Collapsible structures
AssigneeComposite Technology Development, Inc.
InventorsPhilip N. Keller, Robert Taylor, Doug Richardson, Adam G. Gray
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims23
A deployable structure comprising:
- a first longeron having a slit along a longitudinal length of the first longeron;
- and
- a second longeron having a slit along a longitudinal length of the second longeron and coupled with the first longeron;
- wherein the deployable structure includes a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein in the stowed configuration the deployable structure is rolled along a longitudinal length of longeron, wherein in the deployed configuration the longerons are extended longitudinally without the use of a base structure, and wherein the deployed structure is rolled along at least half the longitudinal length of the longeron.
A method for manufacturing a deployable structure, the method comprising:
- providing a first longeron and a second longeron, wherein the first longeron and the second longeron each include a slit along its longitudinal length;
- coupling a first plurality of support structures with the first longeron;
- coupling the first plurality of support structures with the first longeron;
- and
- rolling the deployable structure along the longitudinal length of the first longeron and the second longerons into a rolled configuration, without the use of a base structure, and, wherein the first longeron and the second longeron are rolled along substantially all the longitudinal length of the longeron.
A deployable structure comprising:
- a plurality of longerons having a slit along a longitudinal length of each longeron;
- and
- a plurality of support elements, wherein each of the plurality of support elements are coupled with a subset of the plurality of longerons,
- wherein the deployable structure includes a stowed configuration, wherein in the stowed configuration the deployable structure is rolled along a longitudinal length of the plurality of longerons, wherein the deployable structure includes a deployed configuration, wherein in the deployed configuration the plurality of longerons are extended longitudinally without the support of a base structure, and, wherein the plurality of longerons are rolled along substantially all the longitudinal length of the longerons.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.