Folding Space Shelf Design to Reduce Launch Mass and Storage Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing space shelves are rigid structures that cannot be folded for storage, leading to high mass, high manufacturing and launch costs, and inefficient use of space, making them unsuitable for deep space exploration.
Innovation Solution
A folding and unfolding space shelf design featuring a novel structure with hinged and rotatably connected components, including backplanes, crossbeams, stringers, and a bolt assembly for relative angle fixation, allowing for compact storage and easy deployment, with locking mechanisms to ensure stability in the unfolded state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If an integral rigid structure is used for space shelf, then structural strength is improved, but mass increases and storage space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The space shelf is divided into multiple modular units that can be connected together. Each unit can be independently folded and stored, reducing the mass and volume required for storage while maintaining the overall structural strength through the connection mechanisms between modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The space shelf employs foldable structures with hinges and locking mechanisms that allow the shelf to transition between extended (working) and folded (storage) states. This dynamic capability enables the shelf to achieve high structural strength when deployed while minimizing mass and storage volume when folded.
2Stability of the object's composition
If an integral rigid structure is used for space shelf, then structural stability is improved, but volume in non-working state increases
Solution Approach 1:
The space shelf utilizes foldable panels connected by hinges that can be locked into stable positions when deployed. When not in use, the entire structure can be folded into a compact configuration, dramatically reducing the volume occupied while ensuring structural stability during operation through the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The foldable design allows the space shelf to be nested or folded into a compact form when not in use, similar to a nested doll structure. This reduces the volume in non-working state while maintaining the ability to achieve full structural stability when deployed for working.
3Strength
If an integral rigid structure is used for space shelf, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the space shelf into modular units allows for standardized manufacturing of individual components, which can be produced more efficiently and at lower cost. The modular design enables mass production of identical modules, reducing per-unit manufacturing costs while maintaining load-bearing capacity through proper connection design.
Solution Approach 2:
The foldable design with standardized hinges and locking mechanisms enables more efficient manufacturing processes compared to complex integral rigid structures. The modular, reusable components can be manufactured separately and assembled, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining adequate load-bearing capacity for space applications.
4Strength
If an integral rigid structure is used for space shelf, then structural integrity is improved, but launch cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular segmented design allows the space shelf to be launched in a folded, space-efficient configuration and then deployed in orbit. This reduces the launch mass and volume requirements compared to launching a fully extended rigid structure, while maintaining structural integrity through the connection mechanisms between modules after deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The foldable structure enables the space shelf to be compacted for launch and then expanded to its full functional size in orbit. This dynamic transformation reduces the effective mass and volume during launch while achieving the required structural integrity when deployed, thereby reducing launch costs.
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 achieves a high folding-unfolding ratio, reduces manufacturing and launch costs, and provides a stable working space while being compact and convenient for storage and transportation.
Implementation Method 1
the locking spring sleeved on the bolt is placed in the bolt assembly installing groove B; the lower end of the locking spring is provided with the gasket sleeved on the bolt; both ends of the locking spring are respectively abutted against the top ends of the interiors of the gasket and the bolt assembly installing groove B
Implementation Method 2
the lower side of the upper backplane is hinged with the upper side of the lower backplane; one side of the top crossbeam is hinged with the upper side of the upper backplane
Implementation Method 3
the other side of the top crossbeam is rotatably connected with one side of the upper stringer; the other side of the bottom crossbeam is rotatably connected with one side of the bottom stringer
Data Source
AI summary
A folding space shelf has a lower backplane and an upper backplane that are connected by one or more hinges, and a pair of top crossbeams and a pair of upper stringers. Each top crossbeam has a first end hinged to an upper portion of the upper backplane and a second end rotatably connected to one of the pair of upper stringers. It further contains a pair of bottom crossbeams and a pair of bottom stringers. Each bottom crossbeam has a first end hinged to a lower portion of the lower backplane and a second end rotatably connected to one of the pair of bottom stringers. The folding space shelf also contains a pair of middle stringers, each having a first end connected to one of the pair of upper stringers and a second end hinged to one of the pair of the bottom stringers.