Deployable inflatable boom and methods for packaging and deploying a deployable inflatable boom
US6786456B2 · kind B2 · utility
14Cited by
9References
16Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 29, 2002 |
| Grant date | Sep 7, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 29, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/2227
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An inflatable boom for space applications, and a methods of folding and deploying a boom are disclosed. The boom comprises a membrane having a substantially tapered cylindrical shape. A wide end of the membrane is attached to a base, and a narrow end of the membrane is attached to a mandrel. The method of folding a boom comprises forming a plurality of ring-shaped folds in the boom membrane. The method of deploying a boom comprises increasing a gas pressure inside the boom and repeatedly unfolding the outer-most ring fold increase the length of the boom.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.