Deployable Tape Measure Reversible Adhesive Bond
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deployable ribbon meters used in space equipment face instability issues due to varying stiffness along stress axes, leading to uncontrolled deployment and potential damage from staples or machining, and existing solutions are complex and inefficient in terms of mass and volume optimization.
Innovation Solution
A deployable device featuring rotating storage rollers, ribbons with reversible adherent bonds on contact surfaces between concave and convex faces, and optionally varying thickness or width, allowing for stable deployment and rigidity without the need for additional fasteners or complex designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If two measuring tapes are used with staples to fasten them together, then rigidity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of fractures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the harmful staples from the system entirely. Instead of using staples to connect the two measuring tapes, the patent employs a different connection mechanism that eliminates the source of stress concentration and potential fracture initiation points, thereby maintaining rigidity without compromising reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary connection system between the two measuring tapes that does not involve staples. This intermediary mechanism provides the necessary structural connection and rigidity while avoiding the harmful effects of staples, such as stress concentration and fracture risk
2Strength
If measuring tapes are machined with anchors, then connection strength is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to machining stresses creating cracks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the need for machined anchors by using an alternative connection system. This removes the machining process entirely, preventing the introduction of stress concentrations and potential crack initiation points that would compromise the reliability of the measuring tapes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical anchoring system (which requires machining) with an alternative connection mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for machining operations on the measuring tapes, thereby avoiding the creation of stresses and potential cracks while still achieving the required connection strength
3Ease of manufacture
If monostable measuring tapes are used for deployment, then ease of manufacture is improved, but stability deteriorates due to erratic and uncontrolled deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs asymmetric connection between the two measuring tapes, with the first tape connected to the second tape in a specific configuration. This asymmetric arrangement, combined with the connection system, provides controlled deployment characteristics while maintaining ease of manufacture, resolving the contradiction between simple manufacturing and stable deployment
4Stability of the object's composition
If two measuring tapes are used to resolve stability, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the connection function into the existing measuring tape structure itself, rather than adding separate complex connection mechanisms. The two measuring tapes are connected through a simplified system that integrates the connection functionality, thereby achieving stability without proportionally increasing device 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 provides a stable, efficient, and mass-optimized deployment mechanism that maintains rigidity during deployment and configuration, with reversible adherent bonds ensuring reliable operation and reduced risk of damage, while maintaining compactness and efficient use of materials.
Implementation Method 1
a reversible adhesive bond on the contact surface between at least two of the tape measures in deployed configuration
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a deployable device (10) comprising: • several mobile storage rollers, each rotating about a first axis Zi, • several measuring tapes (11, 12), each capable of transitioning from a configuration wound in one of the storage rollers to a configuration deployed along a second axis Xi substantially perpendicular to the first axis Zi of the associated storage roller and having a substantially concave face, the concave faces of the measuring tapes being opposite each other, the measuring tapes being at least partially overlapping in pairs on a contact surface. According to the invention, the deployable device (10) comprises a reversible adhesive bond on the contact surface between at least two of the measuring tapes in the deployed configuration.