Interlocking Chain Assembly for Deployable Load-Bearing Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional deployable and stowable components in vehicles are cumbersome, complex, noisy, and difficult to install and maintain, lacking a seamless transition between rigid load-bearing and compact stowable states.
Innovation Solution
A morphable support mechanism using hinged chain assemblies with inward-facing structural features that interlock to form a load-bearing surface during deployment and decouple for stowage, facilitated by guide tracks for smooth movement and self-supporting structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional mechanisms are used for deployment and stowage, then the structure can be moved between states, but the mechanism becomes overly complex and noisy
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is divided into multiple modular chain assemblies, each with standardized links and coupling features. This segmentation allows the complex structure to be broken into manageable units that can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where chain assemblies can flex and reconfigure. The inward-facing structural features enable dynamic coupling and decoupling during deployment and stowage operations, allowing the mechanism to adapt its configuration without complex controls
2Strength
If rigid structures are used for load-bearing, then strength is achieved, but the structure becomes cumbersome and difficult to stow
Solution Approach 1:
The chain assemblies are designed to nest within each other when in the stowed configuration. The standardized links and coupling features allow one chain assembly to be positioned within another, minimizing the volume required for stowage while maintaining full load-bearing capacity when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The structure transitions from a rigid fixed configuration to a dynamic reconfigurable system. The chain assemblies can flex and reposition during deployment, and the inward-facing coupling features enable the structure to rigidify when needed for load-bearing while remaining flexible for compact stowage
3Ease of operation
If conventional deployment mechanisms are used, then movement between states is achieved, but the mechanism is noisy and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The inward-facing structural features are designed to self-align and self-latch during deployment without requiring additional actuators or controls. This self-service mechanism reduces the number of moving parts that could generate noise, while the smooth concerted movement of chain assemblies ensures quiet operation
Data Source
AI summary
A morphable support mechanism for a load-bearing support structure includes a first chain assembly, a second chain assembly, and working surface subcomponents coupled to the first chain assembly. Links in the first chain assembly have inward-facing structural features, and links in the second chain assembly have inward-facing structural features. The inward-facing structural features are configured to releasably couple together in response to concerted movement of the first and second chain assemblies along a predefined deployment path, and are configured to separate and decouple from each other in response to concerted movement of the first and second chain assemblies along a predefined stowage path. The working surface subcomponents cooperate to form a deployable working surface, and the inward-facing structural features interlock to be self-supporting when deployed such that the deployable working surface is load-bearing.