Extensible Sparse-Isogrid Column With Double Helix Deployment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional isogrid structures face challenges in deployability due to issues like local wall buckling from fabrication errors and deployment complexities, making them economically infeasible and structurally compromised compared to other deployable designs.
Innovation Solution
A tubular structure with a double helix configuration and flexible tape springs that articulate between stowed and deployed configurations, utilizing a restraining force to compress the helices and store restorative energy for deployment, along with a deployable column lattice structure featuring shell hinge elements that transition between flexed and unflexed positions to extend ring frames, allowing for a stable and efficient deployment mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional isogrid structures are used, then structural efficiency is achieved, but deployability and reliability deteriorate due to local wall buckling and fabrication error sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The isogrid structure is divided into modular ring frames spaced along the column axis, with each ring frame containing discrete triangular grid members. This segmentation allows the structure to be deployed in sections while maintaining overall structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between structural efficiency and deployability reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The column is designed with dynamic deployment capability, transitioning from a stowed configuration with ring frames in contact to a deployed configuration where ring frames are spaced apart. The structure incorporates elastic elements and expansion mechanisms that enable controlled transition between states, improving reliability for deployable applications while preserving structural efficiency.
2Stability of the object's composition
If monolithic isogrid panels or tubes are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but adaptability for deployment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The monolithic structure is segmented into multiple ring frames that can independently move and space apart during deployment. Each ring frame maintains its structural integrity through the triangular grid pattern while the overall structure adapts to deployed configurations, resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and deployable adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring frames are arranged in a nested configuration during stowage, with inner rings positioned within the space defined by outer rings. This nesting enables compact storage while allowing sequential deployment of ring frames outward, maintaining structural integrity during both stowed and deployed states.
3Adaptability or versatility
If deployable isogrid structures are constructed, then adaptability for deployment is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is manufactured as discrete ring frame modules that can be produced using standard fabrication processes. Each module contains pre-assembled triangular grid members that are simplified for manufacturing, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining deployable adaptability through the modular assembly of these standardized components.
4Strength
If additional mass is added to components, then strength and stability are improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The triangular grid members are constructed as composite structures combining rigid materials for the grid pattern with flexible elastic elements. This composite approach provides the necessary structural strength and stability while minimizing weight, as the rigid triangular pattern provides structural efficiency and the flexible elements provide deployment functionality without requiring additional 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 solution enables a structurally efficient and cost-effective deployable isogrid structure that overcomes the limitations of conventional designs by providing a stable, self-correcting deployment mechanism with high strain composite ribs, enhancing manufacturing efficiency and reducing deployment complexities.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second helixes may be respectively comprised of flexible tape springs for storing a restorative force opposed to the restraining force
Data Source
AI summary
A sparse-isogrid columnar lattice structure including rigid ring frames connected by a mirrored symmetric double helix pattern comprised of first shell hinge elements in a first helical pattern and second shell hinge elements in a second helical pattern oriented in an opposite direction to the first helical pattern and congruent thereto. The helical axes of the first and second helical patterns intersect the respective centers of the ring frames. The first and second shell hinge elements are configured to stow in a stored energy state when the ring frames are collapsed toward one another along the helical axis, and the first and second shell hinge elements are configured to release the stored energy to deploy to a restored state and extend the ring frames apart from each other along the helical axis when deployed to form a stable rigid axial column in a restored state.