WO2002068895A1

WO2002068895A1 - Unfoldable device and deployment method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2002068895A1
Application number: PCT/FR2002/000695
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alain Denes
Original assignee: Alain Denes
Priority date: 2001-02-28
Filing date: 2002-02-26
Publication date: 2002-09-06
Also published as: FR2821413A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an unfoldable device (10) and the deployment method thereof. The device comprises an inflatable tube (13), a gas generator (14) for inflating the tube and two rigid elements (19) that can be unfolded by inflating the tube (13). When the gas generator (14) is ignited, it generates gas. Said gas inflates the tube (13) which causes the elements (19) to unfold gradually. The invention can be used to deploy a rigid structure by inflating the tubes. The invention is used, for example, to deploy shelters.

Description

FOLDABLE DEVICE AND ITS DEPLOYMENT METHOD

The present invention relates to deployable devices, and in particular to devices deployable by a gas generator, as well as to their deployment method.

Devices inflated by pyrotechnic inflation methods have been described in the state of the art. Document FR-A-2 764 672, for example, describes a flexible device inflated by a pyrotechnic process. The flexible device comprises a single or multicellular fabric pocket and a gas generator. The ignition of the gas generator causes the deployment of the flexible device. This flexible device constitutes, for example, an inflatable jack, an inflatable rescue gangway, an inflatable fire barrier.

This device nevertheless has drawbacks. It is a device whose flexibility is not always appropriate for the use made of it, in particular when this device is used as an emergency bridge. In addition, when the flexible device is defective, that is to say if it undergoes a puncture or a leak, it deflates partially or entirely and becomes unfit for its use.

Consequently, there is a need to have a deployable device which overcomes these drawbacks. For this, the invention relates to a device comprising: - an inflatable structure, a gas generator for inflating the tubes, two rigid elements which can be unfolded by inflating the tubes. Typically, the elements are hinged together. In one embodiment, the elements are hinged together by a spring. In one embodiment, the device is a polyhedron. Each edge of the polyhedron includes a rod and two rigid elements. Advantageously, the device is a pyramid.

In one embodiment, the gas generator is located at the top of the pyramid. In one embodiment, the tubes are divided into compartments. Advantageously, the strands are made of fabric, preferably of thermoplastic fibers, such as polyester or fiberglass, coated with a PNC film or of elastomer.

The invention also relates to a device deployment method comprising the steps of:

- ignition of a gas generator, - inflation of an inflatable tube by the gases generated,

- unfolding of two rigid elements by inflating the tubes. The invention further relates to a decoy comprising the device according to the invention. Typically the lure further comprises trihedra.

The device according to the invention has the advantage of deploying quickly and automatically. In addition, it provides a rigid structure.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows of embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only and with reference to the drawings: FIG. 1 represents the device according to the invention. invention; - Figure 2 shows a type of articulation between elements; Figure 3 shows the gas generator; FIG. 4 represents an embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 shows the storage container; FIG. 6 represents an implementation of deployment of the device; - Figure 7 shows an implementation of deployment of the device; Figure 8 shows a use of the device; Figure 9 shows the trihedra.

In relation to FIG. 1, we will describe a deployable device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1 represents a device 10 which comprises an inflatable tube 13 and two elements 19 which can be unfolded by the inflation of the tube 13. The inflation of the tube is ensured by a gas generator 14 (not shown) connected to the tube 13. The inflation of the tube 13 allows the elements 19 to pivot relative to each other and allows the elements 19 to pass from a folded position (FIG. 1a and 1b) to an unfolded position (FIG. 1a and Id).

The elements 19 are rigid. They can be tubes, bars or plates. Figures la and lb show the folded position of the elements 19. The elements 19 are hinged together by a hinge 50. The hinge 50 is located at any point on the elements 19, according to the desired use. In FIGS. 1a and 1b, the elements 19 are hinged together at one of their ends, the free ends of each being brought closer to one another. The elements 19 then rest against each other. One can also consider articulating the elements 19 at points other than their ends. It is also conceivable that in the folded position, the elements 19 are brought closer to one another without being one against the other, that is to say at an angle. The position of the flange 13 depends on the extent of the desired unfolding and will be better understood later.

