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The tape measure spring is a component similar in shape to a steel tape measure, and is a single-layer open cylindrical shell. A hinge structure can be designed and developed by using its shell buckling performance. This hinge structure has unique mechanical properties. It can use the elastic strain energy accumulated during folding to realize the automatic expansion of the structure without the need for other power devices; after unfolding, it can rely on its own rigidity to provide the required large-scale expandable structure. The locking force, without the need for additional locking device. This kind of hinge can be used in large aerospace deployable structures, such as deployable solar wings.
The geometric elements and material properties of the steel tape spring. The geometric shape of the steel tape measure is an open cylindrical shell with a certain length. Its geometric elements include the tape thickness t, the radius of curvature R, the angle day and the length L. These geometric elements will affect the mechanical properties of the tape measure. The main material properties related to mechanical properties include elastic modulus E and Poisson's ratio. In the following analysis process, we used the modulus of elasticity E as, Poisson's ratio is 0.3.
The hinge-driven solar wing unfolds very smoothly, but the torsional rigidity of the hinge after bending is insufficient and needs to be improved. In addition, because the elastic modulus of the steel tape material is not large and its driving force is limited, it is still difficult to use it in large-scale solar panels. Because there is a large gap in the hinge, which will produce a large vibration, the structure of the hinge needs to be improved.
