Deployment system for inflatable structures

A system for deployment of an inflatable structure, the system comprising:

• a primary container fluidly connectable to the inflatable structure, the primary container having a primary pressurized fluid situated therein, so that upon application of a primary force the primary pressurized fluid is expelled from the primary container into the inflatable structure for its inflation;
• an inflatable actuator bag;
• and
• a secondary container fluidly connectable to the inflatable actuator bag, the secondary container having a secondary pressurized fluid situated therein, so that upon application of a secondary force the secondary pressurized fluid is expelled from the secondary container into the inflatable actuator bag for its inflation;
• wherein application of the secondary force causes inflation of the inflatable actuator bag by the secondary pressurized fluid, so as to generate the primary force to thereby inflate the inflatable structure.

In combination, an inflatable structure and a system for deployment of the inflatable structure, comprising:

• an envelope containing the inflatable structure, the envelope being subject to vacuum pressure therein;
• a primary container fluidly connectable to the inflatable structure, the primary container having a primary pressurized fluid situated therein and a primary valve, the primary valve is movable under a primary force from a closed position while maintaining the primary pressurized fluid in the primary container to an open position in which the primary pressurized fluid is discharged from the primary container into the inflatable structure causing its inflation, the primary valve being subject to the vacuum pressure in the envelope;
• an inflatable actuator bag associated with the envelope and being subject to the vacuum pressure;
• a first connecting arrangement between the envelope and the inflatable actuator bag, a distal end of the first connecting arrangement being connected to the primary valve, and a proximal end of the first connecting arrangement being connected to the inflatable actuator bag;
• and
• a secondary container fluidly connectable to the inflatable actuator bag, the secondary container having a secondary pressurized fluid situated therein, a secondary valve movable under a secondary force from a closed position while maintaining the secondary pressurized fluid in the secondary container to an open position in which the secondary pressurized fluid is discharged into the inflatable actuator bag;
• wherein application of the secondary force to the secondary valve causes the secondary pressurized fluid to inflate the inflatable actuator bag thereby overcoming the vacuum force and causing the first connecting arrangement to open the primary valve with the primary force, so as to inflate the inflatable structure.