Flexure Mount for Inflatable Structure Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inflatable structures present challenges in accurately mounting devices due to imprecision in structural mounting points and differing coefficients of thermal expansion, leading to potential undue forces and difficulties in installation and de-installation.
Innovation Solution
A mount system utilizing flexures with blades that mechanically couple to inserts on the device and inflatable structure, allowing for flexible positioning and visual confirmation of proper installation, while accommodating thermal expansion differences through specific hole configurations and locking mechanisms for quick and stress-free attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If rigid mounting structures are used on inflatable structures, then mounting precision is improved, but thermal stress and structural damage increase due to differing coefficients of thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system changes the mechanical parameter of rigidity by using flexures instead of rigid mounts. The flexures have controlled flexibility that allows thermal expansion and contraction differences between the device and inflatable structure, eliminating thermal stress while maintaining positioning accuracy through their constrained degrees of freedom
Solution Approach 2:
The flexures act as an intermediary element between the device and the inflatable structure. They provide a compliant interface that mediates the thermal expansion mismatch while maintaining the mechanical coupling needed for accurate mounting, thus resolving the contradiction between precision and thermal stress
2Stability of the object's composition
If permanent mounting methods are used, then structural stability is improved, but installation and de-installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from static permanent mounting to dynamic reversible mounting. The flexures with locking mechanisms allow the device to be quickly installed and de-installed while maintaining structural stability during operation, reducing installation complexity without sacrificing stability
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into separate components: the flexures, the locking mechanisms, and the device interface. This segmentation allows for simple, modular installation where components can be independently positioned and assembled, reducing overall installation complexity while maintaining structural integrity
3Measurement precision
If multiple mounting points are used, then mounting accuracy is improved, but alignment difficulty and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexures are designed to self-align and self-adjust during installation. Their compliant nature allows them to automatically compensate for minor misalignments at multiple mounting points, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment and significantly reducing installation time while maintaining mounting accuracy
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 system enables accurate and stress-free mounting of devices on inflatable structures, accommodating thermal expansion differences and facilitating rapid installation and de-installation, thereby addressing the challenges of positional imprecision and thermal stress.
Implementation Method 1
flexures configured to be coupled to the inflatable structure. The flexures have respective blades which, when installed, mechanically couple to the inserts to mount the device on the inflatable structure
Implementation Method 2
inflatable structures and the devices mounted on them often have different coefficients of thermal expansion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An inflatable structure mount is used for mounting a device (16) to an inflatable structure (10). An example is mounting of radar panels to an inflatable structure within an airship. The mount includes the device (16), and inserts (32) coupled to the back side of the device (16), which mechanically couple to flexures (22, 24, 26, 28) mounted on the inflatable structure (10). Some of the flexures (22, 24, 26, 28) may have slotted holes (70), used in positioning the inserts (32) on the inflatable structure (10) at positions that will allow the flexures (22, 24, 26, 28) to mate with the inserts (32). A jig or tool may be used as part of the installation process, to locate the flexures (22, 24, 26, 28) at points where they will properly engage the inserts (32). The flexures (22, 24, 26, 28) may also each face a center point that is underneath the device (16) to be mounted. The flexures (22, 24, 26, 28) may engage the inserts (32) in ways that allow for quick installation of devices (16), and may allow for visual inspection of proper installation.