but the concept here is to drive it only with one actuator at the base, like a classical train pantograph design. This heliostat concept is based on a "waterbomb" origami crease pattern folded in two steps, allowing a high compacity with minimal complexity.The deployment and stretching is operated by four composite tubes each divided in three sections and linked together by softer tubular connections, as for inflatable structures. These hinges open under gas pressure through the tubes and a self-locking mechanism stretches the tubes once deployed. The central panels are photovoltaic, and the reflective panels are disposed all around. All the panels are placed on a soft and foldable surface.It is designed to be deployed and locked once with only the gas pressure of small tanks located below the panel.