CubeSat Back-Plane Connector Modular Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing manufacturing and assembly techniques for small form factor satellites, such as cubesats, are inadequate due to time-consuming disassembly requirements when testing reveals a single board defect and limited flexibility in board arrangement, which restricts customization and increases assembly time.
Innovation Solution
A back-plane connector plate is used to facilitate assembly and inter-board communication, allowing for random stacking order and easy removal of defective boards, with embedded intelligence for self-diagnostic features and efficient power management, reducing assembly time and enhancing customization options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connection bars are used to connect boards in series, then assembly is straightforward, but testing reveals a single board defect requires disassembly of the entire stack, increasing time loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connection system into independent modular segments. Each board connects to the backplane connector through its own independent connection path rather than being串联 in a single chain. This segmentation allows individual boards to be accessed, tested, and replaced without affecting other boards in the stack, thereby eliminating the need to disassemble the entire stack when a defect is detected.
2Ease of manufacture
If boards are arranged in a fixed selected order, then assembly is simplified, but flexibility and customization options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The backplane connector is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate multiple board types and configurations. The connector provides standardized connection points that work with various board arrangements, enabling both simple fixed-order assembly and flexible customized configurations. This universal design allows the same connector structure to support different satellite missions and board combinations without requiring custom connector designs.
3Measurement precision
If individual board testing is performed before assembly, then defect identification is improved, but the full assembly must still be disassembled if a defect is found, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The independent connection paths enabled by the backplane connector design allow for segmentation of the testing process. Individual boards can be tested before assembly, and if defects are found, only those specific boards need to be replaced rather than disassembling the entire stack. This segmentation maintains the benefits of pre-assembly testing while eliminating the productivity loss from full stack disassembly.
4Manufacturing precision
If complex assembly procedures are used to ensure proper board positioning, then manufacturing precision is improved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backplane connector acts as an intermediary component that simplifies the assembly process. It provides a standardized interface between the satellite frame and individual boards, eliminating the need for complex positioning procedures. The connector's design ensures proper board positioning through its mechanical structure, allowing for quick and accurate assembly without time-consuming alignment procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A back-plane connector connects component boards for a cubesat with a processing unit and a board connector electrically connected to the back-plane connector. The board connector mates with complimentary connectors on the component boards. The arrangement facilitates assembly, testing and operational reliability. An image capture system may be included and has an image capture device with a multiplexer for interactive collection and storage of image and video data.