Slit Tube Boom Deployment via Rotating Inner Shaft
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deployable structures, such as booms, require complex multi-step processes for deployment and stowage, lacking a seamless single-action mechanism to transition between configurations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a boom with a slit, an inner shaft partially rotatable within a drum, and cords coupled to the shaft and boom corners, allowing the boom to be deployed and stowed through a single action by rotating the inner shaft, which flattens and wraps the boom around the drum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing deployable structures are used, then the boom can be deployed and stowed, but the process requires complex multi-step procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the deployment and stowage operations into a single integrated mechanism. The boom includes an inner shaft and outer shaft that work together with cords to achieve both deployment and stowage through one continuous action, eliminating the need for separate multi-step procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The single action mechanism serves multiple functions: it can deploy the boom from stowed to deployed configuration, and it can stow the boom from deployed to stowed configuration. The same mechanical components (inner shaft, outer shaft, cords) perform both opposing operations, providing universal functionality.
2Strength
If the boom is made rigid for structural integrity, then it maintains strength, but it cannot be flattened and wrapped for compact stowage
Solution Approach 1:
The boom is segmented into multiple layers or plies that can slide relative to each other. This segmentation allows the boom to maintain its rigid structural integrity when deployed while enabling it to be flattened and wrapped for stowage, as the layers can compress and rearrange without compromising the overall structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The boom transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic configuration. When deployed, the boom maintains its rigid shape for structural integrity. When stowed, the same boom becomes flexible and can be flattened and wrapped around the drum, demonstrating dynamic adaptability between two distinct states.
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising a boom having a first end, a longitudinal length, and a slit that extends along the longitudinal length of the boom; a drum having an elliptic cross section and a longitudinal length; an attachment mechanism coupled with the first end of the boom and the drum such that the boom and the drum are substantially perpendicular relative to one another; an inner shaft having a longitudinal length, the inner shaft disposed within the drum, the longitudinal length of the inner shaft is aligned substantially parallel with the longitudinal length of the drum, the inner shaft at least partially rotatable relative to the drum, and the inner shaft is at least partially rotatable with the drum; and at least two cords coupled with the inner shaft and portions of the boom near the first end of the boom.