In Figures le and ld the elements 19 are in the unfolded position. The ignition of the gas generator generates gases which fill and inflate the tube, causing gradually unfolding the rigid elements. In the unfolded position, the free ends of the elements 19 are spaced from each other by an angle which varies according to the needs of the use. If it is desired to obtain an unfolding of an angle less than or equal to 90 degrees (FIGS. 1a and 1c), the flange 13 is, for example, placed between the elements 19. If the desired angle is approximately 180 degrees (Figures 1b and 1d), the flange 13 connects the two folded elements, from the outside of the fold, surrounding the articulation 50. Other positions of the flange 13 can be envisaged by those skilled in the art depending on the use of the device 10. For example, to obtain an angle of approximately 180 degrees in the unfolded position, the flange 13 connects the free ends of the elements 19, from the outside of the fold, surrounding the joint 50.

The device 10 can be quickly unfolded. An action on the generator causes it to ignite and the device 10 deploys automatically. The device 10 then makes it possible to unfold the rigid structure (the elements 19) by inflating a flexible structure (the flange 13). The tube 13 is an envelope intended to be inflated. The shape of the rod 13 varies according to the uses; a longitudinal shape is preferred to obtain an angle of approximately 180 degrees between the elements 19, a balloon shape is preferred when the angle between the elements 19 is less than or equal to 90 degrees. The flange 13 is made of fabric. Those skilled in the art will be able to choose the appropriate fabric for the use of the device he wishes to make. The fabric is preferably made of thermoplastic fiber, such as polyester or fiberglass. The fabric is coated with a PNC or elastomer film. When the tube is not inflated, it can be folded with the elements 19 to store the device 10.

In one embodiment, the flange 13 is compartmentalized. Crosswise to its largest dimension, the flange 13 is divided into compartments. Two successive compartments are connected by non-return valves which allows inflation of the tube when the device 10 is deployed while preventing gas from returning to the previous compartment. The compartments provide partitioning of the tube 13 which is effective in the event of leaks or punctures. In these cases, only the defective compartments deflate and the rest of the device 10 remains inflated.

FIG. 2 represents an embodiment of the articulation between two elements 19. This embodiment allows the elements 19 to pass from a folded position to an unfolded position that is substantially rectilinear. Subsequently, two elements 19 hinged together will be designated element 119 and element 219. Element 119 comprises a central part 126 and at one of its ends a smooth male base 124. Element 219 comprises a central part 226 and at one of its ends a smooth female socket 225. The element 119 is connected to the element 219 by means of a spring 27 or any other elastic means. The spring is fixed by one of its ends 27a to the male smooth base 124 of the element 119, and is fixed by its other end 27b in the female smooth bush 225 of the successive element 219. In the folded position, the two elements 119 and 219 are one against the other and are connected with each other at one of their ends by the spring 27. The tube 13 connects the two central parts 126 and 226 from the outside of the fold by surrounding the spring 27. Advantageously, the flange 13 connects the free ends by surrounding the spring.

When the flange 13 swells to reach a substantially longitudinal shape, the two elements 19 unfold by rotation around the spring 27. When the base 124 of the element 119 is located substantially opposite the socket 225 of the element 219, the spring 27, by its restoring force, attracts the base 124 in the socket 225. The two elements 119 and 219 then fit into each other. The elements 119 and 219 are retained in this position by the return force of the spring 27. This embodiment has the advantage of obtaining elements 19 which are in a substantially rectilinear position when they are unfolded. In addition, the fitting of one element into the other makes it possible to obtain a rigid rectilinear device. Indeed, the nested elements can no longer pivot relative to each other. In addition, the return force of the spring makes it possible to keep the elements in the nested position, which makes the device solid when the latter is stressed, for example, in compression or in bending. Only a pull of each of the elements 119 and 219 in an opposite direction allows them to disengage.

FIG. 3 represents the gas generator 14. Advantageously, it is a gas generator of the pyrotechnic type. It is composed of one or more blocks of powder 20 and an igniter plug 21. The gas generator 14 makes it possible to generate gases making it possible to inflate the tube 13, through the orifice 23, in order to unfold the elements 19 The powder block 20 contains propellant powder or propellant. The quantity of powder used is determined according to the volume of the rod. The igniter plug 21 comprises a firing signal receiver controlled by a firing control, a power source and an igniter for the gas generator 14. The firing control can be carried out optionally by link electrical, mechanical or radio or by any other control method.

The number of tubes 13, elements 19 and gas generators is not limited to the number described above and may vary according to the embodiments of the device 10.

