Deployable Space Truss With Inward-Folding Bays for Low-Volume Stowage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current deployable trusses for space applications are limited by their packaging constraints, as they can only stow longitudinally, preventing the deployment of larger structures due to volume limitations of launch vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A deployable ultra-stowable truss (DUST) that can stow both longitudinally and transversely, allowing for a larger structure to be packed within the same volume by using a system of longerons, battens, and struts connected by hinges that fold inward, with tensioned diagonals for stiffness and a sequencing mechanism for controlled deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If current truss-based masts are packaged longitudinally only, then the structure can be deployed in space, but the volume occupied during launch is excessive and prevents deployment of larger structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensional change by enabling the truss to stow not only longitudinally but also transversely. The truss structure incorporates transverse packaging capability where the longerons and battens can be folded or reconfigured in the transverse direction, allowing the structure to occupy significantly less volume during launch while maintaining its full span capability when deployed in space.
2Length of moving object
If the truss structure is made larger to accommodate bigger space structures, then more functional capability is achieved, but the packaging volume exceeds launch vehicle constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic stowage mechanisms where the truss transitions from a deployed configuration in space to a compact stowed configuration during launch. The hinges connecting the longerons and battens allow dynamic reconfiguration, enabling the structure to be compact during transport and fully extended when needed for operational functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hinges are added to allow longitudinal struts to fold, then transverse stowage capability is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the truss structure into modular bays, each with its own hinge mechanisms. This segmentation allows the complex folding action to be distributed across multiple independent modules rather than requiring a single complex mechanism, making the overall system more manageable and maintainable while achieving the desired stowage capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations of the disclosed subject matter provide a system including a truss that may have a plurality of bays. Each bay may include a plurality of longerons disposed in a longitudinal direction, a plurality of battens disposed in a transverse direction, and at least two longitudinal struts that are coupled by hinges that are configured to allow the at least two longitudinal struts to fold towards an interior of each bay of the truss, where at least one batten may connect and separate at least one longitudinal strut. The longitudinal struts, the longerons, and the battens may be connected to form the bay, where each side of the bay may be formed from two battens that are joined end-to-end, and where at least some of plurality of battens respectively separate at least some of the plurality of longerons. The truss may be configured to be stowed longitudinally and transversely.