Deployable Tile Aperture Tension Chord Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aperture technologies, such as RF apertures and solar arrays, require new deployment methods that can efficiently transition from a stacked stowed configuration to a flat deployed configuration without gaps for enhanced structural stability and efficient deployment.
Innovation Solution
Deployable tile aperture devices and systems that utilize multiple aperture tiles coupled with tension chords, pulleys, cap and cone structures, and cable spools to deploy into a flat configuration, with mechanisms like tension cables, motors, and interlocking elements for secure deployment and electrical connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional motor-based systems are used for aperture deployment, then deployment reliability is improved, but device mass and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces motor-based mechanical systems with a tension cable system that uses pulleys and constant force springs to achieve aperture deployment. This substitution eliminates heavy motors while maintaining reliable deployment through purely mechanical means, directly resolving the contradiction between deployment reliability and device mass
Solution Approach 2:
The constant force spring system provides self-service deployment by automatically tensioning the cables to unfold the aperture tiles without requiring external power or control systems. The system uses the inherent elastic energy of the springs to drive deployment, eliminating the need for motors and reducing both mass and complexity while ensuring reliable deployment
2Ease of operation
If aperture tiles are deployed with gaps between them, then deployment ease is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture is segmented into multiple independent tiles that can deploy independently through the tension cable system. Each tile is connected via hinges and cap-and-cone structures, allowing straightforward deployment while the tension cables ensure proper alignment. The segmentation enables easy deployment while the interlocking structures prevent gaps, resolving the contradiction between deployment ease and structural stability
Solution Approach 2:
The cap-and-cone structures cause adjacent aperture tiles to merge together when deployed, with the conical surfaces interfacing to eliminate gaps between tiles. This merging occurs automatically as the tension cables pull the tiles into their deployed positions, ensuring both easy deployment and gap-free configuration for structural stability
3Manufacturing precision
If complex interlocking structures are used for tile coupling, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is segmented into discrete, standardized components: cap structures on one tile, cone structures on adjacent tiles, and corresponding receptacles. Each component is simple in design but together they achieve precise interlocking. This segmentation maintains manufacturing precision while avoiding the need for complex monolithic coupling structures
Solution Approach 2:
The cap-and-cone structures utilize geometric parameter changes - specifically the conical angle and dimensional relationships - to achieve self-aligning interlocking. The conical surfaces provide automatic alignment during deployment, ensuring manufacturing precision through geometric constraints rather than complex mechanical features, thereby reducing overall device complexity
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
Enables stable, gap-free deployment of aperture tiles in both space and terrestrial applications, providing continuous face surfaces and efficient electrical connectivity, suitable for RF apertures and solar arrays, with reduced mass and cost compared to traditional motor-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
one or more tension chords configured to deploy the multiple aperture tiles when tension is applied to the one or more tension chords
Implementation Method 2
multiple pulleys, where each respective pulley from the multiple pulleys may be positioned with respect to a hinge line between two aperture tiles from the multiple aperture tiles
Implementation Method 3
multiple spring hinges positioned between the multiple aperture tiles to facilitate deployment of the multiple aperture tiles
Implementation Method 4
a constant force spring configured to facilitate deployment of the multiple aperture tiles from the stacked stowed configuration to the flat deployed configuration
Data Source
AI summary
Deployable tile aperture devices, systems, and methods are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Some embodiments include a device that may include multiple aperture tiles that may be coupled with each other such the multiple aperture tiles have a stacked stowed configuration and a flat deployed configuration. Some embodiments include one or more tension chords configured to deploy the multiple aperture tiles when tension is applied to the one or more tension chords. The flat deployed configuration may include at least one side edge portion of each aperture tile from the multiple aperture tiles making contact with another side edge portion of another aperture tile from the multiple aperture tiles. The flat deployed configuration may form one or more continuous face surfaces formed from the multiple aperture tiles. The one or more tension chords may pass through at least a portion of one or more of the multiple aperture tiles.