Deformable Tubular Mast With Hinged Segments
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deformable structures lack the ability to dramatically change shape while maintaining stiffness and strength, particularly in applications requiring compact packaging and deployment, such as space-based systems like solar power generation and antenna structures.
Innovation Solution
The development of deformable beams and hinges with specific truss member configurations, including V-shaped and C-shaped designs, that transition between extended, flattened, and rolled states, allowing for significant shape change while maintaining structural integrity and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If deformable structures are designed to dramatically change shape between extended and flattened states, then compact packaging and deployment capability is improved, but structural stiffness and strength during transition is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable structure is divided into multiple rigid panels connected by hinges, allowing the structure to fold into compact configurations while maintaining structural integrity in each segment. The segmentation enables dramatic volume reduction from extended to flattened states while preserving strength within individual panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure transitions between static extended and flattened states through dynamic hinge mechanisms that control the deformation process. The hinges enable controlled shape change while the rigid panels maintain structural strength during transition, resolving the contradiction between compact packaging and structural integrity.
2Strength
If deformable structures use rigid components to maintain stiffness in extended state, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability to different configurations is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The structure employs rigid panels for stiffness and strength in the extended state, while incorporating hinged connections that enable dynamic transition to flattened and intermediate configurations. This combination of rigid and articulated elements provides both structural integrity and adaptability to multiple configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the structure into rigid panels connected by hinges, the design maintains stiffness within each panel while allowing overall shape change through the articulated connections. This segmentation enables the structure to adapt to different configurations without compromising the structural strength of individual components.
3Volume of moving object
If deformable structures are designed for compact packaging, then volume efficiency is improved, but deployment complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanisms enable controlled dynamic deployment from compact packaged states to extended configurations. The simplicity of the hinge connections reduces deployment complexity compared to more complex actuation systems, while still achieving dramatic volume reduction for efficient packaging.
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 deformable structures provide enhanced stiffness and strength in extended states while reducing material strain and weight, enabling compact packaging and efficient deployment in space-based applications like solar panel support systems and antenna frames.
Implementation Method 1
A deformable beam having an extended state, a flattened state, and a rolled state if a stiffness and strength of the deformable beam or the hinge in the extended state is greater than a different stiffness and strength of the deformable beam or the hinge in the flattened state
Data Source
AI summary
A deformable device includes a deformable beam or hinge having an extended state, a flattened state, and a rolled state if a beam, where a stiffness and strength in the extended state is greater than a different stiffness and strength in the flattened state, the deformable beam or the hinge deformable along a long axis. An end face cross section transverse to the long axis includes a first periodic curved member which defines at least two shaped curves. A second periodic curved member defines at least two shaped curves. The second periodic curved member is mechanically coupled to the first periodic curved member at respective ends of the end face cross section. The first arc length of the first periodic curved member and the second arc length of the second periodic curved member are of about a same arc length.