A deployable flexible membrane array and method of deploying the same

Abstract

The application provides an unfoldable flexible film array and an unfolding method thereof, and relates to the technical field of flexible space unfolding structures. The unfoldable flexible film array comprises at least one unfoldable flexible film unit; one of the unfoldable flexible film units comprises a flexible film monomer, at least two supporting frames and at least one unfoldable connecting rod, each supporting frame is arranged at intervals along the unfolding or folding direction of the flexible film monomer, one side of each supporting frame is connected to the flexible film monomer, and adjacent two supporting frames are connected through the unfoldable connecting rod. The stability and unfoldability of the structure are ensured, the number of the unfoldable flexible film units or the assembly form can be conveniently increased or adjusted according to needs by adopting a modular design concept, the customized unfoldable flexible film array is realized to adapt to different application scenarios and needs, and the adaptability of the product and the flexibility of the user are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of flexible space deployable structure technology, and more specifically, to a deployable flexible thin film array and its deployment method. Background Technology

[0002] Frequently used flexible thin-film structures, such as solar panels and thin-film antennas, require technologies capable of autonomous deployment in space due to launch costs and space constraints. Existing deployment technologies generally rely on mechanical devices, such as mechanical hinges, folding supports, and spring mechanisms. These mechanical devices not only increase the weight and complexity of the system but may also affect its reliability due to external factors. Under the microgravity and extreme temperature conditions of space, these mechanical devices often face potential failure risks, and the deployment process is difficult to control precisely. These limitations make it difficult for traditional technologies to meet the demands of modern space missions for the efficient, reliable, and accurate deployment of large-area flexible thin-film structures. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The problem addressed by this invention is how to solve the problem of the complexity of unfolding flexible thin film structures and the difficulty in precisely controlling the unfolding process.

[0004] To address the above problems, the present invention provides a deployable flexible thin film array, comprising at least one deployable flexible thin film unit;

[0005] A deployable flexible film unit includes a flexible film unit, at least two support frames and at least one deployable link. Each support frame is spaced apart along the direction of the flexible film unit's unfolding or retracting, and one side of each support frame is connected to the flexible film unit. Corresponding positions of two adjacent support frames are connected by the deployable link.

[0006] The deployable link switches between an extended state and a retracted state. When the deployable link is in the extended state, the distance between the two support frames connected to the deployable link increases, and the flexible film unit unfolds flat. When the deployable link is in the retracted state, the distance between the two support frames connected to the deployable link decreases, and the flexible film unit bends and retracts.

[0007] The deployable link includes a 4D-printed mechanical metamaterial hinge and a movable rod. The two ends of the 4D-printed mechanical metamaterial hinge are connected to a support frame via a movable rod. The 4D-printed mechanical metamaterial hinge can switch between a straightened state and a bent state. When the 4D-printed mechanical metamaterial hinge is in the straightened state, the deployable link unfolds; when the 4D-printed mechanical metamaterial hinge is in the bent state, the deployable link retracts.

[0008] Optionally, the deployable flexible film array includes multiple deployable flexible film units, which are organized in multiple levels through series and / or parallel connections.

[0009] Optionally, the 4D-printed mechanical metamaterial hinge includes a hinge panel, a mechanical metamaterial core, and an adapter. The mechanical metamaterial core is composed of mechanical metamaterials arranged periodically in unit cells. The hinge panel covers both the side of the mechanical metamaterial core facing the flexible thin film monomer and the side away from the flexible thin film monomer. The two ends of the adapter are connected to the mechanical metamaterial core and the movable rod, respectively.

[0010] Optionally, the hinge panel and the mechanical metamaterial sandwich are integrated by 4D printing mechanical metamaterials, including shape memory polymer composites, shape memory alloys, photo-induced liquid crystal elastomers, electroactive polymers, or magnetic particle-reinforced shape memory polymers.

[0011] Optionally, the support frame includes a triangular truss, which consists of three members connected end to end in sequence. Every two members are connected by a spherical hinge, and the end of the deployable link is connected to the spherical hinge.

[0012] Optionally, the spherical hinge is provided with a guide device, and the end of the deployable link is connected to the guide device. During the transition between the deployed and retracted states, the guide device guides the deployable link to move along a predetermined path.

[0013] Optionally, an interface device is connected to the rods of the triangular truss that connect to the flexible film unit, and the flexible film unit is detachably connected to the interface device.

