Collapsible structures with adjustable forms
AssigneeComposite Technology Development, Inc.
InventorsPhilip N. Keller, Robert Taylor, Larry G. Adams, Adam G. Gray, Naseem Munshi
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Abstract
Structures and methods are disclosed regarding deployable structures with expandable longerons adjustably coupled with supporting structures such that an angle between the supporting structures can be adjusted. Such structures can include and/or be used for solar arrays, bridges, support structures, and more. These structures can be easily transported to a new location and deployed from the stowed configuration into a larger functional structure. In some embodiments these structures can use one or more longerons that can have two resting states: deployed and rolled.
Claims20
A deployable structure comprising:
- a longeron having a slit along a longitudinal length of the longeron;
- a first supporting structure coupled with the longeron at a first location of the longeron;
- and
- a second supporting structure adjustably coupled with the longeron at a second location of the longeron such that:
- the second supporting structure is angled with respect to the first supporting structure when the longeron is in the deployed state;
- an adjustment of the angle between the first and second supporting structures causes deformation of at least one of:
- a cross-sectional profile of the longeron, and
- the second supporting structure;
- and
- wherein the longeron, the first supporting structure, and the second supporting structure are stowed as a roll comprising the longeron, the first supporting structure, and the second supporting structure, wherein the roll is rolled along a longitudinal length of longeron,
- wherein one or more solar cells are coupled with the first supporting structure, the second supporting structure, or both.
(canceled)
A deployable structure comprising:
- a plurality of longerons, wherein each longeron includes:
- a slit along the longitudinal length of the longeron;
- a material with a curved cross-sectional profile when the longeron is in a deployed state;
- and
- a stowed state, wherein the longeron, being rolled along a longitudinal length of the longeron, comprises a roll;
- a first supporting structure coupled with a first longeron and a second longeron, the first supporting structure being coupled with the first longeron at a first location of the first longeron;
- a second supporting structure adjustably coupled with the first longeron at a second location of the first longeron such that:
- the second supporting structure is angled with respect to the first supporting structure when the first longeron is in the deployed state;
- and
- an adjustment of the angle between the first and second supporting structures causes deformation of at least one of:
- a cross-sectional profile of the longeron, and
- the second supporting structure;
- and
- a solar panel coupled with one of the longerons.
(canceled)
A method of manufacturing a deployable structure, the method comprising:
- providing a longeron having:
- a slit along the longitudinal length of the longeron;
- a stowed state, wherein the longeron, being rolled along a longitudinal length of the longeron, comprises a roll;
- and
- coupling a supporting structure with the longeron at a location of the longeron such that:
- the supporting structure is angled with respect to the longeron when the longeron is in the deployed state;
- and
- an adjustment of the angle between the supporting structure and the longeron causes deformation of at least one of:
- a cross-sectional profile of the longeron, and
- the supporting structure;
- coupling one or more solar cells with the longeron, the supporting structure, or both.
(canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.