Mobile Space Test Facility Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing space test facilities are stationary, making it difficult to transport and test spacecraft elements without risking damage from various forces and moments, leading to potential mechanical damage and degradation of functional capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A mobile space test facility equipped with cryogenic systems, solar simulators, plasma and ionizing radiation sources, and vibration damping devices, along with secure mounting systems like spacer collar assemblies and spring vibration isolators, to absorb and distribute loads during transport, ensuring the integrity and functionality of the equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a stationary test facility is used, then testing can be performed with stable equipment, but the facility cannot be moved to different locations for testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing vibration damping devices and shock-absorbing elements into the transport system before actual transport occurs. These devices include vibration dampers mounted on the transport platform and shock-absorbing elements in the connection mechanisms, which are pre-configured to mitigate the effects of transport vibrations and shocks on the test facility equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses intermediary elements such as flexible connections, vibration isolation mounts, and shock-absorbing buffers that act as mediators between the transport vehicle and the test facility equipment. These intermediaries absorb and dissipate transport-induced forces while maintaining the functional connection between the transport system and the test equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the facility is moved during transport, then it can be deployed to different test locations, but various forces and moments may cause mechanical damage and degraded functional capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning through shock-absorbing elements and vibration damping devices that are pre-installed in the transport system. These include shock-absorbing buffers in the connection mechanisms and vibration dampers on the transport platform, which are configured beforehand to protect structural elements during transport operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by using materials and structures with variable mechanical properties that adapt to transport conditions. This includes using flexible connections that can accommodate movement while maintaining strength, and shock-absorbing elements that change their stiffness characteristics under different load conditions to protect structural integrity.
3Reliability
If vibration damping devices are added to protect equipment during transport, then mechanical damage is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing vibration damping devices and shock-absorbing elements that serve multiple functions. The connection mechanisms simultaneously provide structural support, enable assembly/disassembly for transport, and incorporate vibration damping capabilities. The flexible connections serve both as mechanical joints and as vibration isolation elements, reducing the need for separate dedicated damping components.
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 mobile facility allows for safe and efficient transportation and testing of spacecraft elements by mitigating the effects of forces and moments, preventing mechanical damage and maintaining leak integrity, thus ensuring reliable operation and reducing the risk of permanent deformations and failures.
Implementation Method 1
spring vibration isolator devices and connections... to absorb and distribute loads during transport, ensuring the integrity and functionality of the equipment
Implementation Method 2
the cryoshrouds are supplied with channels through which coolant can pass and which are designed for absorbing heat from the action of incident electromagnetic radiation in the infrared, visible, and ultraviolet ranges
Implementation Method 3
the pipe shoe is attached to the housing of the vacuum chamber and is capable of securing the pipe or pipes in a given spatial position while permitting the pipes to slide relative to the pipe shoe when they undergo thermal expansion or contraction
Data Source
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Figure 5A~7
AI summary
The invention relates to test equipment intended for bench testing of systems and devices for spacecraft as well as other devices intended for use in space. The proposed mobile test facility contains a vacuum chamber, support structures for the vacuum chamber, a cover for the vacuum chamber, fittings inside the vacuum chamber for installing the test object, a vacuum evacuation system connected with a vacuum pump, where the vacuum evacuation system comprises one or more fore-vacuum pumps and one or more high-vacuum pumps operationally connected with the vacuum evacuation system and capable of exhausting gases from the vacuum chamber, wherein the fore-vacuum pumps and the high-vacuum pumps are connected with the vacuum evacuation system by means of bellows connections and/or flexible tubing, including reinforced tubing, that permit mutual angular and linear relative displacement of the connected parts of the structure, which is made with additional brackets for mounting its parts in transport position onto the vacuum chamber and the saddle support, and furthermore the fittings are also equipped with additional brackets for mounting them to the vacuum chamber in transport position, while the vacuum chamber saddle support with legs secured on the platform are equipped with additional fasteners for mounting other parts of the facility in transport position onto said saddle support and are installed on one or more vibration-absorbing elements preventing the transmission of vibration loads from a vehicle or from other parts of the facility to the parts of the facility that are disposed on the vibration-absorbing elements.