Inflatable rigidizable boom
US6910308B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 4, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jun 28, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 4, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE04H2015/201
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A boom structure deployed by inflating the structure to a desired shape and rigidizing the structure via an external influence. The structure frame has a series of frame members which are made of a fibrous material and a resin material. This frame is encased in between a pair of membrane layers, an inner membrane inflatable to move the frame into its desired shape and an outer membrane that allows for folding the structure. Following inflation of the inner layer, an external influence acts on the resin material to solidify it, and render the structure rigid. The external influence may also act on the resin material to soften it when it is already rigid, to allow for collapsing and folding of the structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.