Tape Spring Deployable Structure with Guide Lever
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deployable structures in space, such as satellite antennas and solar generators, face challenges with high specific mass, inertia, uncontrolled deployment, instability, and bulkiness due to the use of tape springs, which can lead to damage and inefficient use of storage space under launch fairings.
Innovation Solution
A deployable structure with a mount, storage reel, and guide lever system that allows controlled deployment and refurling of tape springs, using a guide device and elastic element to maintain stability and rigidity, and a cam mechanism for controlled deployment, enabling compact storage and operational flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid panels are used for deployable structures, then deployment kinematics are well controlled, but specific mass and inertia are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid panels with flexible thin films that are stretched and tensioned during deployment. The flexible film itself becomes the structural element, eliminating the need for heavy rigid panels while maintaining deployment control through the film's inherent flexibility and tensioning mechanisms.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid panels are used for deployable structures, then deployment kinematics are well controlled, but the structures occupy significant space in stored position
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible film can be compactly wound or folded into a small cylindrical or conical package during storage, occupying minimal space under the fairing. Upon deployment, the film unfolds or unrolls into its large operational configuration, providing both compact storage and controlled deployment without the bulk of rigid panels.
3Volume of stationary object
If tape springs are used for deployment, then the structure can be compact in stored position, but deployment may be violent and uncontrolled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a regulated deployment mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the stored configuration and the deployed configuration. This mechanism controls the release and unfolding process, preventing violent or uncontrolled deployment while maintaining the compact storage advantages of tape spring-based systems.
4Volume of stationary object
If tape springs are used for deployment, then compact storage is achieved, but stability in deployed state is problematic due to axis-dependent stiffness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material structures that combine multiple layers or materials with different mechanical properties. This composite construction provides uniform stiffness and stability in all directions when deployed, overcoming the axis-dependent stiffness limitation of simple tape springs while maintaining compact storage capability.
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 provides a compact, stable, and controllable deployment system that optimizes storage volume, ensures controlled orientation, and maintains structural integrity during deployment and refurling, reducing the risk of damage and improving the efficiency of space utilization under launch fairings.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element arranged between the guide lever and the mount, and intended to push the guide lever so as to press the storage reel against the third point
Implementation Method 2
tape springs are known in the field of space as being flexible tapes with a cross section in the form of a circular arc... these tapes being able to pass from the wound state to the unwound state essentially as a result of their own stored elastic energy
Data Source
AI summary
A deployable structure comprises: a mount comprising a first point and a second point opposite and a third point, a storage reel able to rotate about an axis Z, a tape spring able to switch from a configuration in which it is wound about the axis Z in the storage reel into a configuration in which it is deployed along an axis X substantially perpendicular to the axis Z, the first and second points forming a double support with the tape spring to keep the tape spring in the deployed configuration. The third point is able to form a simple support with the tape spring, the storage reel is able to move with respect to the third point and the storage reel is pressed against the third point to guide the deployment of the tape spring.