Light Weight, Low Stowed Volume, Space Deployable Batten-less Truss
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional truss systems have limited collapsible size due to rigid members, restricting their storage volume when deployed, which is a challenge for applications like reflector antennas and solar concentrators.
Innovation Solution
The development of batten-less trusses that utilize deformable longerons, such as shape memory composites or hinged members, which can collapse between nodes, allowing for a more compact storage configuration by transitioning between deployed and stowed states without the need for transverse batten members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid members are used in conventional truss systems, then structural strength and rigidity are maintained, but the collapsed size and storage volume are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the longeron members deformable rather than rigid, allowing them to change shape between deployed and stowed configurations. The longerons can bend and flex during deployment while maintaining structural integrity, enabling the truss to collapse to a smaller volume for storage while retaining strength when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the longeron members by using deformable materials with controlled rigidity. The members can transition between rigid and flexible states, or have varying degrees of flexibility along their length, allowing optimization of both strength and collapsibility parameters.
2Stability of the object's composition
If batten members are included in conventional trusses, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the batten members from the traditional truss configuration, creating a batten-less design. The structural stability previously provided by battens is achieved through alternative means such as the deformable longerons and diagonal bracing members, simplifying the overall structure by eliminating unnecessary components.
Solution Approach 2:
The longeron members serve multiple functions: they provide longitudinal structural support, enable deployment through deformation, and replace the stabilizing function traditionally performed by separate batten members. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed in the structure.
3Strength
If rigid members are coupled at nodes with multiple members, then structural rigidity is achieved, but the collapsed height is limited by the rigid structure dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the longeron members deformable rather than rigid, allowing them to change shape between deployed and stowed configurations. The longerons can bend and flex during deployment while maintaining structural integrity, enabling the truss to collapse to a smaller volume for storage while retaining strength when deployed.
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
This design significantly reduces storage volume, potentially by half compared to conventional systems, enabling more efficient deployment and stowage, particularly beneficial for space applications where weight and launch costs are critical.
Implementation Method 1
The longerons may be hinged, comprise a shape memory composite, or include other deformable material.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods described herein include collapsible and deployable truss structures defining reduced volumes for compact storage.