Flexible Solar Panel Array With Tensioned Load-Carrying Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing space deployable solar arrays face challenges with high mass and complexity due to rigid structures, which increase mass and reduce mechanical efficiency, while flexible structures suffer from deformation and require additional components to distribute load, leading to increased complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A flexible solar panel array design featuring a flexible coupling device that attaches photovoltaic assembly panels, acting as a load-carrying member, eliminating the need for spreader plates and reducing mass by providing a defined load path without interrupting the load path for individual panels, and allowing for modular maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid structures are used to provide stiffness to the solar generator, then the structural stability and protection of solar cells are improved, but the mass of the supporting components increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid sandwich panel structures with flexible membranes that can be tensioned to provide the necessary structural support. The flexible membrane structure, when properly tensioned, provides adequate stiffness to prevent critical bending of solar cells while using significantly less material mass than traditional rigid structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the structural parameters from rigid to flexible by using tensioned membranes. The key parameter change is the introduction of pre-tension forces in the flexible membrane, which transforms it from a limp structure to one that provides adequate structural support, thereby reducing mass while maintaining stability.
2Weight of moving object
If flexible structures are used to reduce mass, then the mass of supporting components is reduced, but the structure requires additional tensioning devices and spreader plates to distribute load, increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of spreader plates and tensioning devices into an integrated flexible membrane structure. The membrane itself is designed to distribute loads through its tensioned state, eliminating the need for separate spreader plates and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining load distribution capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, distributes loads, and acts as the mounting substrate for solar cells. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby reducing overall structural complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the number of panels is increased to meet large power requests, then the energy collection surface area is increased, but additional reinforcement elements are required, leading to additional mass
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a continuous flexible membrane structure that can span large areas without requiring intermediate rigid support structures. This allows for increased panel area and energy collection capacity while avoiding the need for additional reinforcement elements that would increase mass.
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 design reduces overall mass and complexity, enhances reliability, and simplifies maintenance by using a flexible coupling device that can be elastically bendable and tensioned, maintaining structural integrity and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible coupling device (15) is elastically bendable at least in an area between two adjacent photovoltaic assembly panels (13) of the plurality of photovoltaic assembly panels (13)
Implementation Method 2
High-efficient multi-junction solar cells are commonly used in a broad range of space applications
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a flexible solar panel array (10), in particular flexible space deployable solar array, the flexible solar panel array (10) comprising: a first attachment unit (11) and a second attachment unit (12) spaced apart from the first attachment unit (11); a plurality of photovoltaic assembly panels (13) arranged in series between the first attachment unit (11) and the second attachment unit (12), wherein each of the photovoltaic assembly panels (13) comprises at least one solar cell unit (14); a flexible coupling device (15), which is configured to couple the plurality of photovoltaic assembly panels (13), wherein the flexible coupling device (15) is attached to the first attachment unit (11) and to the second attachment unit (12). Moreover, the present invention provides a spacecraft containing such a flexible solar panel array (10). Further, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a flexible solar panel array as well as a method for maintaining a flexible solar panel array.