Mechanism Design and Testing of a Self-Deploying Structure Using Flexible Composite Tape Springs

摘要

The detailed mechanical design of a novel deployable support structure that positions and tensions arnmembrane optic for space imagining applications is presented. This is a complex three-dimensionalrndeployment using freely deploying rollable composite tape spring booms that become load bearingrnstructural members at full deployment. The deployment tests successfully demonstrate a new architecturernbased on rolled and freely deployed composite tape spring members that achieve simultaneousrndeployment without mechanical synchronization. Proper design of the flexible component mountingrninterface and constraint systems, which were critical in achieving a functioning unit, are described. Thesernflexible composite components have much potential for advancing the state of the art in deployablernstructures, but have yet to be widely adopted. This paper demonstrates the feasibility and advantages ofrnimplementing flexible composite components, including the design details on how to integrate withrnrequired traditional mechanisms.