nitinol joint

grabcad

a folded nitinol junction that regains a flat shape based on transition temperature at the meeting (edge of hexagons) between two plates. temperature at the junctions can be modulated by heat generated by the heat coil which is connected to the central compartment. so, we don't need wires to bring the panels together. if panels are misaligned then use current again to actuate nitinol junctions to the programmed shape. this can be done multiple times. Note: I have submitted this design for the starshade challenge, but I feel the same design applies to this as well. Information from starshade design:Each hexagonal panel is connected to the other by nitinol junctions as shown in the figure.Nitinol junctions are preconditioned in such a way that when the junction reaches transition temperature, it makes the panels horizontal.These panels again were supported by Nitinol bars which form trusses and these trusses will be in tight packing condition when it is packed in a rocket.Once everything goes in space and when it is ready to open in space. We just need to send current(DC) through Nitinol junctions and truss (bars). The entire structure opens up and covers the area required.The use of nitinol to cover the required space can be done in multiple ways or multiple designs. Please see them in alternate variations.Nitinol can be activated multiple times so it doesn’t matter if the star shader is oriented multiple times.The hexagonal plates shown in the before slide are of size that can be easily packed in a rocket.Each hexagonal plate is attached to a Nitinol junction with adhesive bonding or welding based on the material used for the panels.Each Nitinol junction has electric connections.After the structure is deployed in space, we can pass electricity through nitinol junctions which will heat the nitinol to transition temperature and regain its preconditioned shape.DC can be easily generated through solar panels and a micro control is used to heat the required junctions in a sequence.The shape of individual panels need not be hexagonal. It can be of any shape like triangles etc.