[0014] Optionally, the thickness of the folded deformation location when the flexible film monomer is bent and folded is less than the thickness of other locations on the flexible film monomer.

[0015] On the other hand, the present invention provides a method for unfolding a deployable flexible thin film array, which includes the following steps:

[0016] S1. Based on the characteristics of the raw materials of the 4D printed mechanical metamaterial hinge, select the excitation application device and set the excitation application conditions, including excitation intensity or excitation time.

[0017] S2. Apply external excitation to the 4D printed mechanical metamaterial hinge according to the excitation intensity, so that the shape of the 4D printed mechanical metamaterial hinge is restored and unfolded. During this process, the length of the flexible film monomer gradually increases.

[0018] S3. When the hinge of the 4D printed mechanical metamaterial is extended to the straight state or the excitation time is reached, stop applying external excitation.

[0019] Optionally, when shape memory alloys are used as the raw material for 4D-printed mechanical metamaterial hinges, the external excitation is thermal excitation; or,

[0020] When photosensitive liquid crystal elastomers are used as raw materials for 4D-printed mechanical metamaterial hinges, the external excitation is optical excitation; or...

[0021] When using electroactive polymers as raw materials, the external excitation for 4D-printed mechanical metamaterial hinges is electrical excitation; or...

[0022] When using magnetic particle-reinforced shape memory polymer as raw material, the external excitation for 4D printed mechanical metamaterial hinges is magnetic excitation.

[0023] The beneficial effects of the deployable flexible film array and its deployment method of the present invention are as follows: the deployable link can switch between an deployed state and a retracted state, driving the flexible film unit to deploy straight or bend and retract; the deployable link includes a 4D-printed mechanical metamaterial hinge, which has functions such as lightweight, noise reduction, buffering, energy absorption and vibration reduction, effectively improving the anti-interference ability of the deployable flexible film array in the face of harsh service environments such as vibration, impact or noise, protecting the structure from damage; the 4D-printed mechanical metamaterial hinge can deploy or retract according to changes in external conditions, realizing its precise control and deployment, and deployment is simple and easy to control; the 4D-printed mechanical metamaterial hinge has the ability to respond to different external conditions, enabling the deployable flexible film array to be used in a wider range of environments and scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the deployable connecting rod of the deployable flexible film unit of the present invention in the retracted state;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the deployable link of the deployable flexible film unit of the present invention during the transformation from the retracted state to the deployed state.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the deployable connecting rod of the deployable flexible film unit of the present invention in the deployed state.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the deployable flexible thin film array of the present invention mounted on a satellite structure when the deployable connecting rod is in the retracted state.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a front view of the deployable flexible film array of the present invention mounted on a satellite structure when the deployable connecting rod is in the retracted state;

[0029] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Top view;

[0030] Figure 7This is a perspective view of the deployable flexible thin film array of the present invention mounted on a satellite structure when the deployable connecting rod is in the deployed state.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a front view of the deployable flexible film array of the present invention, mounted on a satellite structure, with the deployable connecting rod in the deployed state.

[0032] Figure 9 for Figure 8 Top view;

[0033] Figure 10 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the deployable connecting rod;

[0034] Figure 11 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a 4D-printed mechanical metamaterial hinge.

[0035] Figure 12 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a 4D-printed mechanical metamaterial hinge.

[0036] Figure 13 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a 4D-printed mechanical metamaterial hinge.

[0037] Figure 14 for Figure 13 Schematic diagram of the transfer connector;

[0038] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the unit cell structure selected for the mechanical metamaterial sandwich core of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the mechanical metamaterial sandwich structure of the present invention, which is formed by periodic arrangement in the form of unit cells.

[0040] Figure 17 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the central triangular truss;

[0041] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the transformation process of the flexible thin film monomer of the present invention from a collapsed state to an expanded state;

[0042] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the transformation process of the cross-section of the flexible thin film monomer of the present invention from a collapsed state to an expanded state;

[0043] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the transformation process of the 4D-printed mechanical metamaterial hinge of the present invention from the retracted state to the unfolded state.

[0044] Figure 21This is a flowchart of the unfolding method for the unfoldable flexible thin film array of the present invention.

