Dual-Layered Wall Structure for Morphing Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deployable morphing structures, particularly those using inflatable members, are vulnerable to puncture and excessive deflection due to externally applied forces, compromising their effectiveness and durability.
Innovation Solution
A foldable dual-layered wall structure with rotatably connected panels and joints, where each joint in one layer is positioned directly opposite a panel in the adjacent layer, providing resistance to deflection and stiffening the structure, combined with an inflatable member and deployment mechanism for rapid deployment and retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an inflatable member is used for morphing structures, then smooth and rapid deployment and retraction are achieved, but the structure becomes vulnerable to puncture and excessive deflection due to externally applied forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines an inflatable member with a rigid dual-layered wall structure featuring staggered joints. This composite construction allows the inflatable member to provide smooth deployment and retraction while the rigid wall structure with offset joints resists puncture and excessive deflection from external forces, resolving the contradiction between operational smoothness and structural reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The wall structure is divided into multiple panels connected by joints arranged in staggered patterns across dual layers. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain flexibility for deployment while distributing external forces across multiple segments, preventing single-point failures and excessive deflection
2Reliability
If a rigid wall structure is added to protect the inflatable member, then resistance to puncture and deflection is improved, but the complexity of the structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dual-layered wall structure where joints in one layer are staggered relative to joints in the other layer, creating a three-dimensional offset pattern. This dimensional arrangement provides enhanced structural integrity and resistance to deflection while maintaining a relatively simple two-layer construction, avoiding excessive 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 enhances the structural integrity and durability of morphing structures by resisting deflection and maintaining effectiveness under external forces, while enabling smooth deployment and retraction, thus addressing the vulnerabilities of inflatable members.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable member operatively coupled to the at least one deployment member such that inflation of the inflatable member moves the at least one deployment member from a first position to a second position
Implementation Method 2
a first joint rotatably connecting the panels of the at least a first pair of panels... a second joint rotatably connecting the panels of the at least a second pair of panels
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable dual-layered wall structure is positionable in a stowed condition and in a deployed condition. The wall structure includes a first foldable layer having at least a first pair of panels and a first joint rotatably connecting the panels of the at least a first pair of panels. A second foldable layer is positioned adjacent to the first foldable layer. The second foldable layer includes at least a second pair of panels and a second joint rotatably connecting the panels of the at least a second pair of panels. The wall structure is structured such that the first joint is positioned directly opposite a panel of the at least a second pair of panels and the second joint is positioned directly opposite a panel of the at least a first pair of panels when the wall structure is in the deployed condition.