초록 ▼

A compactly stowable and deployable support architecture, such as may be used for supporting an energy directing surface, includes radial and hoop support members for deploying a surface, such as a mesh-configured antenna reflector. A multi-sided foldable hoop structure has a plurality of foldable j

A compactly stowable and deployable support architecture, such as may be used for supporting an energy directing surface, includes radial and hoop support members for deploying a surface, such as a mesh-configured antenna reflector. A multi-sided foldable hoop structure has a plurality of foldable joints, and generally radial struts that extend from and are foldable about corner joints of the hoop structure. At least one drive mechanism is coupled to torque tubes that drive geared hinges of the multi-sided hoop structure. The hinges and drive linkages are geared to synchronously unfold the multi-sided foldable hoop structure and the radial struts, so that the antenna surface may be smoothly deployed from its stowed condition.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed:] [1.]1. A structural assembly comprising:a rigid, single member hoop structure having a plurality of rigid appendages extending outwardly therefrom and forming struts in a triangular configuration;a plurality of pivot elements distributed within said hoop structure, and at interfa

[ What is claimed:] [1.]1. A structural assembly comprising:a rigid, single member hoop structure having a plurality of rigid appendages extending outwardly therefrom and forming struts in a triangular configuration;a plurality of pivot elements distributed within said hoop structure, and at interfaces of said hoop structure and said rigid appendages, and being configured to collapse and deploy said hoop structure; andtensioned, flexible, generally inextensible cable members connected to said hoop structure and said rigid appendages.