[0045] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0046] 1. Deployable flexible film unit; 11. Flexible film monolith; 12. Support frame; 121. Rod; 122. Spherical hinge; 13. Deployable connecting rod; 131. 4D printed metamaterial hinge; 1311. Hinge panel; 1312. Metamaterial sandwich core; 1313. Adapter; 132. Movable rod; 2. Satellite structure. Detailed Implementation

[0047] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although some embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of the present invention. It should be understood that the accompanying drawings and embodiments of the present invention are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0048] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used in the description of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this application.

[0049] The term "comprising" and its variations as used herein are open-ended, meaning "including but not limited to"; the term "based on" means "at least partially based on"; the term "one embodiment" means "at least one embodiment"; the term "another embodiment" means "at least one additional embodiment"; the term "some embodiments" means "at least some embodiments"; and the term "optionally" means "optional embodiments". Definitions of other terms will be given in the description below. It should be noted that the concepts of "first," "second," etc., mentioned in this invention are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order or hierarchy. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0050] In related technologies, 4D printing introduces a time dimension to 3D printing, enabling printed structures to deform or functionally change in response to environmental stimuli (such as heat, light, current, and magnetic fields). Based on this technology, 4D-printed mechanical metamaterials, with their pre-defined microscopic structural cells and macroscopic properties, can exhibit extraordinary mechanical responses under specific stimuli, making them ideal for realizing deployable flexible thin-film arrays. Utilizing 4D-printed mechanical metamaterials can not only greatly simplify the design and manufacturing process of deployable structures but also improve their deployment efficiency and reliability, making them particularly suitable for space environments where direct human maintenance is impossible. Therefore, to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies and promote the development of spacecraft thin-film structure deployment technology, it is urgent to develop a deployable flexible thin-film array based on 4D-printed mechanical metamaterials and its deployment method, enabling rapid response and precise deployment to meet the stringent requirements of modern aerospace applications.

[0051] To address the problems existing in the aforementioned related technologies, this embodiment provides a deployable flexible thin-film array and its deployment method. Two deployable flexible thin-film arrays can be installed on a satellite structure, serving as a large flexible solar array or a large deployable thin-film antenna for the satellite.

[0052] like Figures 1 to 13 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a deployable flexible thin film array, including at least one deployable flexible thin film unit 1;

[0053] An expandable flexible film unit 1 includes a flexible film unit 11, at least two support frames 12 and at least one expandable link 13. Each support frame 12 is spaced apart along the direction of expansion or retraction of the flexible film unit 1, and one side of each support frame 12 is connected to the flexible film unit 1. Adjacent support frames 12 are connected by expandable link 13.

[0054] The deployable link 13 switches between an deployed state and a retracted state. When the deployable link 13 is in the deployed state, the distance between the two support frames 12 connected to the deployable link 13 increases, and the flexible film unit 11 is deployed flat. When the deployable link 13 is in the retracted state, the distance between the two support frames 12 connected to the deployable link 13 decreases, and the flexible film unit 11 bends and retracts.

[0055] The deployable link 13 includes a 4D-printed mechanical metamaterial hinge 131 and a movable rod 132. Both ends of the 4D-printed mechanical metamaterial hinge 131 are connected to a support frame 12 via a movable rod 132. The 4D-printed mechanical metamaterial hinge 131 can switch between a straight state and a bent state. When the 4D-printed mechanical metamaterial hinge 131 is in the straight state, the deployable link 13 is deployed. When the 4D-printed mechanical metamaterial hinge 131 is in the bent state, the deployable link 13 is retracted.

[0056] The deployable flexible film array provided in this embodiment of the invention ensures the stability and deployability of the structure. By adopting a modular design concept, the number of deployable flexible film units 1 can be easily increased or decreased as needed, or the assembly form can be adjusted. Deployable flexible film arrays of different sizes and shapes can be flexibly constructed to achieve customized deployable flexible film arrays to adapt to different application scenarios and needs, thereby improving the adaptability of the product and the flexibility of the user. The deployable connecting rod 13 can switch between the deployed state and the retracted state, driving the flexible film unit 11 to deploy straight or bend and retract.

