Patent Number: 9,970,222

Title: Compliant hinge for membrane-like structures

Abstract: A compliant hinge for deployable membrane-like structures and other applications is provided. The compliant hinge generally includes a flexible intermediate portion having one or more enclosed contours connected by inner longitudinal segments along a longitudinal axis of symmetry. The enclosed contours are resiliently deformable in response to an in-plane load, including tension and shear forces. The compliant hinge allows for rotation, bending, and extension, and can interconnect rigid panels in tensioned precision structures and other applications.

Inventors: Ardelean; Emil V. (Albuquerque, NM), Jeon; Sungeun K. (Albuquerque, NM), Banik; Jeremy A. (Albuquerque, NM)

Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Air Force

International Classification: E05D 1/02 (20060101); E05D 1/00 (20060101); E05D 9/00 (20060101)

Expiration Date: 2022-05-15 0:00:00