초록 ▼

A compact, deployable support structure arrangement includes a collapsible truss structure having tension cable members formed of specifically configured tension tapes. These tension tapes diagonally cross one another as they extend between respective pairs of longeron support truss members. The ten

A compact, deployable support structure arrangement includes a collapsible truss structure having tension cable members formed of specifically configured tension tapes. These tension tapes diagonally cross one another as they extend between respective pairs of longeron support truss members. The tension tapes are preformed to have two straight sections joined together by a plurality of loops. Because of the nature of the topological surface defined by such shapes, the tapes, when relaxed, will automatically refold into a stable, non-tangled condition. The hinge joints that pivotally interconnect successive longeron subsections employ a novel, effectively zero-backlash, taper latch hinge mechanism. As the portions of the hinge are rotated about a pivot axis, a locking pin is caused to contact an outer cam surface of a hinge contact plate face so as to be driven against the bias action of a spring, and to travel along the outer cam surface. Eventually, the longeron subsections rotate to a point where the longerons are in substantially end-to-end abutment causing the locking pin to be captured by the inner surface of a hook plate so that the locking pin thereby creates a wedge effect that locks the now abutting longerons subsections together.

대표청구항 ▼

For use in an extendable structure for movement between a collapsed state and an elogated deployed state, said structure including longitudinal support members, and cross members joined thereto, a tension member to be diagonally coupled to said structure at a plurality of positions for imparting ten

For use in an extendable structure for movement between a collapsed state and an elogated deployed state, said structure including longitudinal support members, and cross members joined thereto, a tension member to be diagonally coupled to said structure at a plurality of positions for imparting tension between interconnected positions on said structure and thereby maintaining said extendable structure in its elongated deployed state, each tension member comprising a tension band having, in its relaxed state, first and second substantially straight end portions at the ends of which said tension member is coupled to said structure and a plurality of interior loop portions disposed between and joining together said first and second substantially straight end portions.