Deployable 3D Beam Structures from Alignable Meshes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing deployable three-dimensional structures based on irregular grids face challenges in achieving high structural strength, ease of deployment, and simplicity in design, while consuming significant computing resources.
Innovation Solution
A method for manufacturing a deployable three-dimensional structure using an alignable mesh, comprising a discretized quadrangle mesh with predetermined orientations, allowing for easy deformation into a compact configuration, and utilizing iterative projections to generate alignable quadrangles and pseudo-geodetic lines for efficient deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If irregular grids are used to achieve high structural strength and geometric flexibility, then design freedom and structural performance are improved, but computational complexity and deployment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-computing and storing alignment information for mesh elements during the design phase. The alignable mesh is generated with predetermined orientations and alignment data that enable straightforward deployment without complex real-time calculations, thus resolving the contradiction between structural strength and computational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical deployment simulations with a simplified mathematical approach based on alignable mesh theory. By substituting the need for complex deployment algorithms with a systematic mesh alignment methodology, the patent achieves efficient deployment control with reduced computational requirements
2Manufacturing precision
If complex simulations are used to ensure accurate deployment, then deployment precision is improved, but manufacturing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex mechanical deployment simulations with a mathematical alignment framework. The alignable mesh approach provides deployment precision through systematic geometric alignment rules rather than iterative mechanical simulations, significantly reducing computation time while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simplified mathematical model that copies the essential geometric relationships from complex 3D structures into a 2D alignable mesh representation. This copying process preserves deployment precision while eliminating the need for time-consuming 3D simulation calculations
3Ease of manufacture
If regular grids with constant side length are used, then ease of assembly is improved, but design freedom and geometric flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different side lengths for different mesh elements while maintaining a systematic alignment pattern. The alignable mesh enables irregular grids where each element's dimensions are locally optimized for its specific geometric requirements while still following global alignment rules, thus combining ease of assembly with geometric flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by enabling the mesh to adapt its geometry during deployment while maintaining alignment characteristics. The alignable mesh framework allows dynamic adjustment of element dimensions and orientations during the deployment process, providing both ease of assembly in compact configuration and geometric flexibility in deployed state
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method enables the creation of structurally strong, easily deployable structures with varied geometric shapes, reducing computational complexity and resource consumption, and facilitating deployment without complex simulations.
Implementation Method 1
a bidirectional grid of deformable beams is assembled on the floor... The grid is then raised to reach its desired final shape, using elastic deformations on the beams
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure (2) that can be deployed in a compact first configuration and at least one deployed second configuration, the method of manufacture comprising: —a first step, performed by a computer, of generating a so-called alignable mesh (14) from an initial discretized quadrangle mesh; the alignable mesh (14) being obtained by deforming the quadrangles of the initial mesh; a mesh being said to be alignable if such a mesh can be deformed into a rectilinear configuration by angularly modifying the mesh at its nodes and by keeping the side lengths constant; —a second step of manufacturing the three-dimensional structure (2) in its compact first configuration, the three-dimensional structure (2) being manufactured from said generated alignable mesh (14) and having, in its compact first configuration, in the form of an almost-linear preform, the form of a bundle, said preform comprising elastically deformable beams (11), the nodes of the alignable mesh (14) defining positions for connectors that join together the beams (11) of the preform.