Modular CubeSat Chassis Structure for Larger Payloads and Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CubeSats face challenges in increasing volume while maintaining structural integrity, limiting their capabilities such as payload size and maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
A large-scale CubeSat chassis with specific structural features, including interior trusses and plate partitions, providing enhanced structural support and allowing for a volume increase to at least 27 U, enabling larger payloads and improved maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the CubeSat volume is increased to enhance payload capacity and capabilities, then the payload size and diversity improve, but the structural integrity greatly decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The CubeSat chassis is divided into multiple 1U modules that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. Each module maintains standard structural properties while the segmented design allows the overall satellite to achieve larger volume (up to 27U) without compromising structural integrity, as each segment can be optimized independently and connected through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures in the chassis design, combining different materials with complementary properties to achieve both the required volume and structural strength. The composite construction allows for optimized mechanical properties while maintaining the larger volume necessary for enhanced payload capacity.
2Measurement precision
If the CubeSat volume is increased to accommodate larger payloads, then the focal length and optical resolution improve, but the structural stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical payload and its support structure are segmented into modular components that can be independently optimized. This allows the focal length and optical resolution to be enhanced through larger, more sophisticated optical systems while the segmented chassis maintains structural stability through standardized connection points and distributed load paths.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the CubeSat chassis are designed with locally optimized properties - areas supporting optical payloads have enhanced local structural quality and stiffness, while other regions are optimized for different functions. This local quality differentiation allows high optical resolution capabilities without compromising overall structural stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the CubeSat volume is increased to improve fuel capacity and maneuverability, then the orbital change capability improves, but the structural integrity under launch loads decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system and fuel tanks are integrated into modular segments that can be independently optimized for maneuverability and orbital change capabilities. The segmented chassis design with standardized connection points ensures that the larger volume necessary for increased fuel capacity does not compromise structural integrity under launch loads, as each segment can be designed to withstand specific load conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to large-scale CubeSat chassis and methods of making and using same. The disclosed CubeSat comprises specific structural features that can yield up to at least a 27 U CubeSat that has comparable or even better performance and benefits than that of smaller CubeSats. Such volume increase coupled with the structural integrity of Applicants' CubeSats opens up a wide range of CubeSat performance increases including, but not limited to, larger payloads, more diverse payloads and larger CubeSat fuel capacities. Such increased payload capabilities includes, for example, increased focal length capabilities and such improved maneuverability results in, for example, decreased ground sample distance, increased optical resolution, increased ability to change orbits, increased structural stability. In addition, the judicious selection of such specific structural features can result increased payload capabilities and improved maneuverability.