Mechanism for deploying a deployable truss beam

Abstract

A deployment system for a deployable truss structure particularly adapted to space applications which has high structural efficiency and can be remotely operated in a controlled, sequential manner. The truss in its deployed configuration exhibits a 'diamond' cross section. Each of the four sides of the structure is essentially a 'Warren' truss. Diagonals on the opposite sides of each diamond incorporate a mid-span hinge and the other two diagonals are rigid tubes. When packaged, all elements of the truss are folded so that they are parallel to one another and contained between two guide rails. The guide rails are located on either side of the diamond truss. The horizontal strut connection points or nodes are fitted with rollers that are locked in the guide rails for movement therealong. The deployment initially lifts upright truss members to the vertical position, forming the basic diamond shape of the truss. A traveling deployment mechanism on each guide rail including unlocking and transport devices on an endless tape unlocks the node of the first truss bay and carries it to its deployed length. Sequentially, the tape is reversed and the devices return to the next node, to unlock it, and deploy each next bay. As the truss grows, the bays are cantilevered beyond the guide rails. The deployment mechanism can be manually operated through hand-held controllers or by an automatic programmed system, as desired.