Boom Deployer Compliant Components Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boom stowage and deployment tools face control issues, necessitating new technologies for efficient management of booms in space and terrestrial applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of devices and systems incorporating compliant components, boom spreaders, stabilizing tabs, spool locks, tip guides, root clamps, and consolidation rollers to facilitate controlled boom deployment and stowage, utilizing elastomeric materials and rotating root plugs for precise control and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional boom stowage and deployment tools are used, then basic deployment function is achieved, but control issues arise during stowage and deployment operations
Solution Approach 1:
Compliant components act as intermediary elements between the boom spool and the boom edges, providing controlled interaction during deployment and stowage operations. These components mediate the mechanical interaction to prevent uncontrolled blooming while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant components change their mechanical parameters (flexibility, engagement force) based on the operational state, allowing controlled engagement during deployment and proper disengagement during stowage, thereby improving control reliability without requiring complex control systems.
2Speed
If boom edges are allowed to bloom freely during deployment, then deployment speed is increased, but control and stability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The compliant components are positioned to preemptively prevent uncontrolled blooming of the boom edges during deployment. By providing controlled engagement before free blooming can occur, the system maintains stability while still allowing controlled deployment speed.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple consolidation rollers are used to control boom flattening, then deployment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple consolidation roller functions are merged into a single consolidation roller that works in conjunction with the compliant components. The compliant components provide the necessary control guidance, allowing one roller to achieve the precision that previously required multiple rollers, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision.
4Strength
If boom edges engage rigid components, then structural strength is improved, but mechanical stress and potential damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compliant components function as flexible elements that engage the boom edges. These flexible components provide necessary engagement strength while accommodating misalignments and reducing impact stresses, thereby preventing damage to the boom edges during deployment and stowage operations.
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
These solutions enable precise control over boom deployment and stowage, preventing blooming and twisting, and ensuring reliable operation across various boom types, enhancing deployment precision and reducing mechanical stress.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more compliant components include an elastomeric material. The elastomeric material may include silicone.
Implementation Method 2
The one or more edges of the furlable boom engage the compliant components through friction.
Data Source
AI summary
Device, systems, and methods for boom deployment and/or boom stowage are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Some embodiments may facilitate root control of a boom utilizing a variety of tools and techniques. Some embodiments may facilitate boom tip control. Some embodiments may include a boom and a boom spool. Some embodiments include one or more devices that may include: one or more compliant components, one or more boom spreaders, one or more stabilizing tabs, one or more spool locks, one or more boom tip guides, one or more root clamps, and/or a single consolidation roller. Some embodiments include methods that may utilize one or more of the noted devices.