[0057] The deployable link 13 exhibits high flexibility and controllability during deployment and retraction. Utilizing 4D printing technology to manufacture a 4D-printed metamaterial hinge 131 allows for personalized design of the hinge's size, shape, and function, and enables integrated molding of hinges with complex microstructures, reducing production and design costs. The 4D-printed metamaterial hinge 131 possesses lightweight, noise reduction, buffering, energy absorption, and vibration damping functions, effectively enhancing the deployable flexible film array's resistance to interference in harsh service environments such as vibration, impact, and noise, protecting the structure from damage. The 4D-printed metamaterial hinge can deploy or retract in response to changes in external conditions, achieving precise control and deployment. Deployment is simple and easy to control. The 4D-printed metamaterial hinge's responsiveness to various external conditions allows the deployable flexible film array to be used in a wider range of environments and scenarios.

[0058] Specifically, such as Figures 4 to 9 The deployable flexible thin film array provided in this embodiment of the invention has the ability to be installed on satellite structure 2, so that it can be used as a large flexible solar panel of satellite structure 2 or as a large deployable thin film antenna of satellite structure 2. The deployable flexible thin film unit 1 includes a flexible thin film, two triangular trusses and three deployable connecting rods 13, which ensures the stability and deployability of the structure.

[0059] Optionally, the deployable flexible film array includes multiple deployable flexible film units 1, which are organized in multiple levels through series and / or parallel connections. For example... Figures 4 to 9The satellite structure 2 has three deployable flexible film units 1 connected to opposite sides, organized in a multi-level manner through series connection. Parallel connection involves arranging multiple deployable flexible film units 1 side-by-side, with the parallel direction aligned with... Figures 4 to 9 The directions of the series connections are perpendicular.

[0060] Thus, the deployable flexible film array comprises multiple deployable flexible film units, ensuring the structural stability and deployability. By adopting a modular design concept, the assembly form of the deployable flexible film unit 1 can be easily adjusted as needed, flexibly constructing deployable flexible film arrays of different shapes, realizing customized deployable flexible film arrays to adapt to different application scenarios and needs, and improving the adaptability of the product and the flexibility of the user.

[0061] like Figures 11 to 14 As shown, the 4D printed metamaterial hinge 131 includes a hinge panel 1311, a metamaterial core 1312, and an adapter 1313. The metamaterial core 1312 is composed of metamaterials arranged periodically in unit cells. The side of the metamaterial core 1312 facing the flexible thin film monomer 11 and the side away from the flexible thin film monomer 11 are both covered by the hinge panel 1311. The two ends of the adapter 1313 are respectively connected to the metamaterial core 1312 and the movable rod 132.

[0062] Specifically, the adapter 1313 is made of lightweight materials, which reduces the overall mass of the 4D-printed mechanical metamaterial hinge 131. For example... Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the mechanical metamaterial sandwich 1312 is composed of mechanical metamaterials arranged periodically in unit cell form. The unit cell form includes, but is not limited to, bistable unit cells, body-centered cubic unit cells, and cubic octahedral unit cells. These special unit cell structures enable the 4D-printed mechanical metamaterial hinge 131 to exhibit specific mechanical properties under different external conditions. Figure 15 Column A represents bistable unit cells, column B represents body-centered cubic unit cells, and column C represents cubic octahedral unit cells. Correspondingly, Figure 16 The X column represents a bistable mechanical metamaterial sandwich 1312 arranged periodically in the form of bistable unit cells, the Y column represents a body-centered cubic mechanical metamaterial sandwich 1312 arranged periodically in the form of body-centered cubic unit cells, and the Z column represents a cubic octahedral mechanical metamaterial sandwich 1312 arranged periodically in the form of cubic octahedral unit cells. The mechanical metamaterial sandwich 1312 arranged periodically in the form of unit cells has functions such as lightweight, buffering, energy absorption and vibration reduction, thereby improving the stability and safety of the deployable flexible thin film array during the unfolding and retraction process.

[0063] Optionally, the hinge panel 1311 and the mechanical metamaterial sandwich 1312 are integrated by 4D printing mechanical metamaterials, including shape memory polymer composites, shape memory alloys, photo-induced liquid crystal elastomers, electroactive polymers, or magnetic particle-reinforced shape memory polymers.

[0064] Thus, the selected raw material mechanical metamaterials include various excitation-responsive smart materials, such as shape memory polymer composites, shape memory alloys, photo-induced liquid crystal elastomers, electroactive polymers, or magnetic particle-reinforced shape memory polymers. These materials can exhibit specific shape changes when subjected to corresponding external excitations to adapt to different working states and environments.

