Deployable Solar Structure With Articulated Rollers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing deployable solar generator structures for satellites are bulky, heavy, and require complex deployment sequences, limiting their efficiency and surface area in deployed position.

Innovation Solution

A deployable structure with a mast and storage rollers, where the mast has lateral arms with hollow guides allowing for simultaneous deployment of flexible solar generators and a single motor-driven pulley system for simplified deployment, enabling solar cells to be operational in stored position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If rigid articulated panels are used for deployable solar generators, then controlled kinematics is achieved, but weight per unit surface area and bulk in stored position increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrolled kinematicsVSAvoidweight per unit surface area

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces rigid articulated panels with flexible solar generators that can be wound around a storage roller. The flexible generator includes a flexible support with solar cells mounted thereon, allowing it to be stored in a compact wound state and deployed to a large surface area without the weight and bulk penalties of rigid structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Stability of the object's composition

If rigid articulated panels are used for deployable solar generators, then controlled kinematics is achieved, but bulk in stored position under nose cone increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrolled kinematicsVSAvoidbulk in stored position

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible solar generator can be wound around a storage roller to a compact diameter, dramatically reducing the bulk volume required for storage under the nose cone compared to stacked rigid panels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Volume of stationary object

If flexible solar generators are used without rigid support panels, then bulk is reduced, but means for powering the satellite in stored position must be added

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebulk in stored positionVSAvoiddeployment sequences and controls

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage roller serves multiple functions: it stores the flexible solar generator in a compact form, provides structural support during deployment, and enables the generator to be powered in both stored and deployed positions through its articulation on the mast.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If sequential deployment of mast and solar generators is performed, then deployment is achievable, but multiple different controls are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment achievementVSAvoiddeployment controls

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the deployment of the mast and the flexible solar generator into a single simultaneous operation. The generator is articulated on the mast such that when the mast deploys, the generator automatically deploys with it, eliminating the need for separate control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10214302B2Deployable structure comprising a set of solar generators, system for deploying such a deployable structure and satellite comprising such a system

Publication Date: 2019.02.26 THALES SA

AI summary

A deployable structure comprises a mast and two storage rollers each supporting a flexible solar generator, the two storage rollers being articulated on the mast. The mast comprises at least one longitudinal rod and two lateral arms, inclined angularly in two opposite directions that are symmetrical relative to the longitudinal rod, each lateral arm comprising an end provided with a hollow guide. Each storage roller has a longitudinal axis comprising a bent end forming a pivot respectively articulated inside the hollow guide of a corresponding lateral arm, the pivot of each storage roller having an axis of revolution different from the longitudinal axis of the corresponding storage roller.