Cosmic Structures

Abstract

This invention provides a technology to minimize at least one of the number and types of panels that serve as structural materials for space structures. [Solution] The space structure used in outer space comprises an upper part, a central part, and a lower part, the upper part and the lower part each include a first panel 11 which has a hexagonal, quadrilateral, or triangular shape, and each includes a plurality of second panels 12 which are positioned point-symmetrically with respect to the first panel 11, and the length of one side of each second panel 12 is equal to the length of one side of the first panel 11.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a space structure.

Background Art

[0002] A structure used in space (hereinafter referred to as a "space structure") is constructed in space using the structural material of the structure.

[0003] Regarding the structural material, for example, the following matters are disclosed in Patent Document 1. The structure 1 has a triangular shape made of a thin plate-shaped structural material, and is launched into space by a rocket in a reduced shape in which structures 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, and 1e with sequentially smaller outer shapes are housed inside as shown in (a). After being launched into space, it is made into one structure 1 as shown in (c), or two structures 1 are joined at the joint 2 to form a long shape as shown in (b). As shown in (d), the bases of four structures 1 are inserted into the connecting part 3 of the structure, and four reflectors 50 are attached as shown in (e) to receive sunlight and constitute a structure that condenses light on the power generation part.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Considering the transportation of panels from the earth to space and construction in space, it is preferable that the number of structural materials is small.

[0006] However, with the shapes of the structural materials disclosed in Patent Document 1 (that is, triangular or square shapes), it is difficult to sufficiently reduce the number of structural materials.

[0007] The objective of this invention is to minimize at least one of the number and types of panels that serve as structural materials for space structures. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is, Space structures used in outer space, It comprises an upper part, a middle part, and a lower part. The upper part and the lower part are, Including one first panel, The first panel has a hexagonal, quadrilateral, or triangular shape. Includes multiple second panels, The length of one side of each second panel is equal to the length of one side of the first panel. It is a cosmic structure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is an external view of the space structure of this embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the structure of the panel in this embodiment. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the types of panels in this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing the relationships between different types of panels. [Figure 5] Figure 4 shows the unfolded upper and lower sections of the first panel when the number of corners p=6. [Figure 6] Figure 4 shows the unfolded view of the central part of the third panel when the number of corners r=6. [Figure 7] These are unfolded views of the upper and lower parts of Modified Example 1. [Figure 8] These are unfolded views of the upper and lower parts of Modified Example 1. [Figure 9] These are unfolded views of the upper and lower parts of Modified Example 1. [Figure 10] This is an unfolded view of the lower part of Modification Example 2. [Figure 11] This diagram shows the structure of the panel in modified example 3. [Figure 12]It is a diagram showing the structure of the panel of Modification 4.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. In the drawings for explaining the embodiments, the same components are generally denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations thereof are omitted.

[0011] (0) Definition of Terms The "Z-axis" is an axis along the straight line connecting the centers of gravity of the upper unit T, the central unit C, and the lower unit B of the cosmic structure S. The "X-axis" and the "Y-axis" are axes orthogonal to the Z-axis.

[0012] (1) Configuration of the Cosmic Structure The configuration of the cosmic structure of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an external view of the cosmic structure of this embodiment.

[0013] The cosmic structure S in FIG. 1 is used in outer space. The cosmic structure S includes a module 1 and a bus 2.

[0014] The cosmic structure S is, for example, at least one of the following. · Space station · Solar power generation satellite · Space telescope · Antenna · Reflecting mirror

[0015] A space is formed inside the module 1. The module 1 includes a plurality of units (upper unit T, central unit C, and lower unit B). The upper unit T, the central unit C, and the lower unit B are composed of a plurality of panels 10.

[0016] The surfaces of the upper unit T and the lower unit B are, for example, spherical surfaces. The contours of the upper unit T and the lower unit B are identical in shape.

[0017] The central unit C has, for example, a cylindrical shape.

[0018] Bus 2 is configured to supply power to module 1. Bus 2 is connected to either the upper unit T, the lower unit B, or the central unit C. Figure 1 shows an example where bus 2 is connected to lower unit B.

