Under-Constrained Deployable Couplers for Compact Precision Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deployable structures in space require complex, expensive systems with advanced control mechanisms, are prone to tangling, and lack adaptability, making them unsuitable for SmallSat platforms and requiring reinvention for each mission.
Innovation Solution
Under-constrained deployable systems using high strain structures, such as composite rods, with tensioning systems and kinematic couplings to achieve compact stowage and precise deployment without advanced control systems, allowing for modular and adaptable designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional deployable structures with hinges and robotic arms are used, then precise alignment and contact can be achieved, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the robotic arm and advanced control system from the deployment mechanism. Instead, it uses passive elastic energy storage in bent booms to achieve deployment, extracting the complex active control elements while maintaining deployment functionality through simpler elastic mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The deployable structure uses self-contained elastic energy storage in the bent booms to drive deployment automatically without external control. The system serves itself by storing mechanical energy in the deformed boom structure during stowage and releasing it during deployment, eliminating the need for complex control systems
2Stability of the object's composition
If fully constrained mechanisms are used for deployment, then stable structure can be achieved, but the system becomes prone to tangling and lacks adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from fully constrained rigid mechanisms to a dynamic system where booms can elastically deform. The structure adapts its configuration during deployment by allowing controlled elastic bending and straightening, providing both stability through elastic recovery and adaptability through configurable deployment paths
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the booms from constrained rigid positions to elastic deformable states. By varying the degree of bending and elastic energy storage, the system achieves different deployment configurations and adapts to various mission requirements while maintaining structural integrity
3Volume of moving object
If compact stowage is achieved using traditional methods, then launch volume is reduced, but deployment complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the deployable panels and booms in a compact configuration during stowage, with the elastic booms bent and positioned to minimize volume. The structure is nested similarly to a doll within a doll, achieving maximum compactness while the elastic energy is stored in the bent boom configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The booms are pre-bent and elastic energy is pre-stored during manufacturing and stowage preparation. This preliminary action of bending the booms and storing elastic energy enables automatic deployment without complex control systems, reducing both stowage volume and deployment complexity
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 solution reduces costs, minimizes tangling risks, and enhances reliability by enabling flexible stowage and deployment accuracy, suitable for various applications without the need for additional control systems.
Implementation Method 1
the high strain structure is bent to store deployment energy in a stowed configuration
Implementation Method 2
the expanded configuration is achieved using energy released as the high strain structure transitions from bent to straightened
Implementation Method 3
a tensioning system further coupling the first segment to the second segment, wherein the tensioning systems is capable of actuating to translate the first segment along the high strain structure
Data Source
AI summary
A device can be configured as an under-constrained deployable system. Such a system can use under-constrained deployable couplers. A device may include a second segment coupled to the first segment by a high strain structure, wherein the high strain structure is bent to store deployment energy in a stowed configuration. Releasing the stored deployment energy can allow an under-constrained deployable system to transition to an expanded configuration. A tensioning system can transition an under-constrained deployable system to a deployed configuration.