Morphable Beam Device and Beam Shape Generation Algorithm

Abstract

To conduct remote inspection missions, an experimental device using a flexible beam without any articulated joints was developed and it is called Morphable Beam Device (MBD). A beam is deployed, enabling a wide range of shapes and lengths in a microgravity environment for various space applications, such as an inspection device, a crew support device and a variable geometry beam member of space structures. In this paper, a beam shape modeling made by the MBD considering retro-bending and beam shape generation algorithms are described, and feasibility of the proposed methods are demonstrated.

Improved Morphable Beam Device for Equipping Camera at Beam End

“…The retro-bending phenomenon [2][3][4] was confirmed with both the test and the prototype models. Normally, the beam bends in the same direction as the upper stage displacement.…”

“…Thus, a visual check system in low costs and small mass is desired. A visual check system which can be attached to a small satellite has been proposed by the authors and called the Morphable Beam Device (MBD) [1][2][3][4][5] . The concept of the MBD is shown in Fig.1.…”

“…For example, comparing with the case of using a robot arm, the MBD does need not an actuator inside of arm. A test model of the MBD has been developed to verify the concept [1][2][3][4][5] (Fig.3). The extension and shaping of the beam was tested using this model.…”