Rigid Articulated Batten Truss Structures for Space Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for new tools and techniques that provide a deployable, rigid backing structure for space-based applications, particularly for supporting space-based components such as radio frequency and photovoltaic components.
Innovation Solution
The system includes multiple frames, longerons, and battens configured to support elements, with battens offset along the length of longerons or frames to provide torque for deployment, and warping restraints to ensure synchronous deployment, utilizing buckled battens and strain energy components for controlled expansion and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional boom and truss structures are used to support space-based components, then structural stability is provided, but the structure cannot be deployed or folded for compact storage during launch
Solution Approach 1:
The truss structure is divided into multiple modular bays, each consisting of frames, longerons, and battens that can be independently folded and deployed. This segmentation allows the structure to be compact during launch and rigid when deployed, resolving the contradiction between deployability and structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure transitions from a static rigid form to a dynamic deployable configuration through articulated hinges and buckled battens. The battens are pre-buckled to store elastic energy that drives deployment, while hinges allow controlled motion, enabling the structure to adapt between stowed and deployed states while maintaining stability in the deployed configuration.
2Manufacturing precision
If rigid structures are used to support space-based components, then alignment precision is maintained, but the mass of the structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The structure uses pre-buckled battens that change their structural parameters during deployment. The battens transition from a buckled low-stiffness state during stowage to a straight high-stiffness state during deployment, providing rigid alignment precision only when needed, thereby reducing overall structure mass while maintaining alignment precision in the deployed configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure employs dynamic stiffening through the deployment mechanism. During launch, the structure remains flexible and compact. Upon deployment, the articulation mechanisms lock and the battens straighten, dynamically transitioning to a rigid configuration that ensures alignment precision without requiring permanently heavy rigid components.
3Weight of moving object
If deployable mechanisms are used to reduce structure mass, then the deployment process requires significant energy input
Solution Approach 1:
The battens are pre-buckled during manufacturing to store elastic potential energy. This preliminary action creates a spring-loaded mechanism that automatically drives the deployment process without requiring external energy input during launch. The stored elastic energy in the buckled battens is released to power the deployment, reducing the need for heavy actuators and energy sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful buckling deformation (which usually indicates structural failure) into a beneficial energy storage mechanism. The pre-buckled battens use their elastic deformation to store energy that drives deployment, transforming what would be a structural defect into a useful power source that reduces deployment energy requirements and overall structure mass.
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 system achieves high deployed stiffness with low areal mass, ensuring alignment and stability of space-based components, providing a rigid and stable structure with minimal energetic deployment events.
Implementation Method 1
One or more battens from the multiple battens are buckled at least during deployment of the system to provide torque for deployment of the system
Implementation Method 2
one or more battens from the multiple battens coupled with the one or more longerons from the multiple longerons offset at least along the length of the respective longeron with respect to at least the hinge point between the respective longeron and the other longeron from the multiple longerons or along the length of the respective frame with respect to at least the hinge point between the respective frame and the other frame from the multiple frames
Data Source
AI summary
Deployable devices, systems, and methods are provided. Some embodiments include a system that may include: multiple frames configured to support multiple elements; multiple longerons; multiple diagonals coupled with the multiple longerons; and multiple battens. One or more battens may be coupled with at least one or more longerons and one or more frames such that the respective batten is offset at least along a length of the respective longeron with respect to at least a hinge point between the respective longeron and another longeron from the multiple longerons or along a length of the respective frame with respect to a hinge point between the respective frame and another frame from the multiple frames. Some embodiments include a method for ensuring synchronous deployment of a system that may include orienting a hinge axis coupled with at least one longeron substantially perpendicular to a hinge axis coupled with two or more frames.