Dual Attitude Control System for Space Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attitude control systems for space objects face limitations due to maximum rotational speed and acceleration constraints of reaction wheels, leading to restricted orientation changes and reliance on fuel-limited thrusters for compensation.
Innovation Solution
A dual attitude control system is implemented, comprising an object-side and an object extension device with an extended reaction wheel arrangement, utilizing a lever mechanism and actuators to manage angular momentum independently of fuel, allowing for continuous attitude control without fuel depletion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If reaction wheels are used for attitude control, then orientation control capability is improved, but the control is limited by maximum rotational speed and acceleration constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The attitude control system is segmented into two independent parts: a first attitude control device on the object and a second attitude control device on the object extension device. Each device can independently control attitude, allowing the system to overcome the rotational speed limits of individual reaction wheels by distributing control functions across multiple segments.
2Productivity
If reaction wheel rotational speed is increased to improve orientation change capability, then attitude adjustment intensity is improved, but mechanical load limits and centrifugal force resistance are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the attitude control functions of the object and object extension device into a coordinated dual-control system. By combining the capabilities of two attitude control devices, the system achieves higher attitude adjustment frequency and intensity without requiring individual reaction wheels to exceed their mechanical strength limits.
3Reliability
If thrusters are used to compensate for reaction wheel limitations, then orientation correction capability is improved, but fuel consumption increases and service life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The object extension device's attitude control system serves itself by independently managing attitude adjustments, eliminating the need for the main object to consume fuel via thrusters. The second attitude control device handles attitude corrections that would otherwise require fuel-intensive thruster operations, making the system self-sufficient in maintaining orientation control without depleting fuel reserves.
4Device complexity
If a single attitude control device is used on the object, then system complexity is minimized, but attitude control performance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds another dimension to the attitude control system by placing a second attitude control device on the object extension device rather than simply adding more reaction wheels to the main object. This spatial distribution across two independent platforms enables enhanced attitude control performance while maintaining relatively simple individual device structures.
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 dual system enhances attitude control capabilities, enabling more frequent and intense orientation adjustments without fuel consumption, extending the service life of the system and reducing reliance on thrusters.
Implementation Method 1
The reaction wheels are rigidly connected to the object and form devices for exchanging angular momentum
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a lever mechanism and actuators to manage angular momentum independently of fuel
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4
AI summary
An object which can be stabilized while freely floating in space, in particular a space object, with an object-side, first attitude control device (L1) for controlling the attitude of the object (1, 1', 1") having an object center of gravity (So) in weightlessness or in free fall, wherein the object (1, 1', 1") is coupled to an external object extension device (2) which can be moved independently in space, is characterized in that the external object extension device (2) is provided with a second attitude control device (L2) which can be moved relative to the object (1, 1', 1").