Expandable Structural Modules for Toroidal Space Stations

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Solution Overview

Problem

The construction of toroidal space stations is hindered by the need for large, complex structures that require significant material transport and costly modifications in space, posing challenges in efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

The development of expandable structural modules that can be transported in a collapsed configuration and transformed into an expanded configuration in space, allowing for efficient assembly of toroidal space station structures without the need for extensive in-orbit construction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If large prefabricated modules are transported into space, then the space station structure can be constructed, but the launch vehicle volume efficiency is poor and transportation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveamount of material transportedVSAvoidlaunch vehicle volume efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The space station structure is divided into multiple expandable modules, each capable of independent deployment. This segmentation allows the structure to be transported in a compact collapsed state and then expanded in orbit, significantly improving launch vehicle volume efficiency while maintaining the required structural quantity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The structural members are designed to nest within each other in the collapsed configuration, similar to a nested doll structure. This nesting approach maximizes the compactness during transportation while allowing full structural deployment after launch, directly addressing the volume efficiency problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Stability of the object's composition

If complex tension and bracing structures are added to the toroidal space station, then structural stability is improved, but the amount of material required and construction complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidconstruction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a toroidal (ring-shaped) geometry for the space station structure. This curved configuration inherently provides structural stability through geometric rigidity, eliminating the need for complex internal tension and bracing structures that would otherwise be required in linear or flat configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The expandable modules incorporate adjustable structural members that can transition between extended and retracted states. This dynamic capability allows the structure to achieve and maintain stability through controlled deployment rather than relying on complex permanent bracing systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If existing space vehicle structures are re-purposed and re-outfitted, then construction materials are utilized, but significant construction and modification work in space is required which is complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of constructionVSAvoidin-orbit construction time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The structural members are pre-configured in collapsed form with all necessary structural characteristics already established on Earth. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex in-orbit manufacturing or modification work, as the modules simply need to be deployed and assembled in their pre-designed configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The expandable modules are designed to self-deploy upon launch, with the structural members automatically extending from their nested collapsed state to their operational configuration. This self-service deployment mechanism eliminates the need for extensive manual construction and assembly operations in space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4234416B1Expandable structural modules for toroidal space station structures, space station substructures, toroidal space station structures, and methods of constructing toroidal space station structures

Publication Date: 2025.04.23 NIXON DAVID ANTHONY

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AI summary

An expandable structural module for a toroidal space station structure. The expandable structural module comprises a first bulkhead and a second bulkhead forming first and second opposite ends of the expandable structural module. The first bulkhead is arranged to be attached to a corresponding bulkhead of a further expandable structural module. The expandable structural module further comprises a plurality of adjustable structural members connecting the first bulkhead and the second bulkhead. The expandable structural module is transformable between a collapsed configuration in which the first bulkhead and second bulkhead are held a first distance apart by the adjustable structural members, and an expanded configuration in which the first bulkhead and second bulkhead are held a second distance apart by the adjustable structural members, the second distance being larger than the first distance.