Hinged Shell Boom Structure for Flat Stowage and Self-Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deformable structures for spacecraft booms lack a efficient mechanism to transition between extended and flattened states while maintaining structural integrity and compact storage, particularly in space applications where weight and stowage are critical.
Innovation Solution
A deformable boom device comprising a pair of shells with hinges that allow the structure to change from an open circular cross-section in an extended state to a flat structure for compact storage, utilizing resilient and ductile materials to ensure strength and flexibility, with the hinges designed to withstand significant strains and shear forces during rolling and deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid boom structure is used to maintain strength and stiffness in the extended state, then structural integrity is improved, but the ability to flatten and roll for compact storage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The boom is segmented into multiple sections connected by hinges, allowing the structure to be divided into flexible segments that can bend and flatten while maintaining overall structural integrity when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The boom utilizes thin-walled cylindrical sections that are flexible enough to be flattened and rolled for storage, yet maintain sufficient structural strength when deployed in the extended state
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible structure is used to enable flattening and rolling for storage, then stowage capability is improved, but structural strength and stiffness in the extended state deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The boom transitions from a rigid static structure to a dynamic structure that can change its configuration between deployed and stowed states, with hinges enabling controlled flexibility during transition while maintaining strength when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The boom employs composite construction with multiple layers including outer shells, hinges, and core materials that work together to provide both flexibility for folding and structural strength when extended
3Ease of operation
If traditional hinge mechanisms are used to connect boom sections, then deployability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is merged with the shell structure itself, where the hinge is integrated as part of the boom's cross-section rather than being a separate external component, reducing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Thin-film hinge materials are used to create lightweight, flexible connections between boom sections that enable deployment without adding significant weight or complexity
4Adaptability or versatility
If the hinge long dimension is increased to improve flexibility during rolling, then flattening capability is improved, but structural strength in the extended state deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge has different dimensional characteristics at different locations - a longer dimension in the flattened state to provide flexibility, and a shorter effective dimension when deployed to maintain structural strength
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 lightweight, strong, and compact deformable boom that can efficiently transition between deployed and stowed states, maintaining structural integrity and enabling self-deployment upon unrolling, while optimizing bending and torsional properties through tailored shell configurations and material orientations.
Implementation Method 1
The pair of hinges can include a strip of an elastic material
Implementation Method 2
The pair of hinges can include a strip of a ductile material. The pair of hinges can include a material having a plastic behavior
Data Source
AI summary
A deformable boom device includes a pair of shells, each shell of a substantially same arc length. A pair of hinges is mechanically coupled to the pair of shells to join the pair of shells into an open cross section as deployed in an extended state, and into about a flat structure in a flattened state. At least one of the pair of shells can include an about semi-circular cross section.