[0019] (1-1) Panel structure The structure of the panel in this embodiment will now be described. Figure 2 shows the structure of the panel in this embodiment. Figure 2A is a top view of panel 10. Figure 2B is a side view of panel 10.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, panel 10 has, for example, a hexagonal outline. Panel 10 is made of, for example, a metal mesh. Panel 10 has curvature. Multiple ribs 10r are formed on the surface of panel 10.

[0021] (1-2) Panel types The types of panels in this embodiment will be described below. Figure 3 shows the types of panels in this embodiment. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the relationships between the types of panels.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, panel 10 includes three types of panels (the first panel 11 to the third panel 13).

[0023] The panels 10 of the upper unit T and the lower unit B are composed of a first panel 11 and a second panel 12.

[0024] The first panel 11 has a p-gon shape (for example, a regular p-gon). p represents the number of sides of the first panel 11. The first panel 11 includes a connection section (not shown) for connecting to the bus 2. The first panel 11 is positioned in the unfolded view of each unit in an area that is not connected to the panels 10 that make up other units (hereinafter referred to as the "inner circumference area"). In other words, the first panel 11 is not connected to the other panels 10 that make up the unit.

[0025] The second panel 12 has a q-sided polygonal shape (for example, a regular q-sided polygonal shape). q represents the number of sides of the second panel 12. The length of one side of each second panel 12 is equal to the length of one side of the first panel 11. The second panel 12 is located in the outer periphery region (the position where it connects to the third panel 13 that constitutes the central unit C) in the unfolded view of the upper unit T or the lower unit B. In other words, the second panel 12 is connected to the third panel 13, which is panel 10 that constitutes the central unit C.

[0026] The third panel 13 has an r-sided polygon shape (for example, a regular r-sided polygon). r represents the number of sides of the third panel 13. The length of one side of each third panel 13 is equal to the length of one side of the second panel 12.

[0027] The number of angles p of the first panel 11, the number of angles q of the second panel 12, the number of angles r of the third panel 13, and the number of angles n of the panels 10 that share one vertex (hereinafter referred to as "number of angles") have the relationship shown in Figure 4.

[0028] In Figure 4, the number of corners p of the first panel 11 is the number of corners that can tile the plane (i.e., 6, 4, or 3).

[0029] When p=6, the number of angles q of the second panel 12 is 5, the number of angles r of the third panel 13 is 6, and the number of diameters n is 3.

[0030] When p=4, the number of angles q of the second panel 12 is 3, the number of angles r of the third panel 13 is 4, and the number of diameters n is 4.

[0031] In other words, when p = 6 or 4, the following relationship holds: ·q=p-1 ·r=p

[0032] When p=3, the number of angles q of the second panel 12 is 3, the number of angles r of the third panel 13 is 3, and the number of diameters n is ▲. In other words, when p=3, all panels 10 are composed of triangles.

[0033] (1-3) Preferred Embodiments A preferred embodiment of this model will be described. Figure 5 shows the unfolded upper and lower sections of the first panel in Figure 4 when the number of corners p=6. Figure 6 shows the unfolded central section of the third panel in Figure 4 when the number of corners r=6.

[0034] As shown in Figure 5, the first panel 11 is positioned in the inner circumferential region. The first panel 11 is connected to each of the second panels 12.

[0035] Each second panel 12 is positioned in a point-symmetrical position with respect to the first panel 11 in the outer peripheral region EL. In other words, each second panel 12 is positioned such that the straight line LC connecting the center of the first panel 11 and the center of each second panel 12 coincides with the center line of the first panel 11. In the example shown in Figure 5, six second panels 12 are arranged.

[0036] The second panel 12 has two edges that are in contact with the panel 10 (i.e., the third panel 13) that constitutes the central unit C. The second panel 12 has two edges that are adjacent to other second panels 12. The second panel 12 has one edge that is adjacent to the first panel 11.

[0037] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, each panel 10 is arranged such that three panels 10 share one vertex. Multiple third panels 13 are stacked in column d (where d is a natural number indicating the position on the Z axis).

