Folding panels help

[ZodiaK]

So I'm trying to make a replica of the mars pathfinder mission, and I need help with the panels.

here's what I've done so far:

Javascript is disabled. View full album

any help?

[ZodiaK]

ideally it unfolds like this:

[Epthelyn]

Are the panels supposed to fall off and land like that, or do you want them to unfold into that position and not detach?

[ZodiaK]

either, as long as the end result is like in my second post.

[jmbailey2000]

If not adverse to mods, try Infernal Robotics. It has several styles of hinges that might fit your need.

[ZodiaK]

infernal would be good, but I'm trying to make this replica stock.

[Zephram Kerman]

There are ways of making hinge-ish things with only stock parts. But they're all fiddly and wobbly, so YMMV. The claw has a hinge... or you could do some kind of hook thing with cubic octagonal struts where you have the separators now. (Either way would mean attaching the panels at the top, so that the moving joint comes together at launch.)

Ruairi made a cargo bay door hinge that might help you:

If you get a panel hinge working, be sure to show it off!

[Claw]

Stock hinges would be really tough with a design this small. Like Zephram said, I think your best bet would be to try and make some sort of loop with cubic struts at the bottom. Then I would try to attach decouplers up top to probide the opening force. Also, sepratrons might give you too much push in Duna's lower gravity.

[ZodiaK]

first test is fruitful. researching more compact designs.

[ZodiaK]

now working with 2/3 panels: