Anti-tilt assembly for high-altitude balloons
Solution Overview
Problem
High-altitude balloons used in communication networks experience undesirable tilting due to air ballast inflation, which can lead to payload instability and potential damage, as existing systems lack effective mechanisms to counteract this tilting motion without adding significant weight or complexity.
Innovation Solution
An anti-tilt assembly is introduced, comprising support lines and tendons that counteract the tilting motion by distributing tension across the balloon envelope, utilizing a tetrahedral structure with spools for line deployment and a connection member to maintain payload stability, allowing for flexible and lightweight resistance to tilt-induced torsional forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If air ballast is inflated to change altitude for navigational direction changes, then the balloon can achieve navigational maneuvers, but the balloon envelope tilts significantly (up to 60 degrees) causing payload instability
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-tilt assembly is segmented into multiple support lines (at least six) that are distributed around the balloon envelope circumference, with each support line connecting to different tendons. This segmentation allows the system to counteract tilting forces from multiple directions simultaneously, maintaining payload stability during altitude changes for navigational maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-tilt assembly functions as a counterweight mechanism by using support lines and tendons to apply opposing forces to the tilting balloon envelope. The support lines are arranged to counteract the tilting moment generated by air ballast inflation, effectively balancing the rotational forces and preventing excessive tilt angles that would compromise payload stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If support structures are added to counteract tilting motion, then payload stability is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support lines are designed to be dynamically adjustable through the use of spools and payout mechanisms. The spools allow the support lines to be deployed or repositioned as needed, enabling the anti-tilt assembly to adapt to varying tilt conditions without requiring a complex rigid structure. This dynamic capability reduces overall structural complexity while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support lines function as flexible elements that can bend and adjust their configuration to counteract tilting forces. Rather than using rigid support structures, the patent employs flexible lines that can be tensioned and positioned optimally, reducing the complexity of the overall assembly while effectively maintaining payload stability during balloon maneuvers.
3Device complexity
If rigid connection is used between payload and envelope, then structural simplicity is maintained, but the payload cannot resist tilting motion effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-tilt assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the payload and the balloon envelope. Rather than directly rigging the payload to the envelope, the support lines and tendons serve as intermediary elements that transmit and counteract tilting forces. This intermediary system allows the payload to remain relatively simple while still effectively resisting tilting motion through the distributed support line network.
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
The anti-tilt assembly effectively counteracts balloon tilt, enhancing stability and longevity, reducing the risk of damage, and ensuring reliable operation of payloads such as solar panels and communication equipment, while maintaining a lightweight and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
The anti-tilt assembly includes a plurality of support lines, each support line of the plurality of support lines being connected at a first end to one of the plurality of support tendons and at a second end to the connection member and being further arranged to pass through a corresponding one of the plurality of line connections
Implementation Method 2
counteract the tilting motion by distributing tension across the balloon envelope
Implementation Method 3
the connection member includes a spool configured to hold the plurality of support lines prior to launch of the balloon
Implementation Method 4
the support structure includes at least six elongated support members arranged in a tetrahedron
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure provide anti-tilt assemblies for reducing the strain of an air ballast when used to change the direction of a high altitude balloon. For instance, in one example, a balloon includes a balloon envelope having an air ballast and a plurality of support tendons and a payload assembly. The balloon also includes an anti-tilt assembly arranged between the balloon envelope and the payload assembly. The anti-tilt assembly includes a support structure having a plurality of line connections arranged at a top end of the support structure and a connection member at a bottom end of the support structure. The connection member is attached to the payload assembly. The anti-tilt assembly also includes a plurality of support lines connected at to one of the support tendons and to the connection member. In addition, each support line is arranged to pass through a corresponding one of the line connections.