Telescoping Mast Latch Assembly for Stable Repeatable Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telescoping masts face limitations in dimensional stability and deployed stiffness, particularly affecting pointing accuracy in reflector antennas, and require compact, low-mass designs for space-based applications.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping mast system with resilient latches and a spoolable extensible member (SEM) that includes a flexure member and clocking mechanism to ensure precise alignment and prevent rotation, allowing for high compressive capability and stability, using tapered mast sections and battens to minimize buckling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If telescoping masts use nested configuration for compact stowage, then stowed packaging is improved, but dimensional stability and deployed stiffness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mast is divided into multiple telescoping sections that can be independently controlled. Each section has its own latching mechanism, allowing segmented deployment and stabilization. This segmentation enables compact nested stowage while maintaining stability when deployed, as each section can be locked in position independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The mast transitions from a static nested configuration to a dynamic deployed configuration through controlled telescoping sections. The resilient latches provide dynamic locking capability, allowing the mast to adapt between compact stowage and stable deployment states, resolving the contradiction between compactness and stability.
2Ease of operation
If telescoping masts use resilient latches for automatic engagement, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient latch mechanism incorporates elastic deformation parameters that compensate for manufacturing tolerances. The spring-loaded design allows the latch to deflect and engage even with slight misalignments, maintaining automatic engagement capability while reducing sensitivity to manufacturing precision requirements.
3Strength
If mast sections are tapered for structural efficiency, then strength is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mast sections feature localized tapering only where structurally necessary, rather than uniform tapering throughout. This local quality approach maintains structural efficiency in critical areas while keeping other portions simpler in geometry, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while preserving strength.
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 system provides a compact, low-mass telescoping mast with high dimensional stability and repeatable deployment, ensuring precise alignment and structural integrity for space-based applications such as satellite antennas and booms.
Implementation Method 1
each latch is formed from a portion of the sidewall that is configured to resiliently deflect to facilitate engagement of the latch with a portion of an adjacent mast section
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Extensible mast is comprised of multiple mast sections which are aligned along a mast axis. Each mast section is formed of an elongated tubular member disposed in a nested configuration when the mast is in a stowed condition. Each mast section is configured to slide along a direction aligned with the mast axis to facilitate a transition of the mast from the stowed condition to a deployed condition. In the deployed condition, adjacent mast sections are disposed substantially end to end so as to form a mast having an elongated length extending from a mast base to a mast tip. Mast sections includes one or more latches formed from a portion of the sidewall and resiliently engage a portion of an adjacent mast section.