초록 ▼

A collapsible-expandable truss structure 16 including first and second spaced surface truss layers (18, 20) having an attached core layer 22 is disclosed. The surface truss layers are composed of a plurality of linear struts 40 arranged in multiple triangular configurations with each linear strut be

A collapsible-expandable truss structure 16 including first and second spaced surface truss layers (18, 20) having an attached core layer 22 is disclosed. The surface truss layers are composed of a plurality of linear struts 40 arranged in multiple triangular configurations with each linear strut being hinged at its center 41 and hingedly connected at each end thereof to a nodular joint 25. A passive spring 64 serves as the expansion force to move the folded struts from a stowed collapsed position to a deployed operative final truss configuration. Damper 62 controls the rate of spring 64 expansion for synchronized deployment of truss 16 as the folded configuration is released for deployment by restraint belts 72a and 73a synchronously extending under the control of motor (71) driven spools 72 and 73.

대표청구항 ▼

A synchronized collapsible truss structure comprising: a first surface truss layer; a second surface truss layer spaced from said first surface truss layer; a core truss layer intermediate of said first and said second truss layers; connection means attached to said first, second and core truss laye

A synchronized collapsible truss structure comprising: a first surface truss layer; a second surface truss layer spaced from said first surface truss layer; a core truss layer intermediate of said first and said second truss layers; connection means attached to said first, second and core truss layers to form a unitary truss structure therewith; said first and said second truss surface truss layers including a plurality of triangular strut frame members; each said strut frame member being movably connected at one end thereof to said connection means; said core truss layer including a plurality of angular core struts movably connected at each end thereof to said connection means; said connection means consisting of a plurality of nodular joints, each said nodular joint including an elongated center shaft, hub means fixedly disposed adjacent and spaced from one end of said shaft, a plurality of hinged joints extending from and circumferentially disposed about said hub means, a plurality of surface strut frame members secured one each to said plurality of hinged joints, said plurality of hinged joints permitting movement of said attached surface strut frame members from a collapsed stowed position essentially parallel with said elongated center shaft to an expanded operative position wherein the attached surface strut frame members are disposed substantially 90°relative to said center shaft; and a synchronized actuation system for facilitating movement of said strut frame member and said angular core struts from the stowed folded position to the operative position forming the final truss geometry.