Abstract
In this paper, a mechanism is developed to control deployment of a rollable carbon-fiber boom. The dual-pull mechanism keeps the coiled boom tightly wound at all times with a cowound tape. A novel geared hub uses a high-torque spring to maintain tension in the cowound tape during both extension and retraction. This tension eliminates blossoming and obviates the need for circumferential rollers. In addition, it ensures precise and repeatable positioning of the boom through multiple deployment/retraction cycles. Functional testing of the prototype was undertaken to understand the benefits and characterize the mechanism. Additional tests were performed to study root support conditions for the boom’s exit from the spacecraft. Testing was performed on a Collapsible Tube Mast style boom, but the mechanism can be used for any motor-driven rollable boom type. This deployment mechanism provides a simple and robust device for boom deployment that is easily scalable.
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