[0038] In the example shown in Figure 4, p is preferably 6 for the following reasons. If the number of sides of the first panel 11 is p=6, then the space structure S requires two types of panels (for example, the first panel 11 and third panel 13, which are regular hexagons, and the second panel 12, which is a regular pentagon). This simplifies at least one aspect of the structure and control of the assembly device for assembling the space structure S. When p=6, the number of panels 10 sharing one vertex, n, in the example shown in Figure 4, is minimized to 3. This maximizes the assembly accuracy of the space structure S.

[0039] (2) Summary of this embodiment According to this embodiment, the space structure S used in outer space comprises an upper unit T, a central unit C, and a lower unit B. The upper unit T and the lower unit B each include one first panel 11 and a plurality of second panels 12. The first panel 11 has a hexagonal, quadrilateral, or triangular shape. The length of one side of each second panel 12 is equal to the length of one side of the first panel 11. This makes it possible to minimize at least one of the number and types of panels 10 that serve as structural materials for the space structure S.

[0040] According to this embodiment, each second panel 12 may be arranged such that a straight line connecting the center of the first panel 11 and the center of each second panel 12 passes through the midpoint of each side of the first panel 11. This makes it possible to minimize at least one of the number and types of panels 10 that serve as structural materials for the space structure S.

[0041] According to this embodiment, the central unit C may include a plurality of third panels 13. This makes it possible to form a cosmic structure S with any diameter.

[0042] (3) Variant A modified example of this embodiment will be described.

[0043] (3-1) Variation 1 Modification 1 of this embodiment will now be described. Modification 1 is an example in which a third panel 13 is positioned between the first panel 11 and the second panel 12.

[0044] (3-1-1) Upper and lower parts of modified example 1 The configuration of the upper unit T and lower unit B of Modification 1 will be described below. Figure 7 is an unfolded view of the upper and lower parts of Modified Example 1. Figure 8 is an unfolded view of the upper and lower parts of Modified Example 1. Figure 9 is an unfolded view of the upper and lower parts of Modified Example 1.

[0045] Figure 7 shows an example where the outer peripheral region EL is circular and the second panel 12 is not adjacent to it.

[0046] As shown in Figure 7, the upper unit T and the lower unit B are each composed of one first panel 11, six second panels 12, and multiple third panels 13. The first panel 11 is the same as in this embodiment.

[0047] Similar to Figure 5, the first panel 11 is positioned in the inner circumferential region. The first panel 11 is connected to the third panel 13, which constitutes the upper unit T and the lower unit B.

[0048] The six second panels 12 are arranged in a point-symmetric position with respect to the first panel 11 in the outer peripheral region EL.

[0049] Each third panel 13 is positioned in the inner circumferential region and the outer circumferential region EL. The third panel 13, located in the inner circumferential region, is situated between the first panel 11 and the second panel 12. There are six third panels 13 arranged in the outer peripheral region EL. These third panels 13 are located between each of the second panels 12 in the outer peripheral region EL.

[0050] Figure 7A shows an example in which one third panel 13 is placed between the first panel 11 and the second panel 12 in the inner circumference region, and one third panel 13 is placed between each second panel 12 in the outer circumference region EL (i.e., a total of six third panels 13).

[0051] Figure 7B shows an example in which, in the inner circumference region, two third panels 13 are arranged between the first panel 11 and the second panel 12, and in the outer circumference region EL, two third panels 13 are arranged between each second panel 12 (i.e., a total of 12 third panels 13). The third panel 13, located in the inner circumferential region, is situated between the first panel 11 and the second panel 12. There are 12 third panels 13 arranged in the outer peripheral region EL. These third panels 13 are located between each of the second panels 12 in the outer peripheral region EL.

[0052] In Figures 7A and 7B, the second panel 12 has two edges that are in contact with the panel 10 (i.e., the third panel 13) that constitutes the central unit C. The second panel 12 has two edges that are in contact with the third panel 13, which is located in the outer peripheral region EC. The second panel 12 has one side that is in contact with the third panel 13, which is located in the inner circumferential region.

[0053] Figure 8 shows an example where the outer region EL is elliptical and the second panel 12 is not adjacent.

[0054] As shown in Figure 8, the upper unit T and the lower unit B are each composed of one first panel 11, six second panels 12, and multiple third panels 13, respectively. The first panel 11 is the same as in this embodiment.

