Deployable Curved Lattice Structures for Space Applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deployable space structures face challenges in achieving optimal packaging ratio, mass efficiency, and structural stiffness while ensuring reliable and controlled deployment, which is crucial for space applications such as solar arrays and antennas.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a deployable structure comprising a lattice element and a deployment mechanism that utilizes stored energy of bending in the lattice element, with a tension element and tension controller to regulate deployment, allowing for efficient deployment and stable configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If Collapsible Tube Masts or Storable Tubular Extendable Members are used for deployment, then the structure can be flattened and rolled for compact storage, but relatively large mechanisms are required to control the speed and direction of deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The lattice structure is pre-bent into a curved configuration during manufacturing, storing elastic potential energy in the bent elements. This preliminary action eliminates the need for large active deployment mechanisms, as the structure deploys autonomously through elastic recovery when released from its stowed configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployable structure uses its own stored elastic energy to drive deployment, rather than requiring external power sources or complex control mechanisms. The lattice elements' inherent elasticity provides the driving force, making the system self-sufficient and reducing mechanism complexity.
2Device complexity
If the lattice structure uses stored energy of bending for deployment, then deployment is simplified, but control over deployment speed and direction becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The curved lattice structure incorporates geometric constraints and interconnections that provide passive feedback during deployment. As elements deploy, they naturally regulate each other's motion through structural coupling, ensuring controlled deployment without requiring active sensing or control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment characteristics are controlled by varying the curvature radius, element dimensions, and material properties during design. By adjusting these parameters, the deployment speed and direction can be optimized for specific applications while maintaining the simplicity of passive elastic deployment.
3Volume of moving object
If the packaging ratio is increased to reduce launch volume, then the structure achieves better space efficiency, but the mass of the structure may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is divided into multiple slender lattice elements rather than using fewer thicker components. This segmentation allows the structure to achieve high packaging ratios through compact folding while maintaining low mass, as the lattice geometry provides structural efficiency with minimal material.
Solution Approach 2:
The lattice elements are constructed from composite materials that provide high strength-to-weight ratio and controlled elastic properties. These composites enable the structure to withstand launch loads and deployment forces while minimizing mass, even when configured for high packaging ratios.
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 approach enables the deployable structure to achieve a high packaging ratio, reduce mass, and maintain structural stiffness, while ensuring reliable and controlled deployment, thus addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
deployment from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration takes place using stored energy of bending in the lattice element
Implementation Method 2
the deployment mechanism comprises a tension element to regulate deployment
Data Source
AI summary
Deployable structures, methods and apparatus for deployment of deployable structures, and associated manufacturing methods. Such deployable structures suitably comprise components for space structures, such supports for solar arrays, antennas or other similar systems. The deployable structure comprises a lattice element arrangeable in a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. The lattice element comprises a pre-stressed strip arranged in a clockwise helix, a pre-stressed strip arranged in an anticlockwise helix, and a plurality of fasteners for rotatably coupling the strips to one another at a plurality of positions distributed along the length of the strips. The fasteners are provided at unequal spacings along the length of the strips such that on deployment the lattice element bends to a curved deployed configuration.