Multi-Section Boom with Constant Torque Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deployable booms for spacecraft need to be compact for stowage, robust for launch, and long enough to prevent interference with instruments, while minimizing structural integrity loss during deployment, and must be lightweight and cost-effective with fewer components.
Innovation Solution
A deployable multi-section boom with first and second hinge assemblies and constant torque assemblies that allow the boom to pivot to predetermined angles, using a release mechanism to transition from a stowed to a fully deployed state, ensuring structural integrity and minimizing component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a deployable boom is made compact for stowage, then the stowage volume is reduced, but the structural integrity during deployment may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The boom is divided into multiple telescoping sections that can be collapsed into each other for compact stowage and extended for full deployment. This segmentation allows the boom to achieve both compact volume and sufficient structural integrity by distributing mechanical loads across multiple sections and hinge assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-section boom employs a nested configuration where smaller boom sections are housed within larger outer sections during stowage. This nesting arrangement minimizes the overall stowage volume while maintaining the capability to extend to the required operational length with adequate structural strength.
2Length of moving object
If the boom length is increased to prevent interference with instruments, then the distance from spacecraft is increased, but the boom becomes heavier and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The boom is segmented into multiple telescoping sections that can be extended to achieve the required length for instrument clearance. This segmentation allows the boom to reach necessary lengths without requiring a single massive structure, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining sufficient length.
Solution Approach 2:
The boom employs a telescoping mechanism with multiple movable sections that can dynamically extend and retract. This dynamic configuration allows the boom to achieve its full operational length only when needed, reducing the weight that would be required for a permanently extended rigid structure.
3Strength
If conventional deployable boom structures are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but the component count increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly integrates multiple functions into a single unified component that combines the pivoting mechanism, torque application interface, and structural connection elements. This merging reduces the total component count while maintaining the structural integrity required for withstanding launch loads and deployment forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides structural support, enables pivoting motion, and interfaces with the constant torque assembly. This universal design reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining structural integrity.
4Ease of operation
If a release mechanism is added to enable deployment, then the boom can transition from stowed to deployed state, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The constant torque assembly is configured to automatically urge the boom sections into their deployed positions once the retaining structure is released. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex active actuation systems, motors, or control systems, thereby enabling easy deployment while minimizing the addition of device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The constant torque assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism that stores potential energy and converts it to mechanical work to drive the boom deployment. This intermediary component simplifies the overall deployment system by replacing complex active control mechanisms with a passive energy-storage and release system.
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 multi-section boom effectively deploys to a stable, elongated structure, maintaining structural integrity while being lightweight and cost-effective, with fewer components, and capable of withstanding high launch loads, ensuring undistorted scientific data collection.
Implementation Method 1
a first constant torque assembly to constantly urge the first boom to pivot in the first direction. The multi-section boom further includes a second constant torque assembly to constantly urge the second boom to pivot in the second direction
Data Source
AI summary
A deployable multi-section boom comprising a first hinge assembly including a base section adapted to be attached to a structure, a movable section that is pivotably attached to the base section and a first boom attached to the movable section. The first hinge assembly is configured to allow the first boom to pivot in a first direction to a first predetermined maximum angle with respect to the base section. A first constant torque assembly constantly urges the first boom to pivot in the first direction and includes a component attached to the base section of the first hinge assembly. The multi-section boom includes a second hinge assembly that includes a first section attached to the first boom and a second section that is pivotably attached to the first section. A second boom is attached to the second section of the second hinge assembly wherein the second hinge assembly allows the second boom to pivot in a second direction to a second predetermined maximum angle with respect to the first boom. A second constant torque assembly constantly urges the second boom to pivot in the second direction and includes a component that is attached to the first section of the second hinge assembly. The first constant torque assembly and second constant torque assembly cooperate to configure the multi-section boom in a fully deployed state wherein the constant torque applied to the first boom causes the entire multi-section boom to pivot in the first direction while the constant torque applied to the second boom causes the second boom to simultaneously pivot in the second direction with respect to the first boom while the entire multi-section boom continues to pivot in the first direction. The multi-section boom is fully deployed when the first boom pivots to the first predetermined maximum angle and the second boom pivots to the second predetermined angle.