Hybrid Inflatable Boom Structure Without Truss Struts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trusses, such as truss booms, require longerons and a network of battens and diagonal struts to maintain stiffness, which can be cumbersome and inefficient in terms of space and fabrication.
Innovation Solution
A deformable hybrid inflatable boom uses an inflatable tube to hold longerons in place, eliminating the need for battens and diagonal struts, and provides axial stiffness through the longerons, allowing the boom to be flattened and rolled.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a network of battens and diagonal struts is used to hold longerons in place, then the longerons are prevented from buckling, but the structure becomes cumbersome and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex network of battens and diagonal struts from the traditional truss structure, retaining only the essential longerons that provide axial stiffness. The inflatable tube replaces the removed structural elements by providing lateral support to the longerons through internal pressure, thereby simplifying the overall structure while maintaining buckling prevention capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an inflatable tube that uses pneumatic pressure to hold the longerons in place and prevent buckling. The internal pressure of the inflated tube provides continuous lateral support to the longerons, replacing the mechanical support previously provided by battens and diagonal struts, thus eliminating the need for complex structural networks.
2Strength
If longerons are spaced apart and held by an inflatable tube, then axial stiffness is provided by the longerons, but the boom must be inflated to maintain structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic structure where the inflatable tube can be inflated and deflated to transition between operational and storage states. During operation, the tube is inflated to provide the necessary support for axial stiffness. During storage, the tube is deflated to allow the longerons to fold together, enabling compact storage and easy deployment without permanent structural constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in the inflation parameter of the tube to transform the structural properties of the boom. When inflated, the tube provides rigid support for axial load-bearing. When deflated, the structure becomes flexible and collapsible. This parameter change allows the same structure to serve dual purposes: maintaining axial stiffness during use and enabling compact storage during non-use.
3Strength
If the boom is designed for extended state stiffness, then strength is improved, but the flattened state thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the boom structure into discrete segments: individual longerons spaced apart and held by the inflatable tube. This segmentation allows the longerons to be positioned optimally for axial stiffness in the extended state while permitting the structure to collapse into a compact flattened configuration when the tube is deflated, minimizing the thickness and volume during storage.
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 hybrid inflatable boom achieves greater stiffness and strength in the extended state while reducing thickness in the flattened state, facilitating easier fabrication and storage.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable tube of a first material having an inflatable tube surface and an inflatable tube longitudinal boom direction in a hybrid inflatable boom inflated state
Implementation Method 2
held in place by the inflatable tube, where an axial stiffness of the deformable hybrid inflatable boom is provided by the plurality of longerons
Data Source
AI summary
A deformable hybrid inflatable boom includes an inflatable tube of a first material having an inflatable tube surface and an inflatable tube longitudinal boom direction in a hybrid inflatable boom inflated state. Each longeron of a plurality of longerons is disposed on the inflatable tube surface and spaced apart from each other and held in place by the inflatable tube, and in the hybrid inflatable boom inflated state the each longeron is extended in a direction of the inflatable tube longitudinal boom direction. A method for deploying a deformable hybrid inflatable boom is also described.