Electrostatic Debris Collector With Tendrils
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for mitigating space debris, such as ground-based lasers, nets, and harpoons, are inadequate as they face limitations like atmospheric interference, fragmentation risks, and inefficiency in collecting small debris.
Innovation Solution
An electrostatically charged collector with a plurality of tendrils is deployed to detect and attract debris, using sensors to track debris location and trajectory, and adjustable voltage and polarity to optimize debris accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ground-based lasers are used to mitigate space debris, then debris can be vaporized or pushed away, but atmospheric interference limits effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ground-based laser systems with a space-based electrostatic collector system. Instead of using optical energy that must pass through the atmosphere, the system uses electrostatic forces in the vacuum of space to attract and capture debris particles, eliminating atmospheric interference entirely
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electrostatically charged collector as an intermediary between the debris and the collection mechanism. The charged tendrils create an electrostatic field that mediates the attraction and capture of debris particles, enabling reliable mitigation without direct mechanical contact
2Reliability
If nets and harpoons are used to capture debris, then larger debris can be collected, but additional fragmentation occurs and small debris cannot be adequately collected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical capture methods (nets and harpoons) with an electrostatic field-based collection system. The charged tendrils attract debris through electrostatic forces, allowing gentle capture that avoids the mechanical impacts and fragmentation associated with traditional methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the collection mechanism from mechanical to electrostatic by adjusting the charge parameters of the tendrils. By controlling voltage and charge distribution, the system can effectively collect debris across a wide size range without the fragmentation problems of mechanical systems
3Quantity of substance
If mechanical collectors are used to gather debris, then debris can be accumulated, but the collectors become heavy and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible, thin tendrils instead of rigid mechanical structures. These thin, flexible elements can extend over large areas to accumulate debris while maintaining low mass and structural simplicity, contrasting with heavy mechanical collectors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical accumulation systems with lightweight electrostatic attraction. The debris is gathered through electrostatic forces rather than mechanical containment, dramatically reducing the structural complexity and weight of the collector
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 electrostatic collector effectively captures and retains debris without creating additional fragments, offering a more efficient and safe method for space debris removal across various sizes.
Implementation Method 1
one or more tendrils of the collector are electrostatically charged to attract the debris to the collector
Data Source
AI summary
A system for collecting debris includes a collector configured to accumulate debris and retain an electrostatic charge; a deployment mechanism configured to move the collector into a path of the debris; an electrostatic charging array comprising one or more wires or plates operatively connected to the collector; and one or more processors operatively coupled to the collector, the deployment mechanism, and the electrostatic charging array. The one or more processors are configured to track debris in relation to the collector; control movement of the collector and the deployment mechanism; and regulate power to the electrostatic charging array.