The device 10 according to the invention may also comprise other elements 19 which can be unfolded by a tube as well as other tubes 13 for unfolding other elements 19. Furthermore, the device 10 can also include a plurality of gas generators . We will now describe another embodiment of the device 10 which further comprises other tubes 13 and other elements 19. In this embodiment, it is advantageous that the device 10 contains a gas generator 14, but it could understand more. Likewise, it is advantageous for the elements 19 to be articulated to one another by a spring, but other elastic means or other types of articulation, such as an articulation around an axis, could be used.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the device 10. It comprises a plurality of inflatable tubes 13, a gas generator 14 for inflating the tubes 13 and rigid elements 19 which can be deployed by inflating the tubes. Each tube 13 allows elements 19 to pass from a folded position to an unfolded position so that the elements 19 of the same tube 13 acquire a substantially rectilinear position. The elements 19 unfolded by a tube 13 form a mast 18 whose ends are each connected to a different end of the tube 13. The number of elements 19 unfolded by the inflation of the tube 13 varies according to the use of the device. In the example of FIG. 4, the device 10 comprises a plurality of tubes 13. Each tube 13 corresponds to the assembly of a mast 18. Advantageously, the elements 19 are connected together by the spring 27 as described above. . When more than two elements 19 are unfolded by a flange 13, the elements 19 comprise at their ends on the one hand a base 24 and on the other hand a socket 25 for their successive fitting. The set of masts provides a rigid frame 16.

In the example of FIG. 4, the device 10 has the shape of a polyhedron. Typically, it has the shape of a pyramid. Advantageously, the pyramid has a square base and four side faces. The edges of the device 10 are obtained by the inflation of the tubes 13 which delimit the base and each of the lateral faces of the polyhedron. Typically, the top of the device 10 of pyramidal shape supports the gas generator 14. However, it can be placed in any other place.

In another embodiment, the device 10 comprises a plurality of gas generators placed, for example, at different corners of the polyhedron.

The deployment of the device 10 is carried out according to the following deployment method.

The deployment of the device 10 can be carried out, as desired, from an automatic or voluntary action, on site or remotely. When a firing command reaches the firing signal receiver, a signal is transmitted directly from the receiver to the igniter of the gas generator 14. In FIG. 2, an electrical pulse delivered by the igniter triggers the firing fire of the powder block (s) 18 of the gas generator 14. On burning, the powder produces gases in the expansion chamber 22. These gases pass through the transfer orifices 23 which connect the expansion chamber 22 to the tubes 13 and spread in this one following the arrows in FIG. 2. When the gas generator is, for example, located at the top of the pyramid, the gases propagate in the tubes 13 connected to the top of the pyramid, then propagate in the tubes forming the base. The tubes 13 are interconnected so that the gases circulate between the tubes. It is conceivable to have other gas generators, for example one per tube 13. The gases inflate the tubes 13 to acquire a longitudinal shape. The acquisition of the longitudinal shape by the flanges 13 allows the elements 19 to unfold.

By way of nonlimiting example, the edges of the polyhedron are between 10 and 20 m long, the tubes 13 are compartmentalized into compartments of approximately 1 m long and the elements 19 are approximately 1.5 m long. The elements 19 are preferably made of non-magnetic material. They are made of aluminum for example.

The inflation of the tubes 13 and the unfolding of the elements 19 are automatic and rapid. The inflation of flexible tubes makes it possible to erect a rigid structure 16 which can serve as a makeshift shelter or an infirmary. The frame 16 makes it possible to compensate for a failure of the tubes 13. In fact, a puncture or a leak causing deflation of the tubes 13, the unfolded elements 19 make it possible to keep the desired shape of the device 10.

The invention has the advantage of unfolding a device whose shape and arrangement of the various strands and elements vary according to use.

The arrangement of the flanges 13 in the embodiment described in FIG. 4 is not limited to flanges situated outside the fold of the elements 19. They can, for example, be arranged such as in FIG. inside the fold, between the elements 19.

Then located, for example, in the corners of the polyhedron, they allow the spacing of the elements 19 by an angle less than 90 degrees.