[0065] like Figure 17 As shown, the support frame 12 includes a triangular truss, which is composed of three members 121 connected end to end. Every two members 121 are connected by a spherical hinge 122, and the end of the deployable link 13 is connected to the spherical hinge 122.

[0066] Thus, the three rods 121 are connected by the spherical hinge 122, forming a triangular truss structure. This structure is stable and improves the stability and controllability of the movement of the flexible thin film array.

[0067] Optionally, the spherical hinge 122 is provided with a guide device, and the end of the deployable link 13 is connected to the guide device. During the transition between the deployed state and the retracted state, the guide device guides the deployable link 13 to move along a predetermined path.

[0068] Thus, the guide device has a predetermined path. During the unfolding and retraction of the unfoldable link 13, the guide device guides the unfoldable link 13 to move along the predetermined path, thereby improving the motion stability and controllability of the entire unfoldable flexible film array and ensuring that it can accurately achieve the expected unfolding or retraction effect in application.

[0069] Optionally, an interface device is connected to the rod 121 of the triangular truss that connects to the flexible film unit 11, and the flexible film unit 11 is detachably connected to the interface device.

[0070] Specifically, the two ends of the flexible film unit 11 along the direction of movement are respectively connected to the bottom member 121 of the triangular truss. The planes of two adjacent triangular trusses remain parallel, and the distance between the planes of two adjacent triangular trusses increases as the deployable connecting rod 13 unfolds, thereby driving the flexible film unit 11 to unfold smoothly. The flexible film unit 11 is detachably connected to the interface device, fixing the flexible film unit 11 to the bottom member 121 of the triangular truss in a non-destructive connection manner, so as to facilitate the quick installation or replacement of the flexible film unit 11 when necessary, improving the overall economic efficiency. For example, the interface device can be a slide, and the flexible film unit 11 can move in the slide to achieve quick installation or replacement, improving the maintenance efficiency and reliability of the entire system.

[0071] like Figure 18 As shown, the thickness of the folded deformation position when the flexible film monomer 11 is bent and folded is less than the thickness of other positions of the flexible film monomer 11.

[0072] Optionally, the flexible film monomer 11 is made of a polymer material with high elongation, excellent weather resistance, and low shrinkage, thereby ensuring that the flexible film monomer 11 can be unfolded flat without wrinkles, and that the thickness of the folded deformation position when the flexible film monomer 11 is bent and folded is smaller than that of other positions of the flexible film monomer 11, so that the flexible film monomer 11 can be folded according to a predetermined corrugated shape when folded, thereby maintaining the shape and functionality of the unfoldable flexible film array. For example, the material used for the flexible film monomer 11 can be polyimide, polyetheretherketone, phenolic materials, etc.

[0073] Optionally, the flexible thin-film monomer 11 can undergo surface treatment to increase reflectivity or absorb energy in specific frequency bands, enabling the deployable flexible thin-film array to not only collect solar energy as a solar panel but also as an electromagnetic interference protection layer, suitable for various environments and needs. This expands the application range of the flexible thin-film monomer 11 and enhances its practicality. Specifically, the flexible thin-film monomer 11 can be surface-treated by spraying a high-reflectivity metal coating on its surface to increase its reflectivity; or, the flexible thin-film monomer 11 can be coated with a coating capable of absorbing specific wavelengths or frequency bands through electroplating or other methods, enabling the flexible thin-film monomer 11 to absorb energy in specific wavelengths or frequency bands.

[0074] Specifically, such as Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, when the deployable flexible film unit 1 is in the retracted state, the 4D-printed mechanical metamaterial hinge 131 in the deployable link 13 is in the folded state, and the central angle of the 4D-printed mechanical metamaterial hinge 131 is... In this state, the flexible film unit 11 is folded, with a length of l0 and a corrugated cross-section. When the number of deployable flexible film units 1 connected in series in the deployable flexible film array is n, the total length of the deployable flexible film array is L0 = nl0, achieving a compact storage state that saves space during transportation and storage. When the deployable flexible film unit 1 is in the unfolded state, the 4D-printed mechanical metamaterial hinge 131 in the deployable link 13 is in a straight state, with its central angle... In this state, the flexible thin film monomer 11 is in a folded state, and its length is l. f Its cross-section is linear; when the number of deployable flexible film units 1 connected in series in the deployable flexible film array is n, the total length of the deployable flexible film array is L. f =nl f It allows for adjustment of the overall length of the deployable flexible thin film array according to specific needs.

