Slit Locking Clamp for Stable Deployment of Extendible Masts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Larger slit tube masts face instability issues during deployment and in their final position, posing hazards to personnel and risking damage, especially when supporting heavier loads, due to local shear between edges, which existing technologies fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of slit locking clamps that engage with corresponding features on the mast to resist axial movement and provide global strength and stiffness, allowing for increased mast lengths and load-bearing capabilities by stabilizing the structure during deployment and use, with optional support elements to prevent failure during the transition from coiled to extended forms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If larger diameter STEM masts are deployed to support heavier loads, then load-bearing capability is improved, but instability and risk of failure increase due to local shear between edges
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp divides the stabilization function into discrete segments along the mast length. Multiple clamps can be positioned at different locations to address local shear issues at specific sections, allowing the mast to support heavier loads while maintaining stability through distributed reinforcement points.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp applies localized reinforcement at critical sections where local shear between edges occurs. By concentrating stabilization force at specific positions rather than uniformly along the entire mast, the design effectively addresses instability issues at high-stress regions while enabling heavier load support.
2Adaptability or versatility
If longer mast lengths are deployed to extend reach, then operational versatility is improved, but global strength and stiffness decrease due to increased susceptibility to instability
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple clamps distributed along the length of long masts create segmented reinforcement zones that maintain global stiffness. The clamps act as discrete support points that prevent cumulative instability effects over extended lengths, enabling deployment of longer masts for greater operational versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp introduces a new dimensional aspect of stabilization by applying circumferential clamping force around the mast perimeter. This additional dimensional constraint prevents edge separation and maintains global structural integrity along the entire length of extended masts.
3Reliability
If additional personnel are deployed to manually stabilize the mast during extension, then safety is improved, but operational efficiency and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp enables the mast to stabilize itself during deployment without requiring additional personnel. The self-stabilizing mechanism allows single-operator deployment while maintaining safety, thereby improving productivity and deployment efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp acts as an intermediary device between the operator and the mast structure during deployment. It provides automated stabilization assistance that reduces the need for manual intervention by multiple personnel, improving both safety and operational efficiency.
4Reliability
If clamps are added to the mast to prevent local shear and enhance stability, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp design focuses stabilization functionality at specific local regions rather than requiring complex distributed systems along the entire mast. This localized approach enhances reliability through targeted reinforcement while minimizing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp serves multiple functions simultaneously: it prevents local shear between edges, provides global stiffness enhancement, and acts as a stabilization anchor during deployment. This multi-functionality improves reliability without proportionally increasing complexity, as a single component achieves multiple stabilization objectives.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mast assembly(10), a method of deploying a mast (20), a slit locking clamp (50) for a mast and to a support assembly (14) for an extendible member (20) are provided. The mast assembly (10) comprises an extendible mast (20) configurable between a coiled form and an extended form. When extended the mast is resiliently biased in the form of an elongate tube having a slit along its length defined by longitudinal edges of the mast. When coiled the mast is opened out at the slit to a flattened cross section and wound about an axis extending transversely to the longitudinal extent of the mast. A slit locking clamp (50) clamps across the slit in the mast at a position along the length of the mast so as to stabilise one edge relative to the other.