Regardless of the embodiment, the device 10 can be stored in a container 34. FIG. 5 shows an example of storage in the container 34 for storing the device 10 comprising two tubes 13 with the corresponding elements 19 and a gas generator. When the gas generator 14 has not been ignited, the tubes 13 are empty and foldable. The gas generator 14 is placed in a suitable housing 35 in the container. The elements 19 are not nested one inside the other and form articulated chains 41 whose links are the elements 19 connected together by the springs 27. The connection by the spring 27 between two successive elements 19 allows a chain to elements 19 to be folded in accordion by bringing the central parts 26 of the elements 19 against each other. The elements 19 are then arranged head to tail. Each chain 41 of elements 19 is folded in the same way. The device 10 is kept in the container 34 by a storage film 37 which tears when the device 10 is deployed under the effect of the inflation of the tubes 13. The container 34 is closed by a cover 28 not shown in FIG. 5. The invention then has the advantage to be foldable to allow storage in a container that can be transported.

The method for deploying the device 10 is, for example, implemented during a release from an aircraft 40, according to FIG. 6. The device 10 then comprises extraction parachutes 38 and the container 34 a general parachute 39, as shown in Figure 5. When the container 34 containing the device 10 is released from the aircraft 40, the general parachute 39 opens. The container 34 is unlocked and separates from its cover 28. The extraction parachutes 38 open and the firing control of the gas generator 14 is carried out. During its fall slowed down by the extraction parachutes 38, the device 10 is deployed according to the deployment method described above. When it reaches the desired area, the device 10 is deployed and is ready for use. The device 10 can then be deployed in areas that are difficult to access on foot or using vehicles. In FIG. 6, the device 10 acquires a pyramidal shape, but its shape can be other.

According to FIG. 7, the method for deploying the device 10 can also be implemented by a launch sequence from a controlled launching ramp 29 located, for example, on a ship 46. Thanks to the launching ramp 29 , the direction and the ejection force of the container 34 are determined so as to control the desired parachuting zone.

The device 10 can be dropped on a land area but also on a maritime area, such as at sea, where the device 10 floats thanks to the tubes 13. The skilled person will be able to size the tubes 13 so that the device 10 floats . In the event of dropping at sea, the device 10 can be provided with a keel 44 (FIG. 7). Typically, the keel 44 is a ballast suspended from the part of the device 10 in contact with water. In the example of a pyramidal shape, the keel 44 is a ballast connected to the corners of the base by means of chains 45. The shape of the keel, its weight, its mode of suspension will be easily determined by the person skilled in the art. profession according to the use of the device 10 desired.

The device 10 is for example used in a rescue operation on land or at sea. The device has a rigidity in compression and in durable bending thanks to the unfolding of the elements 19. The device 10 can also be used to protect any type of attacked ships by missiles 47, as shown in FIG. 8. The device 10 described above is used as a decoy. For this, the device 10 comprises for example trihedra 43, used in the navy for radar detection of ships. The magnetic characteristics of the trihedrons 43 make it possible to return the radar echo coming from the missiles 47 strictly in the same direction as its source, without dispersion (FIG. 9). The trihedrons are hung on a support, for example, a net 48, suspended from the device 10. The trihedrons 43 are arranged, for example, in the form of a boat on the net 48. The method of deploying the lure comprises the steps described above. It also includes a step of deploying the support of the trihedrons. Thermal charges 49 can be placed at the rear of the trihedrons 43 to ensure thermal detection of the decoy by missiles 47. The thermal charges are for example pyrotechnic charges. To ensure its stability on the water, the lure is provided with the keel 44.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described but is capable of numerous variants easily accessible to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. Device comprising:

- an inflatable tube (13), - a gas generator (14) for inflating the tube (13),

- two rigid elements (19) unfoldable by the inflation of the tube.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the elements (19) are hinged together.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the elements (19) are hinged together by a spring (27).

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the device is a polyhedron.

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that each edge of the polyhedron comprises a flange (13) and two rigid elements (19).

6. Device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the device is a pyramid.

7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the gas generator (14) is located at the top of the pyramid.

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the tubes (13) are divided into compartments.

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the strands are made of fabric, preferably of thermoplastic fibers, such as polyester or fiberglass, coated with a PNC film or elastomer.

10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the gas generator (14) is a pyrotechnic generator.

11. Method for deploying the device according to one of claims 1 to 10 comprising the steps of:

- ignition of a gas generator (14),

- inflation of an inflatable tube (13) by the gases generated, - unfolding of two rigid elements (19) by the inflation of the tubes (13).

12. Lure comprising a device according to one of claims 1 to 10.

13. Lure according to claim 12, characterized in that it further comprises trihedrons (43).

14. Makeshift shelter comprising a device according to one of claims 1 to 10.