[0075] On the other hand, the present invention provides a method for unfolding a deployable flexible thin film array, which unfolds the deployable flexible thin film array as described above, such as... Figure 21 As shown, it includes the following steps:

[0076] S1. Based on the raw material characteristics of the 4D printed mechanical metamaterial hinge 131, select the excitation application device and set the excitation application conditions, including excitation intensity or excitation time.

[0077] S2. Apply external excitation to the 4D printed mechanical metamaterial hinge 131 according to the excitation intensity, so that the shape of the 4D printed mechanical metamaterial hinge 131 is restored and unfolded. During this process, the length of the flexible film monomer 11 gradually increases.

[0078] S3. When the 4D printed mechanical metamaterial hinge 131 is extended to the straight state or the excitation time is reached, stop applying external excitation.

[0079] Specifically, the 4D-printed metamaterial hinge 131 is in a straight state when it is not deformed. When the 4D-printed metamaterial hinge 131 is in a contracted deformed state, an external excitation is applied to the 4D-printed metamaterial hinge 131, causing the 4D-printed metamaterial hinge 131 to return to its unfolded shape. During this process, such as Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, the central angle of the 4D-printed mechanical metamaterial hinge 131 And the length l of the flexible thin film monomer 11 m The total length L of the deployable flexible thin film array gradually increases. m =nl m>L0; As the excitation time of the applied external stimulus increases, the 4D-printed mechanical metamaterial hinge 131 unfolds to a flat state, and the central angle of the 4D-printed mechanical metamaterial hinge 131... At the same time, the flexible film monomer 11 is fully unfolded and its length reaches l. f The total length L of the deployable flexible thin film array was finally obtained. f =nl f .

[0080] Optionally, during the application of external excitation, the deformation state of the 4D-printed mechanical metamaterial hinge 131 is monitored in real time, and the excitation conditions, such as excitation intensity or excitation time, are adjusted based on the monitoring results to precisely control the deployment speed and final deployment shape of the deployable flexible film array, thus optimizing performance adjustment during use. This dynamic adjustment strategy ensures the smooth progress and high controllability of the entire deployment process, avoiding damage caused by uneven or excessively fast deployment speeds, thereby improving the safety and effectiveness of the deployment process.

[0081] Optionally, the 4D-printed mechanical metamaterial hinge 131 can be made of excitation-responsive smart materials such as shape memory alloys, photoluminescent liquid crystal elastomers, electroactive polymers, or magnetically reinforced shape memory polymers. The excitation method can also be selected, including but not limited to thermal excitation, optical excitation, electrical excitation, or magnetic excitation. Through these flexible and diverse excitation application methods, the present invention can adapt to 4D-printed mechanical metamaterial hinges 131 made of various smart materials, achieving precise control and efficient deployment.

[0082] Specifically, when shape memory alloy is used as the raw material for the 4D-printed mechanical metamaterial hinge 131, the external excitation is thermal excitation; or...

[0083] When using photosensitive liquid crystal elastomer as the raw material, the external excitation for the 4D-printed mechanical metamaterial hinge 131 is optical excitation; or...

[0084] When using electroactive polymers as raw materials, the external excitation for the 4D-printed mechanical metamaterial hinge 131 is electrical excitation; or,

[0085] When using magnetic particle-reinforced shape memory polymer as raw material, the external excitation of the 4D printed mechanical metamaterial hinge 131 is magnetic excitation.

[0086] Specifically, when the raw material of the 4D printed mechanical metamaterial hinge 131 is a thermally stimulated shape-memory polymer composite material, external stimulation can be applied using equipment such as an electric heater, a hot vacuum chamber, or a large hot oven; when the raw material is an electroactive polymer, a high-voltage power supply can be used for external stimulation; and when the raw material is a photosensitive liquid crystal elastomer, an infrared light source can be used for external stimulation.

