초록 ▼

A precision deployable boom assembly 10 for terrestrial and celestial applications comprises an extendable and retractable boom 12 having a fixed end 14, a movable distal end 20 and three or more cables 30 attached to the distal end to form a tripod configuration of the deployed boom. The boom is sp

A precision deployable boom assembly 10 for terrestrial and celestial applications comprises an extendable and retractable boom 12 having a fixed end 14, a movable distal end 20 and three or more cables 30 attached to the distal end to form a tripod configuration of the deployed boom. The boom is spring biased to urge extension of the boom and to produce a tensile pre-load in the cables. The cables are wound and unwound by cable drums 28 selectively driven by precise motors such as stepping motors 33. The cables are preferably formed of graphite which provides high stiffness, light weight and a very low coefficient of thermal expansion. The position of the distal end is highly stable at all deployed lengths of the boom and is also precisely repeatable.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A precision deployable boom assembly for use on a supporting structure, the boom assembly comprising:(a) a deployable and retractable boom having a fixed end for fixedly securing through a surface of the supporting structure and a distal end selectively movable relative t

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A precision deployable boom assembly for use on a supporting structure, the boom assembly comprising:(a) a deployable and retractable boom having a fixed end for fixedly securing through a surface of the supporting structure and a distal end selectively movable relative to the fixed end;(b) at least three cables, each cable having a first end connected to the distal end of the boom and a second end;(c) cable deployment means comprising three cable drums including said cables, each cable drum defines a continuous, spiral shaped groove along the length of the drum; each cable drum secured to the second end of each cable for selectively deploying and retracting the cables during respective deployment and retraction of the boom, the cable deployment means being securable to the supporting structure;(d) deployment assist means for urging the boom to deploy and for producing a tensile pre-load force in each of the cables;(e) actuation means comprising three stepping motors, each stepping motor drivingly connected to one of the cable drums for actuating the cable deployment means to selectively vary the length of the cable deployed from the cable deployment means to thereby vary the length of the boom between the fixed end and the distal end; and(f) sensor means for sensing the position of the distal end of the boom for driving the cable drums,wherein the distal end of the boom is repeatably and stably positionable at substantially any position between a fully deployed and fully retracted position.