Abstract: A deployable structure includes a plurality of interconnected elongated support members, deployed from a stowed state to an expanded state in which the support members are arranged in a ring. Each support member is provided with a connector (28) for longitudinal movement during deployment with respect to the support member. An actuating support member (27) has a drive member (50) for longitudinal movement with respect to the actuating support member, and an electromagnetic device arranged to drive the drive member in one direction with respect to the actuating support member. The drive member is connected to the connector by a lost motion connector, thus the connector is capable of moving in said one direction even if the drive member is not moved by the electromechanical device.

Abstract: A deployable structure includes a plurality of interconnected elongated support members, deployed from a stowed state to an expanded state in which the support members are arranged in a ring. Each support member is provided with a connector (28) for longitudinal movement during deployment with respect to the support member. An actuating support member (27) has a drive member (50) for longitudinal movement with respect to the actuating support member, and an electromagnetic device arranged to drive the drive member in one direction with respect to the actuating support member. The drive member is connected to the connector by a lost motion connector, thus the connector is capable of moving in said one direction even if the drive member is not moved by the electromechanical device.

Abstract: A hinge (1) attaches between two elements (4) in a deployable structure. The hinge (1) includes support members (2) for attaching to or forming part of the elements (4). The hinge (1) also includes two gears (8) in mesh with each other, each gear (8) attached to a support member (2), with the gears (8) rotating about parallel axes. The hinge also includes a tape spring (16) attached to and extending between the support members (2). The tape spring (16), when extended longitudinally, lies substantially in a plane parallel to the axes of the gears. The tape spring (16) is arranged to actuate the hinge from a folded configuration towards an extended configuration. The hinge (1) also includes a retaining member (18) attached to the gears (8) and/or the support members (2). The retaining member (18) is arranged to restrict the separation of the gears (8) in a direction extending between the axes of the gears.