[0087] While the present invention has been disclosed above, its scope of protection is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and all such changes and modifications will fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A deployable flexible thin film array, characterized in that, Includes at least one deployable flexible film unit (1); One of the deployable flexible film units (1) includes a flexible film unit (11), at least two support frames (12) and at least one deployable link (13). Each of the support frames (12) is spaced apart along the direction of the flexible film unit (11) when it is unfolded or retracted, and one side of each of the support frames (12) is connected to the flexible film unit (11). Adjacent support frames (12) are connected by the deployable link (13). The deployable link (13) switches between an deployed state and a retracted state. When the deployable link (13) is in the deployed state, the distance between the two support frames (12) connected to the deployable link (13) increases, and the flexible film unit (11) is deployed flat. When the deployable link (13) is in the retracted state, the distance between the two support frames (12) connected to the deployable link (13) decreases, and the flexible film unit (11) bends and retracts. The deployable link (13) includes a 4D printed mechanical metamaterial hinge (131) and a movable rod (132). The two ends of the 4D printed mechanical metamaterial hinge (131) are respectively connected to a support frame (12) through a movable rod (132). The 4D printed mechanical metamaterial hinge (131) can switch between a straight state and a bent state. When the 4D printed mechanical metamaterial hinge (131) is in the straight state, the deployable link (13) is deployed. When the 4D printed mechanical metamaterial hinge (131) is in the bent state, the deployable link (13) is retracted. The 4D printed metamaterial hinge (131) includes a hinge panel (1311), a metamaterial core (1312), and an adapter (1313). The metamaterial core (1312) is composed of metamaterials arranged periodically in unit cells. The side of the metamaterial core (1312) facing the flexible film monomer (11) and the side away from the flexible film monomer (11) are both covered by the hinge panel (1311). The two ends of the adapter (1313) are respectively connected to the metamaterial core (1312) and the movable rod (132). The hinge panel (1311) and the mechanical metamaterial sandwich (1312) are integrated by 4D printing mechanical metamaterials, which include shape memory polymer composites, shape memory alloys, photo-induced liquid crystal elastomers, electroactive polymers or magnetic particle-reinforced shape memory polymers.

2. The deployable flexible thin film array according to claim 1, characterized in that, The deployable flexible film array includes multiple deployable flexible film units (11), which are organized in multiple levels by being connected in series and / or in parallel.

3. The deployable flexible thin film array according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support frame (12) includes a triangular truss, which is composed of three members (121) connected end to end. Every two members (121) are connected by a spherical hinge (122), and the end of the deployable link (13) is connected to the spherical hinge (122).

4. The deployable flexible thin film array according to claim 3, characterized in that, The spherical hinge (122) is provided with a guide device, and the end of the deployable link (13) is connected to the guide device. During the transition between the deployed state and the retracted state, the guide device guides the deployable link (13) to move along a predetermined path.

5. The deployable flexible thin film array according to claim 3, characterized in that, An interface device is connected to the rod of the triangular truss that is connected to the flexible film unit (11), and the flexible film unit (11) is detachably connected to the interface device.

6. The deployable flexible thin film array according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the folded deformation position when the flexible film monomer (11) is bent and folded is less than the thickness of other positions of the flexible film monomer (11).

7. A method for deploying a deployable flexible thin film array, characterized in that, The method for deploying the deployable flexible thin film array as described in any one of claims 1-6 includes the following steps: S1. Based on the raw material characteristics of the 4D printed mechanical metamaterial hinge (131), select an excitation application device and set excitation application conditions, wherein the excitation application conditions include excitation intensity or excitation time. S2. Apply external excitation to the 4D printed mechanical metamaterial hinge (131) according to the excitation intensity, so that the shape of the 4D printed mechanical metamaterial hinge (131) is restored and unfolded. During this process, the length of the flexible film monomer (11) gradually increases. S3. When the 4D printed mechanical metamaterial hinge (131) is extended to the straight state or the excitation time is reached, the external excitation is stopped.

8. The method for deploying a deployable flexible thin film array according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the 4D-printed mechanical metamaterial hinge (131) uses shape memory alloy as the raw material, the external excitation is thermal excitation; or... When the 4D-printed mechanical metamaterial hinge (131) uses photo-induced liquid crystal elastomer as the raw material, the external excitation is optical excitation; or... When the 4D printed mechanical metamaterial hinge (131) uses an electroactive polymer as the raw material, the external excitation is an electrical excitation. or, When the 4D printed mechanical metamaterial hinge (131) uses magnetic particle-reinforced shape memory polymer as raw material, the external excitation is magnetic excitation.

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