Deployable Structure With Self-Interference Locking for Compact Folding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional deployable structures with non-negligible thickness face challenges in maintaining stability and compact storage due to layered structures and complex operation, as they require strategic removal or addition of elements to block motion and maintain the deployed state.

Innovation Solution

The deployable structure comprises a base member, articulable members connected via hinges, and an interference member that self-interferes to maintain the deployed state, eliminating the need for element removal or addition and avoiding layered structures, allowing for compact switching between states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If conventional deployable structures use strategic removal or arrangement of material to enable folding, then compact storage is improved, but structural complexity and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompact storage volumeVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The deployable structure nests articulable members within recesses of the base member and other articulable members during compact storage. The first articulable member is received in a first recess, the second articulable member is received in a second recess, and the interference member is received in a third recess, creating a compact nested configuration that reduces storage volume without requiring material removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the thickness dimension of members with non-negligible thickness to create interference-based motion blocking. The interference member extends from the second articulable member and interferes with motion of the first articulable member by utilizing the thickness dimension, enabling stable deployed state without complex material arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If conventional deployable structures use strategic removal or arrangement of material to enable folding, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding operationVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The deployable structure is segmented into distinct members: base member, first articulable member, second articulable member, and interference member. Each member is a separate component that can be manufactured independently and then assembled through hinges, simplifying manufacturing while enabling easy folding operations through the articulated connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Hinges serve as intermediary elements connecting the base member to articulable members and articulable members to each other. These hinge intermediaries enable smooth folding operations while being simple manufactured components, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If deployable structures maintain stability in deployed state, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployed state stabilityVSAvoidnumber of elements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interference member provides self-service by automatically interfering with the motion of the first articulable member when the structure is in the deployed state. This self-interference mechanism inherently maintains stability without requiring additional control elements or complex arrangements, as the geometry of the interference member itself provides the stabilizing function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of member interference (which could cause jamming or binding) into a beneficial stabilizing mechanism. The interference member is designed to interfere with motion in a controlled way that prevents unwanted movement in the deployed state, transforming what could be a harmful effect into a reliability-enhancing feature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS12104746B2Deployable structures, methods including the same and systems including the same

Publication Date: 2024.10.01 BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIV

AI summary

An example deployable structure includes at least one base member, at least one first articulable member, at least one second articulable member, and at least one interference member. The deployable structure must include at least one base member, at least one first articulable member, at least one second articulable member, and at least one interference member otherwise the deployable structure may not be switchable between the compact and deployed states thereof. The base member is articulably connected to the first articulable member using a first hinge, the first articulable member is articulably connected to the second articulable member using a second hinge, and the interference member is articulably connected to the second articulable member using a third hinge. The interference member is also attached to the base member, for example, using a fourth hinge. The deployable structure is configured to switch from at least a compact state to a deployed state.