Articulatable Satellite Thermal Radiators for Sun Angle Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current deployable thermal radiators in satellites have fixed deployment positions, which compromises thermal dissipation capabilities due to competing design parameters, limiting their effectiveness at optimizing thermal management across varying sun angles and mission requirements.
Innovation Solution
A satellite with deployable and articulatable thermal radiators that can move from a stowed position to a first deployed position and subsequently repositionable to a second deployed position, allowing for adjustments in orientation and position to optimize thermal dissipation based on sun angles and mission needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the thermal radiator is fixed at a deployed position, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the thermal dissipation capability cannot be optimized for varying sun angles and mission requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed thermal radiator into a movable one. The radiator is equipped with articulation joints that allow it to change its position and orientation relative to the satellite body. This enables the radiator to dynamically adjust its deployment angle and position to optimize thermal dissipation capability for varying sun angles and mission requirements, while maintaining structural simplicity through standardized joint mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the thermal radiator structure into multiple articulated segments connected by joints. Rather than a single fixed structure, the radiator is segmented into movable sections that can independently adjust their positions. This segmentation enables flexible positioning to optimize thermal management while using standardized, simple joint components that do not significantly increase overall structural complexity.
2Temperature
If the thermal radiator is made movable to optimize thermal management, then thermal dissipation capability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the thermal radiator to move from fixed to movable configuration. The articulation joints allow the radiator to adjust its position and orientation to optimize thermal dissipation for different sun angles and mission phases. The mechanism uses simple, reliable joint designs that provide the necessary mobility without excessive complexity, balancing thermal management performance with structural feasibility.
3Productivity
If the thermal radiator position is fixed, then the design is simpler, but it cannot maintain optimal thermal dissipation across different mission phases and sun angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming the static radiator position into a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The articulation joints enable the radiator to move to optimal positions for different mission phases and sun angles, maximizing thermal dissipation efficiency. The operation is simplified through mechanical joint designs that naturally guide the radiator to appropriate positions, reducing the complexity of control and operation.
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 enhanced thermal management by allowing the thermal radiators to maintain optimal thermal dissipation capabilities across different sun angles and mission phases, improving heat rejection and exposure to solar rays, thereby increasing thermal capacity and reducing solar thermal load.
Implementation Method 1
deployable thermal radiators with fixed deployment positions. The thermal radiator's fixed deployed position is chosen to optimize the thermal dissipation capability
Data Source
AI summary
A satellite (50) is disclosed having at least one deployable thermal radiator (64). Once deployed, this thermal radiator (64) may be repositioned. In one embodiment, the deployed thermal radiator (64) may be moved about a first axis (74), about a second axis (76), or both to move the deployed thermal radiator (64) from one deployed position to another deployed position.