[0055] Figure 8A shows an example in which, in the inner circumference region, one to two third panels 13 are arranged between the first panel 11 and the second panel 12, and in the outer circumference region EL, one to two third panels 13 are arranged between each second panel 12 (i.e., a total of eight third panels 13).

[0056] Figure 8B shows an example in which, in the inner circumference region, one or three third panels 13 are arranged between the first panel 11 and the second panel 12, and in the outer circumference region EL, one or three third panels 13 are arranged between each second panel 12 (i.e., a total of 10 third panels 13).

[0057] Figure 9 shows an example where the outer region EL is elliptical and the second panel 12 is adjacent.

[0058] As shown in Figure 9, the upper unit T and the lower unit B are each composed of one first panel 11, six second panels 12, and multiple third panels 13. The first panel 11 is the same as in this embodiment.

[0059] Figure 9A shows an example in which one third panel 13 is placed between the first panel 11 and the second panel 12 in the inner circumference region, and two third panels 13 are placed between some of the second panels 12 in the outer circumference region EL (i.e., a total of four third panels 13). In Figure 9A, some of the second panels 12 are adjacent to each other.

[0060] Figure 9B shows one or two panels between the first panel 11 and the second panel 12 in the inner circumference region. This example shows a configuration in which the third panel 13 is arranged, and in the outer peripheral region EL, three third panels 13 are arranged between some of the second panels 12 (i.e., a total of six third panels 13). In Figure 9B, some of the second panels 12 are adjacent to each other.

[0061] (3-1-2) Summary of Variation 1 According to Modification 1, the upper unit T and the lower unit B may each include a plurality of third panels 13. Each third panel 13 may have the same shape as the first panel. At least one third panel 13 may be placed between the first panel 11 and the second panel 12 in the upper unit T and the lower unit B. This makes it possible to form a space structure S with any diameter.

[0062] According to Modification 1, the first panel 11 to the third panel 13 may be arranged such that at least three panels share one vertex. This makes it possible to form a cosmic structure S with any diameter.

[0063] (3-2) Modification example 2 A second modification of this embodiment will now be described. Modification 2 is an example in which the size of the first panel 11 is larger than that of the third panel 13.

[0064] In Modification 2, the upper unit T and the central unit C are the same as in this embodiment.

[0065] (3-2-1) Lower part of modified example 2 The configuration of the lower unit B in modified example 2 will be explained. Figure 10 is an unfolded view of the lower part of Modified Example 2.

[0066] As shown in Figure 10, the lower unit B consists of a first panel 11 and a third panel 13.

[0067] The size of the first panel 11 is larger than that of the third panel 13. The first panel 11 is positioned in the inner circumferential region when viewed in an unfolded view of the lower unit B.

[0068] Multiple third panels 13 are arranged in the inner and outer circumferential regions EL when viewed in an unfolded view of the lower unit B. A portion of each third panel 13 located in the inner circumference region is positioned to overlap with the first panel 11. Each third panel 13 located in the outer peripheral region EL is connected to the third panels 13 that make up the other units (central unit C).

[0069] (3-2-2) Summary of Variation 2 According to Modification 2, the unit connected to the bus 2 (for example, the lower unit B) may have a first panel 11 and a third panel smaller than the first panel 11.

[0070] (3-3) Modification example 3 A third modification of this embodiment will now be described. This third modification is an example in which an outer wall is provided on the panel 10.

[0071] (3-3-1) Panel structure of modified example 3 Figure 11 shows the structure of the panel in the modified example 3.

[0072] As shown in Figure 11, the panel 10 comprises an outer wall 20 and support columns 21.

[0073] The outer wall 20 is positioned on the outermost perimeter of the space structure S. The outer wall 20 is configured, for example, to protect the panel 10 from space debris. The outer wall 20 is configured to expand in the X-axis direction when a force is applied in the X-axis direction. This reduces the distance between the outer walls 20 located on each panel 10. The force in the X-axis direction is, for example, at least one of the following: • Biasing force applied by a spring (not shown) • Driving force applied by an actuator (not shown) External forces applied by the robot arm (not shown)

[0074] The support column 21 is configured to connect the panel 10 and the exterior wall 20. The support column 21 is configured to extend in the Z-axis direction when a force is applied in the Z-axis direction. This increases the distance between the panel 10 and the outer wall 20 in the Z-axis direction. The force in the Z-axis direction is, for example, at least one of the following: • Biasing force applied by a spring (not shown) • Driving force applied by an actuator (not shown) External forces applied by the robot arm (not shown)

[0075] (3-3-2) Summary of Variation 3 According to Modification 3, the first panel 11 to the third panel 13 may be provided with an exterior wall 20. This will protect space structure S from space debris.

