Metering Shell Projections for Atomic Oxygen Mirror Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods to mitigate atomic oxygen (AO) degradation in spacecraft components, such as mirrors and lenses, are ineffective due to adherence issues and contamination of optical properties, particularly in low earth orbit (LEO) environments.
Innovation Solution
Implementing geometrically designed projections on the interior surface of a tubular metering shell to deflect AO atoms away from sensitive surfaces by optimizing their deflection angles and spacing, using materials with known AO deflection properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If protective AO-resistant coatings are applied to exposed sensitive surfaces, then AO degradation is mitigated, but optical properties are contaminated and long term adherence is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (protrusions) that mediates between the AO environment and the optical surface. The protrusions serve as a physical barrier that deflects AO atoms away from the optical surface, protecting it without requiring direct coating application that would contaminate optical properties or suffer from adherence issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical approach (coatings) with a mechanical approach (protrusions). Instead of using chemical coatings that adhere to surfaces, the invention uses mechanically protruding structures that physically deflect AO atoms through geometric design, eliminating adherence and contamination issues
2Object-affected harmful factors
If carbon nanostructures are used to absorb AO, then AO degradation is mitigated, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of AO interaction from absorption (carbon nanostructures) to deflection (protrusions). By modifying the geometric parameters of the protrusions (height, angle, spacing), the system achieves AO protection through controlled deflection angles, simplifying the overall structure compared to complex carbon nanostructure assemblies
3Device complexity
If surfaces facing the direction of travel are exposed to AO, then optical components can be simplified, but AO degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding protrusions only to the forward-facing surface where AO exposure is most severe. The protrusions are strategically positioned on the surface that faces the direction of travel, providing localized protection where it is most needed while maintaining simplicity elsewhere in the optical system
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
Effectively minimizes AO impact on optical components by redirecting atoms away from the mirror surface, reducing degradation without the need for coatings or exotic materials.
Implementation Method 1
AO deflects from (i.e., bounces off) surfaces in a determinable manner that is, at least partially, dependent on the surface material
Data Source
AI summary
Mitigation of erosive effects of atomic oxygen encountered by telescope systems deployed in low earth orbit (LEO is effected by providing an array of multiple very small projections on the interior surface of an open-ended tubular metering shell extending forwardly from a mirror to be protected. The projections are made of material that is geometrically configured to deflect AO atoms one or more times within the shell at angles that ultimately direct the atoms away from the mirror surface and back out through the forward end of the shell.