Deployable triangular truss beam with orthogonally-hinged folding diagonals
US7963084B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 29, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jun 21, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 29, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE04C2003/0495
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A synchronously deployable tetrahedral truss beam with orthogonally-hinged diagonals, having uniquely-connected transverse members and folding chordal members, where a plurality of bays can extend and retract in a coordinated manner without need for a deployment canister mechanism or other assembling means. The triangular cross-section truss can be adapted to deploy pre-attached panels or nodally-attached payload components. These triangular beams can be mounted side-by-side with a common chord to create a synchronously deployable trapezoidal cross-section beam or space-frame. Both the triangular and trapezoidal configurations can be adapted to deploy with a prescribed curvature of the longitudinal axis, and form perimeter trusses which can be post-tensioned for maximum structural performance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.