An apparatus suitable for deploying a rollable member, e.g. a rollable boom. The apparatus comprises a linear pulling mechanism configured to move the member 1 from a first coiled position to a second deployed position wherein the pulling mechanism comprises a plurality of piezo electric stacks 8. In operation the array of piezoelectric legs or actuators push the rollable boom against a guide 15, such that the boom is pulled along relative to the guide. The guide is preferably made of a low friction material, e.g. polytetrafluroethylene PTFE. The apparatus is for use in a space application, e.g. to deploy solar sails on orbiting satellites.
Apparatus for deploying boom
2023-04-12
Patent
Electronic Resource
English
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