Method and apparatus for storage and deployment of folded panel structures

A deployable structure comprising:

• a support;
• at least one structural element, the at least one structural element mechanically attached to the support, wherein the structural element comprises:
• a continuous wire, wherein the continuous wire is adapted to form a plurality of foldable sections;
• and wherein the continuous wire is adapted to form at least one torsion spring between the plurality of foldable sections;
• and wherein the at least one foldable section comprises a transducer array;
• and
• at least one latching mechanism assembly, the at least one latching mechanism assembly adapted for containing the at least one structural element in a non-deployed state.

A deployable structure comprising:

• a support;
• at least one structural element, the at least one structural element mechanically attached to the support, wherein the structural element comprises:
• a continuous wire, wherein the continuous wire is adapted to form a plurality of foldable sections;
• and wherein the continuous wire is adapted to form at least one torsion spring between the plurality of foldable sections;
• and
• at least one latching mechanism assembly, the at least one latching mechanism assembly adapted for containing the at least one structural element in a non-deployed state, and wherein the at least one latching mechanism assembly comprises:
• a shape memory device, the shape memory device electrically connectable to a first voltage potential;
• a strap pin, the strap pin electrically conductive and mechanically attached to the shape memory device;
• and
• a strapping wire, the strapping wire electrically and mechanically connectable to the strap pin and to a second voltage potential.

A self-erecting turnstile antenna comprising:

• a supporting device;
• a plurality of antenna elements connected to the supporting device,
• wherein the plurality of antenna elements each comprise:
• a continuous wire, having:
• a first uniform rectangular section, wherein the first uniform rectangular section is mechanically attached to the support device by two 90-degree torsion springs;
• and
• a second uniform rectangular section, wherein the second uniform rectangular section is mechanically coupled to the first uniform rectangular section by two 180-degree torsion springs and
• at least one latching mechanism assembly, the at least one latching mechanism assembly connected to the supporting device.

A deployable structure for storage and deployment from a support device comprising:

• at least one structural element, the at least one structural element mechanically attached to the support, wherein the at least one structural element comprises:
• a continuous wire, wherein the continuous wire is adapted to form a plurality of foldable sections;
• and wherein the continuous wire is adapted to form at least one torsion spring between the plurality of foldable sections;
• and
• at least one latching mechanism assembly, the at least one latching mechanism assembly adapted for containing the at least one structural element in a non-deployed state.