From the perspective of the truss as a whole, this research investigates the conceptual configuration design for deployable space truss structures that are line-foldable with the help of graph theory. First, the bijection between a truss and its graph model is established. Therefore, operations can be performed based on graph models. Second, by introducing Maxwell’s rule, maximum clique, and chordless cycle, the principle of conceptual configuration synthesis is analyzed. A corresponding procedure is formed and it is verified by a truss with seven nodes. Third, assisted by some theorems of graph theory, the simplified double-color topological graph of deployable space truss structures is acquired and it also displays the procedure with a case. Finally, based on the above analysis, it obtains the optimal conceptual configurations. This novel research lays the foundation for kinematic synthesis and geometric dimension designs.
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