Deployable Light Baffle for Miniaturized Satellites
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light baffles for star trackers on miniaturized satellites like cubesats are fixed and occupy a large portion of the limited volume, making them inefficient and prone to failure due to the constraints of the satellite's size, which can lead to confusion from stray light contamination.
Innovation Solution
A deployable light baffle assembly comprising a base baffle member, an upper baffle member, and a resilient member that can be actuated to extend from a stowed position to a deployed position, allowing for a compact configuration during launch and expansion post-launch to prevent light contamination without obstructing the star tracker's field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a fixed light baffle is used to block stray light, then light contamination is reduced, but the volume occupied is excessive and the risk of failure increases due to constraints on miniaturized satellites
Solution Approach 1:
The light baffle is designed as a deployable structure that transitions from a compact stowed configuration during launch to an extended operational configuration in space. This dynamic transformation allows the baffle to achieve its full light-blocking functionality only when needed, resolving the contradiction between requiring large volume for effectiveness and minimizing volume during launch constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The light baffle is divided into multiple segments or sections that can be collapsed into each other during stowage and extended during operation. This segmentation enables the structure to reduce its volume significantly for launch while maintaining the necessary length and surface area for effective stray light rejection when deployed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a fixed light baffle is used to prevent light contamination, then stray light is blocked, but the device complexity and failure risk increase due to the constraints of satellite size
Solution Approach 1:
The deployable design allows the light baffle to be protected within the satellite during launch and only exposed when needed for operation. This reduces the time the structure is vulnerable to damage and failure, while still providing the necessary light-blocking functionality when deployed in the controlled space environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member is configured to absorb shocks and forces during deployment and operation, protecting the light baffle structure from damage. This cushioning mechanism preemptively mitigates potential failure modes related to mechanical stress and vibration during launch and deployment operations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a fixed light baffle is used to reduce stray light, then light contamination is minimized, but the field of view may be obstructed due to the baffle's position and size
Solution Approach 1:
The deployable light baffle can be extended to provide effective stray light blocking, and the upper baffle member can be independently positioned to avoid obstructing the star tracker's field of view. This dynamic positioning allows optimization of both light rejection and field of view clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper blade portion is specifically positioned to extend inwards from the upper wall portion towards the longitudinal axis, creating localized light blocking where most needed while maintaining clearance from the optical path. This local optimization allows effective stray light rejection without compromising the overall field of view.
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 deployable design ensures effective reduction of stray light while maintaining the star tracker's field of view, enhancing the sensitivity and reliability of the star tracker without occupying excessive volume, thus addressing the limitations of fixed light baffles on miniaturized satellites.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient member is configured to extend the upper baffle member away from the base baffle member
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a light baffle assembly including a base baffle member comprising a base wall portion positioned substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis, an upper baffle member comprising an upper wall portion coupled to an upper blade portion, the upper wall portion positioned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and the upper blade portion positioned to extend inwards from the upper wall portion towards the longitudinal axis, and a resilient member configured to extend the upper baffle member away from the base baffle member.