Modular Antenna Interface System for Satellite Platforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna reflectors for satellites require numerous complex assemblies, specific designs, and multiple interfaces, leading to high costs and complexity in production and deployment.
Innovation Solution
A modular interface system comprising a multi-legged structure with screw connections and ball joints, allowing for adjustable and adaptable attachment to both the satellite platform and the antenna reflector, eliminating the need for a traditional rear structure and incorporating damper elements for mechanical and thermal stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional antenna reflector design with multiple assemblies and specific one-off designs is used, then mechanical and functional performance is ensured, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interface system is divided into modular components: interface parts for platform connection, multi-legged structures with adjustable legs, and link assemblies. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each module while maintaining overall system performance, reducing complexity through standardized interchangeable units.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular interface system with multi-legged structures and adjustable links serves multiple functions: mechanical support, positioning, alignment, and adaptation to different reflector configurations. This universal design replaces multiple specialized assemblies with a single versatile interface system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specific assemblies and one-off designs are used, then interface requirements are satisfied, but manufacturing cost and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized modular interface system can be universally applied to different satellite platforms and antenna configurations through adjustable multi-legged structures and interchangeable link assemblies, eliminating the need for custom-designed assemblies for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface system allows parameter adjustment through variable leg lengths, adjustable link positions, and configurable connection points, enabling adaptation to different interface requirements without changing the fundamental design or incurring additional manufacturing costs.
3Strength
If traditional rigid rear structure is used, then structural connection is ensured, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional monolithic rear structure is replaced by segmented multi-legged interface structures with independent links, allowing distributed structural support while reducing overall complexity and enabling easier assembly and adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface system incorporates adjustable and movable elements within the rear structure, allowing dynamic adaptation to manufacturing tolerances and thermal expansion, while maintaining structural integrity through configurable connection geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
The modular interface system comprises an interface part intended to be mechanically connected to a mechanical element forming part of a platform of a space craft, a multi-pronged structure provided, at a first end, with at least three feet and configured to form a mechanical link between, on the one hand, the interface part arranged at a second end opposite the first end and, on the other hand, respectively, a plurality of junction elements, each junction element being connected to one of the feet of the multi-pronged structure with which it is associated, and the junction elements being intended to be mechanically connected to a rear face of the antenna reflector.