Foam rigidized inflatable structural assemblies

US7735265B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US

Inventors

• Michael Tinker · Yardley, US
• Andrew R. Schnell · Murfreesboro, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 20, 2007
• Grant date: Jun 15, 2010
• Expiry date: Jan 3, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC E): Fixed Constructions
• CPC primary: E04B2001/3258
• WIPO field: Civil engineering
• WIPO sector: Other fields

Abstract

An inflatable and rigidizable structure for use as a habitat or a load bearing structure is disclosed. The structure consists of an outer wall and an inner wall defining a containment member and a bladder. The bladder is pressurized to erect the structure from an initially collapsed state. The containment member is subsequently injected with rigidizable fluid through an arrangement of injection ports. Exhaust gases from the curing rigidizable fluid are vented through an arrangement of exhaust ports. The rate of erection can be controlled by frictional engagement with a container or by using a tether. A method for fabricating a tubular structure is disclosed.