Acoustic Data Transmission Across Spacecraft Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
In zero gravity environments, such as in spacecraft, traditional structural couplings that rely on gravity for reliable acoustic coupling fail, preventing effective acoustic data transmission between spacecraft components.
Innovation Solution
A forced coupling system within joints that biases frame portions towards each other, forming a low impedance acoustic conduit, allowing acoustic data signals to be transmitted across movable joints in a zero gravity environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional structural couplings are used in zero gravity environments, then gravity-based acoustic coupling is lost, but acoustic data transmission fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the anti-weight principle by introducing a biasing mechanism that creates a force counteracting the absence of gravity. The biasing mechanism generates elastic force that pushes the first and second frame portions together, maintaining acoustic coupling contact at the joint interface without relying on gravitational force. This resolves the contradiction by providing the necessary contact force in zero gravity environments to enable reliable acoustic data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the joint movable rather than fixed, allowing the frame portions to move relative to each other while maintaining acoustic coupling. The biasing mechanism dynamically adjusts the contact force between frame portions, enabling the system to adapt to movement while preserving acoustic data transmission capability throughout the range of motion.
2Reliability
If wired communication systems are used, then reliable data transmission is achieved, but weight and cost increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical substitution by replacing the electrical wire harness system with an acoustic communication system. Instead of using electrical wires to transmit data, the system uses acoustic waves traveling through the spacecraft structure to carry information. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy wire harnesses while maintaining reliable data transmission, directly resolving the contradiction between transmission reliability and system weight.
3Ease of operation
If acoustic transmission through structure is used, then wireless communication is achieved, but acoustic interference limits distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by using the spacecraft structure itself as a mediator for acoustic wave transmission. The rigid structure acts as an acoustic waveguide, channeling acoustic energy between frame portions while isolating the transmission path from external acoustic interference. This intermediary approach enables wireless communication over longer distances by protecting the acoustic signal from environmental noise and interference.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable and efficient acoustic data transmission in zero gravity environments, reducing weight and cost compared to wired systems, while being immune to ionizing radiation and electromagnetic interference.
Implementation Method 1
acoustic communication system configured to transfer acoustic data signals across the joint between the first frame portion and the second frame portion
Implementation Method 2
forced coupling system configured to bias the first frame portion and the second frame portion toward each other in opposite directions
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A spacecraft (100) including a frame (200F) including a joint (200H) coupling a first frame portion (200F1) to a second frame portion (200F2), and an acoustic communication system (110) configured to transfer acoustic data signals (ADS) across the joint (200H) between the first frame portion (200F1) and the second frame portion (200F2).