초록 ▼

An improved truss is disclosed that is deployable from a folded, or stowed position to an extended, or deployed position. The truss design facilitates compact storage and is particularly apt for space craft applications. In one aspect of the invention, a truss assembly is provided that includes at l

An improved truss is disclosed that is deployable from a folded, or stowed position to an extended, or deployed position. The truss design facilitates compact storage and is particularly apt for space craft applications. In one aspect of the invention, a truss assembly is provided that includes at least three interconnected truss member sets, each of the truss member sets including first and second truss members that are pivotably interconnected, wherein the truss member sets combinatively define a polygonal structure in the deployed position. The first and second truss members of at least one of the truss member sets are pivotably interconnected to fold inwardly when in the folded position, and the first and second truss members of a second of the truss member sets are pivotably interconnected to fold outwardly when in the folded position. Inboard and outboard supports may be provided at each end of the truss assembly for supportable mounting within a bay of a spacecraft, and for supportably receiving instrumentation and/or additional truss assemblies thereupon, respectively.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A deployable truss comprising:at least three interconnected truss member sets;each of said truss member sets comprising at least a first truss member and a second truss member, said truss member sets being deployable from a folded position to a deployed position, wherein

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A deployable truss comprising:at least three interconnected truss member sets;each of said truss member sets comprising at least a first truss member and a second truss member, said truss member sets being deployable from a folded position to a deployed position, wherein said first and second truss members of a first said truss member set are interconnected by a first pivotal connector, wherein said first and second truss members of a second said truss member set are interconnected by a second pivotal connector, wherein said first and second truss members of a third said truss member set are interconnected by a third pivotal connector, wherein said first said truss member set, said second said truss member set, and said third said truss member set define at least part of first, second, and third sides, respectively, of said truss which are different from each other, and wherein said truss member sets combinatively define a first space which extends along a first reference axis in said deployed position; andwherein said first pivotal connector moves outwardly relative to said first reference axis in a first direction and thereby beyond said first space as said first said truss member set moves from said deployed position to said folded position, wherein said second pivotal connector moves outwardly relative to said first reference axis in a second direction and thereby beyond said first space as said second said truss member set moves from said deployed position to said folded position, and wherein said third pivotal connector at least initially moves inwardly relative to said center axis in a third direction and thereby within said first space as said third said truss member set moves from said deployed position to said folded position, said first, second, and third directions being different from each other.