Precision deployment devices, systems, and methods

Abstract

Systems, devices, and methods for precision boom deployment are provided in accordance with various embodiments. The tools and techniques provided may have space and/or terrestrial applications. Some embodiments include a boom deployment system that may include a furlable boom. Some embodiments include: boom reinforcement devices, end fitting devices, contoured support devices, edge support devices, spiral harness devices, latch devices, combined boom spool and tension drive devices, and/or rotary encoder devices. Some embodiments may utilize a composite slit-tube boom. Some embodiments utilize a furlable boom that may be fabricated with curvature along its length.

1 . A boom deployment system comprising:
 a furlable boom;   an insertable stop component; and   a store energy component configured to press an end of the insertable stop component into a feature of the furlable boom to control deployment of the furlable boom.   
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
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         4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . (canceled) 
     
     
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         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
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         9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . The boom deployment system of  claim 1 , further comprising an inner guide positioned on a concave side of the furlable boom between a portion of the furlable boom furled around a boom spool and a portion of the furlable boom that is being deployed or retracted from the boom spool. 
     
     
         11 . The boom deployment system of  claim 10 , further comprising an outer guide positioned on a convex side of the furlable boom opposite the inner guide such that the portion of the furlable boom that is being deployed or retracted from the boom spool moves between at least a portion of the inner guide and a portion of the outer guide. 
     
     
         12 . The boom deployment system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a tension drive coupled with the furlable boom such that the furlable boom is extendible; and   a boom spool drive coupled with the furlable boom such that the furlable boom is retractable.   
     
     
         13 . The boom deployment system of  claim 12 , wherein the tension drive includes a ribbon drive with a pull ribbon. 
     
     
         14 . The boom deployment system of  claim 12 , further comprising a clutch mechanism configured to disengage the tension drive when the boom spool drive is driven. 
     
     
         15 . The boom deployment system of  claim 14 , further comprising a ratchet and pawl configured to disengage the boom spool drive when the tension drive is driven. 
     
     
         16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . The boom deployment system of  claim 1 , further comprising a shutoff component configured to facilitate stopping the deployment of the furlable boom when at least a portion of the insertable stop component presses into or passes over the feature of the furlable boom. 
     
     
         18 . The boom deployment system of  claim 1 , further comprising
 a reinforcement component configured to locally strengthen a portion of the furlable boom.   
     
     
         19 . The boom deployment system of  claim 18 , wherein the reinforcement component is co-cured with the furlable boom during fabrication. 
     
     
         20 . The boom deployment system of  claim 18 , wherein the reinforcement component is configured to engage the insertable stop component. 
     
     
         21 . The boom deployment system of  claim 1 , wherein the furlable boom is fabricated with a central axis with a curvature along its length. 
     
     
         22 . The boom deployment system of  claim 21 , wherein the furlable boom is configured to exhibit a deployed geometry with the central axis parallel to an axial direction when a portion of the furlable boom is coupled with a boom spool. 
     
     
         23 . The boom deployment system of  claim 21 , wherein the furlable boom is configured to exhibit a deployed geometry with the central axis with a negative curvature when a portion of the furlable boom is coupled with a boom spool. 
     
     
         24 . The boom deployment system of  claim 1 , further comprising a spiral harness enclosed within the furlable boom when the furlable boom is deployed. 
     
     
         25 . The boom deployment system of  claim 24 , further comprising a coiled spring coupled with the spiral harness to provide a return force for retraction. 
     
     
         26 . The boom deployment system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a rotary encoder; and   a rotatable shaft coupled with a boom spool, wherein the boom spool is coupled with the furlable boom.   
     
     
         27 . The boom deployment system of  claim 26  further comprising one or more gears configured to couple the rotary encoder with the rotatable shaft such that the rotary encoder rotates less than 360 degrees when the rotatable shaft rotates 360 degrees or more. 
     
     
         28 . The boom deployment system of  claim 27 , wherein the rotary encoder is at least configured or calibrated to determine a deployment position of the furlable boom. 
     
     
         29 . The boom deployment system of  claim 1 , wherein the furlable boom includes a slit-tube composite boom.