[0076] According to Modification 3, the outer wall 20 may be configured to widen the Z-axis spacing between the first panel 11 to the third panel 13. This allows the exterior wall 20 to be easily positioned.

[0077] According to Modification 3, the outer wall 20 may be configured to extend in the X-axis direction perpendicular to the Z-axis. This allows the exterior wall 20 to be easily positioned.

[0078] (3-4) Modification 4 Modification 4 of this embodiment will now be described. Modification 4 is an example of a panel having a shape other than a pentagon or hexagon. A modified example of this embodiment, specifically the structure of a fourth panel, will now be described. Figure 12 shows the structure of the panel in modified example 4.

[0079] As shown in Figure 12A, if panel 10 is hexagonal, the hexagonal shape may be formed by combining one triangular panel 10a and a pair of square panels 10b.

[0080] As shown in Figure 12B, if panel 10 is a pentagon, a hexagonal shape may be formed by combining one triangular panel 10a and one square panel 10b.

[0081] As shown in Figure 12C, the panel 10 may be formed by combining multiple rhombus-shaped panels 10c.

[0082] As shown in Figure 12D, the panel 10 may be formed by combining multiple rectangular panels 10d and multiple triangular panels 10e.

[0083] (4) Other variations In this specification, an example is shown in which the surface shapes of both the upper unit T and the lower unit B are spherical, but this embodiment is not limited to this. This embodiment is applicable to any of the following: • An example where the surface shapes of both the upper unit T and the lower unit B are flat. • An example where the surface shapes of the upper unit T and the lower unit B are different from each other.

[0084] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Furthermore, the embodiments described above can be improved or modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In addition, the embodiments and modifications described above can be combined. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0085] S: Space structure T: Upper unit C: Central Unit B: Lower unit 1; module 2: Bus 10: Panel 11: Panel 1 12: Panel 2 13: Panel 3 20: Exterior Wall 21: Strut

Claims

1. Space structures used in outer space, It comprises an upper unit, a central unit, and a lower unit. The upper unit and the lower unit are, Including one first panel, The first panel has a hexagonal, quadrilateral, or triangular shape. Includes multiple second panels, The length of one side of each second panel is equal to the length of one side of the first panel. space structure.

2. Each second panel is arranged such that a straight line connecting the center of the first panel and the center of each second panel passes through the midpoint of each side of the first panel. The space structure according to claim 1.

3. The upper unit and the lower unit each include a plurality of third panels. Each third panel has the same shape as the first panel. The upper unit and the lower unit each have at least one third panel positioned between the first panel and the second panel. The space structure according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The central unit includes a plurality of third panels, The space structure according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. The first to third panels are arranged such that at least three panels share one vertex. The space structure according to claim 3.

6. If the first panel has the hexagonal or quadrilateral shape, the number of corners of the second panel is one less than the number of corners of the first panel. The space structure according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. If the first panel has the triangular shape, the number of corners of the second panel is 3. The space structure according to claim 1 or claim 2.

8. The upper unit or the lower unit comprises the first panel and a third panel smaller than the first panel. The space structure according to claim 1 or claim 2.

9. The first to third panels are equipped with exterior walls. The space structure according to claim 1 or claim 2.

10. The outer wall is configured to widen the spacing between the first to third panels with respect to the Z-axis, which is the axis along the straight line connecting the centers of gravity of the upper unit, the central unit, and the lower unit. The space structure according to claim 9.

11. The outer wall is configured to extend in the X-axis direction perpendicular to the Z-axis, which is the axis along the straight line connecting the centers of gravity of the upper unit, the central unit, and the lower unit. The space structure according to claim 9.

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