Dual-Axis Load Orientation with Eccentric Shaft Kinematics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional load orientation devices for space applications, such as satellites, are inefficient due to heavy masses and mechanical stresses, requiring oversized actuators and gravity compensation, which increase production costs and size, and are not adaptable for varying sweep magnitudes across orthogonal axes.
Innovation Solution
A dual-axis orientation device with a transmission shaft and two additional shafts, connected via flexible components and an eccentric kinematic connection, allowing precise rotational mobility with a large sweep on one axis and small sweep on the other, while an anti-rotation device prevents movement during launch to protect the load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional series architectures with stacked independent axes are used, then two orthogonal rotational movements are achieved, but heavy masses and strong mechanical stresses occur under gravity and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional series architecture by making the first axis (carrying the load) fixed rather than movable, while the second axis becomes movable. This inversion eliminates the need to support heavy masses on the first axis, thereby reducing mechanical stresses and improving structural robustness without sacrificing the two orthogonal rotational capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the rotational movements into two independent axes with distinct functions: the first axis (X) provides large angular travel for coarse positioning, while the second axis (Y) provides fine adjustments. This segmentation allows each axis to be optimized independently, reducing the overall mass and mechanical stresses compared to a unified conventional architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional series architectures are designed for large sweeps on both axes, then full rotational capability is achieved, but the device size and actuator oversizing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different sweep magnitudes to different axes based on their specific functional requirements. The first axis is designed for large sweeps (up to 360°) while the second axis is designed for small sweeps (less than 10°). This localized optimization allows actuators to be sized appropriately for each axis's actual needs rather than oversizing them for maximum potential capability, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
3Reliability
If conventional architectures are used, then two orthogonal rotation capabilities are provided, but parasitic torques disturb actuators due to gravity and centring defects
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the architecture so that the load-carrying first axis is fixed rather than movable, the patent eliminates the generation of parasitic torques that would otherwise arise from gravity acting on mobile masses and from centring defects in movable joints. This inversion fundamentally removes the source of harmful torques, improving actuator performance and reliability.
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 device provides efficient and robust load orientation with reduced mechanical stresses and costs, enabling precise control over large and small angular travels, and ensures the load's safety during launch by preventing unwanted rotations.
Implementation Method 1
The second connection component, the transmission shaft and the third shaft forming an eccentric kinematic connection
Data Source
AI summary
A device for orienting a load about a main axis X and a secondary axis Y is disclosed having a first shaft, called transmission shaft, intended to support the load and configured to be rotated about the main axis and the secondary axis, a second shaft configured to be rotated about the main axis X, a third shaft configured to be rotated about a third axis of rotation, in the same direction as the main axis, a first connection component between the transmission shaft and the second shaft, configured to prevent relative movements between the transmission shaft and the second shaft in, on the one hand, a degree of rotational freedom about the main axis X and, on the other hand, three degrees of translational freedom.