Foldable Membrane Solar Array for Space Launch Volume Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar arrays for space applications face challenges such as weight and volume constraints, extreme temperature exposure, and spacecraft maneuvering loads, which complicate their launching and deployment.
Innovation Solution
The development of extendible membrane systems, including photovoltaic arrays or blankets, with foldable membrane supports and a telescoping central column, allowing for compact stowage and efficient deployment, utilizing guy wires for structural support and tensioning to minimize thermal bowing and nonlinear dynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If solar arrays are designed for space applications, then power generation capability is improved, but weight and volume constraints during launch are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The solar array is divided into multiple membrane segments that can be folded and stowed compactly during launch, then deployed to form a large power-generating surface in space. The foldable membrane supports are also segmented into multiple sections that can telescope or fold together with the membranes.
Solution Approach 2:
The membranes are nested between the segments of the foldable membrane supports during stowage, creating a compact packaged configuration. The support segments themselves are arranged in a nested or telescoping configuration, allowing the entire structure to be compressed into a small launch volume while maintaining the capability to deploy into a large deployed configuration for power generation.
2Power
If solar arrays are designed for space applications, then power generation capability is improved, but weight constraints of launch capsules are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The solar array uses thin membrane structures instead of rigid frameworks, dramatically reducing weight while maintaining the large surface area needed for power generation. The membranes are flexible and can be folded or rolled for compact stowage during launch, then deployed in space to form the full power-generating surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure is divided into lightweight segmented components that can be efficiently packaged and launched, reducing overall launch weight compared to a solid rigid structure of equivalent deployed size.
3Volume of moving object
If foldable membrane supports with multiple segments are used, then packaged size is reduced, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The foldable membrane supports are divided into multiple segments that can fold or telescope relative to each other, enabling compact stowage. While segmentation increases the number of components, each segment is a simple structural element, and the overall system benefits from the reduced packaged volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from a static rigid form to a dynamic foldable configuration, allowing it to adapt between compact stowage and deployed states. This dynamic capability enables the structure to achieve small packaged dimensions while maintaining structural integrity during deployment and operation.
4Shape
If extendible central column with telescoping truss is used, then deployed aspect ratio is reduced, but manufacturing complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The central column is constructed as a telescoping truss with multiple segmented sections that can extend or retract. This segmentation allows the column to achieve a compact packaged length while extending to provide the necessary support span in deployed configuration, improving the deployed aspect ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping truss column utilizes axial extension along its length to achieve the required span, rather than relying solely on lateral deployment. This dimensional approach allows the structure to achieve favorable aspect ratios by extending in the longitudinal direction while maintaining a compact cross-sectional profile during stowage.
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 system achieves a lower deployed aspect ratio, smaller packaged size, and higher structural efficiency, enabling robust and scalable solar arrays capable of generating up to 1 MW of power while meeting stringent structural mass fraction and thermal performance criteria.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more membranes may include one or more photovoltaic arrays or blankets
Implementation Method 2
utilizing guy wires for structural support and tensioning to minimize thermal bowing and nonlinear dynamics
Data Source
AI summary
An extendible membrane system may include: an extendible central column; one or more membranes; and/or one or more foldable membrane supports configured to support the one or more membranes. Each of the one or more foldable membrane supports may be configured to extend from the extendible central column. In some embodiments, one or more of the one or more foldable membrane supports includes two or more segments that may be configured to couple with each other. A method of deploying one or more membranes may include unfolding one or more foldable membrane supports from a folded configuration to a linear configuration. An extendible membrane device may include one or more membranes and one or more foldable membrane supports configured to support the one or more membranes.