Deployable space truss beam

Abstract

A deployable truss structure particularly adapted to space applications which has high structural efficiency, packages in a volume efficient manner and can be remotely deployed 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. At the start of deployment the upright truss members are lifted to the vertical position, forming the basic diamond shape of the truss. A traveling mechanism on each guide rail unlocks the node of the first truss bay and carries it to its deployed length. Sequentially, the traveling mechanism returns to the next node, unlocks it, and deploys each next bay. As the truss grows, the bays are cantilevered beyond the guide rails. This truss is useful in remotely assembled large phased array space antennas, spacing a number of communication antennas from a common hub, etc.