Telescoping Boom Zero Dead Band Hard Stop Preloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telescoping boom systems face challenges in precise deployment and structural support, particularly in maintaining contact between external and internal hard stops during deployment, which can lead to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in positioning, such as for antenna deployment.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a zero dead band telescoping boom system that includes multiple tube segments with external and internal hard stops, joint preloaders, and compliant components, such as latches and flexures, to ensure direct contact and precise alignment between hard stops, facilitated by actuators and rail systems for sequential deployment and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If spring-loaded pins or pulley and tensioning systems are used for deployment, then the system can achieve deployment functionality, but the positioning precision and direct contact between hard stops deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes intermediate deployment mechanisms (spring-loaded pins, pulleys, tensioning systems) and directly engages hard stops between tube segments. This extraction of intermediary components eliminates the 'dead band' or gap that exists when using complex deployment mechanisms, achieving direct contact and precise positioning between hard stops without the complexity of additional deployment hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint preloaders apply preload force to the joints before full deployment occurs. This preliminary action ensures that hard stops are already in direct contact and properly positioned before the boom is fully extended, eliminating positioning errors that would occur if contact were established only during the final deployment phase.
2Strength
If tensioning is applied after full deployment, then the system can achieve structural support, but the deployment accuracy and direct contact between hard stops deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The joint preloaders apply preload force to the joints before full deployment occurs. This preliminary action ensures that hard stops are already in direct contact and properly positioned before the boom is fully extended, eliminating positioning errors that would occur if contact were established only during the final deployment phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant components (springs, elastomers) are pre-installed in the joint preloaders to provide cushioning and maintain continuous contact between hard stops. This beforehand cushioning ensures that structural support is maintained throughout deployment without compromising the precision of hard stop engagement, as the compliant elements absorb mismatches and maintain force transmission.
3Ease of operation
If conventional deployment mechanisms are used, then the system can achieve deployment functionality, but dead band or gap between hard stops exists reducing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes intermediate deployment mechanisms (spring-loaded pins, pulleys, tensioning systems) and directly engages hard stops between tube segments. This extraction of intermediary components eliminates the 'dead band' or gap that exists when using complex deployment mechanisms, achieving direct contact and precise positioning between hard stops without the complexity of additional deployment hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint preloaders serve as intermediary devices that apply preload force to ensure direct contact between hard stops. Rather than using complex deployment mechanisms, the preloaders act as mediators that maintain continuous force transmission and eliminate gaps between hard stops throughout the deployment process.
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
This solution enables precise, repeatable, and efficient deployment of telescoping boom systems by maintaining direct contact between external and internal hard stops, providing low CTE structures and straightforward load paths, thus improving deployment accuracy and stability.
Implementation Method 1
one or more joint preloaders apply a force to engage each of the one or more external hard stops of the first tube segment with a respective one of the one or more internal hard stops of the second tube segment
Implementation Method 2
one or more latches coupled with the second tube segment such that each latch moves through a respective window from one or more windows formed within the second tube segment to engage the first tube segment
Implementation Method 3
one or more compliant components configured such that one or more latches coupled with the second tube segment maintains contact with the first tube segment once engaged
Data Source
AI summary
Telescoping boom systems, devices, and methods are provided in accordance with various embodiments. For example, some embodiments include zero dead band telescoping boom systems, devices, and methods. Embodiments in general include hard stop preloading mechanisms for telescoping booms with multiple tube segments. Some embodiments provide components that facilitate the deployment sequencing of the multiple tube segments along with facilitating preloading of the multiple tube segments of a telescoping boom. The tools and techniques provided may be integrated into the multiple tube segments rather than being provided as a separate system. Some embodiments allow for precise deployment of the multiple tube segments of the telescoping boom systems, devices, and methods.