Deployable Solar Panel Assembly Plume Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar panels on spacecraft with electric propulsion systems face damage from wide, corrosive propulsion plumes due to their deployment in 'H' configurations, and extending them in 'I' configurations increases weight and complexity with long panels.
Innovation Solution
A deployable solar panel assembly with a housing, extension members, and pivotable tethering members that unfold to support and stabilize the solar panel, allowing it to extend radially from the spacecraft while minimizing exposure to propulsion plumes and reducing structural complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If solar panels are deployed in an 'H' configuration, then the propulsion plume can be restricted to a tight pattern to avoid damaging the solar panels, but the solar panels are damaged by the wide, corrosive plume from electric propulsion systems
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel is deployed perpendicular to the spacecraft's longitudinal axis rather than parallel, changing the spatial dimension of deployment. This perpendicular orientation positions the panel outside the conical propulsion plume path, eliminating plume damage risk while maintaining effective solar collection area.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If solar panels are deployed in a sideways 'I' configuration to reduce plume damage risk, then the solar panel area is protected, but the panel must extend approximately twice as far from the main support member, requiring rigid telescoping frames that add significant weight and mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel uses a flexible deployment mechanism with extension members and tethering members that allow dynamic adjustment during deployment. The panel transitions from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration where it is supported by tethers connected to extension members, eliminating the need for rigid telescoping frames while achieving the required perpendicular orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar panel employs flexible tethering members and extension members instead of rigid structural supports. These flexible elements can bend and adjust during deployment, reducing the overall structural weight and complexity while maintaining the panel's perpendicular orientation to avoid plume damage.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If solar panels are deployed in a sideways 'I' configuration, then the risk of damage from propulsion plume is reduced, but the panel extension length increases significantly requiring additional structural support
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple components: extension members that provide the primary support length, and tethering members that provide additional support and stabilization. This segmentation allows the total support function to be distributed across multiple shorter elements rather than requiring one long rigid structure.
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 solution enables efficient deployment and stability of solar panels with reduced risk of damage from propulsion plumes and minimal added weight or mechanical complexity, maintaining panel area while avoiding plume exposure.
Implementation Method 1
The pair of tethering members are pivotably connected to the housing on opposite sides of the housing and foldable against the housing. Upon deployment, a distal end of each tethering member of the respective pairs projects outward from the side of the housing on which the tethering member is pivotably connected.
Implementation Method 2
The distal end of the solar panel is supported in an extended position by the extension member, and supported against displacement out of the plane of the panel by tethers connecting the distal end of the solar panel to the distal ends of the respective pairs of tethering members.
Data Source
AI summary
A deployable solar panel assembly including a housing, a solar panel receivable in the housing, and first and second support structures disposed on the housing proximate the lateral edges of the solar panel. The first and second support structures each include an extension member connected to the housing and a pair of tethering members pivotably connected to the housing on opposite sides of the housing. The pair of tethering members are foldable against the housing and, upon deployment, a distal end of each tethering member projects outward from the opposite sides of the housing. The distal end of a deployed solar panel is supported in an extended position by the extension member, and supported against displacement out of the plane of the panel by tethers connected to the distal ends of the pair of tethering members. Spacecraft employing the deployable solar panel assembly and methods of deploying the assembly are also disclosed.