Modular Curved Lattice Assembly With Identical Polygon Trusses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current space systems face challenges in assembly and manufacturing due to finite payload volume and mass constraints, especially for non-planar structures like telescopes and radars, which cannot be constructed from a single shape, complicating manufacturing and launch integration.
Innovation Solution
A method for subdividing a planar surface into a standard shape and mapping it to a curved surface using a truss support module with identical regular polygon shapes, such as equilateral triangles, and optimizing nodal positions to form a curved lattice pattern with non-uniform gaps and connectors, allowing assembly of complex structures like telescopes from individual modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If current space systems are launched as a single system, then payload volume and mass constraints are imposed, but assembly and manufacturing complexity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The space system is divided into multiple identical modular units that can be manufactured separately and launched independently. Each module contains standardized components that can be assembled in space to form the complete system, thereby reducing individual payload mass constraints while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Identical modular units are designed with universal interfaces and standardized components that can serve multiple functions. The same basic module structure supports various space system configurations, reducing overall device complexity through reuse of proven designs across multiple modules.
2Volume of moving object
If space systems are assembled on orbit from multiple launches, then payload volume and mass constraints are overcome, but assembly complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into identical modules that can be launched separately within payload volume constraints. The modular design enables on-orbit assembly by bringing together standardized components that interface through universal connections, overcoming volume limitations while controlling assembly complexity through repetition of proven module designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the scale parameter by designing modules that can be assembled into arbitrarily large structures. By maintaining identical module dimensions and using standardized interfaces, the system can achieve large overall volumes through numerical aggregation of modules rather than requiring large individual payload volumes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-planar structures like telescopes and radars are constructed, then functional capability is improved, but manufacturing and assembly complexity increases due to inability to construct from single shape
Solution Approach 1:
Non-planar structures are constructed by assembling multiple identical planar modules in three-dimensional configurations. Each module maintains a simple planar geometry for ease of manufacturing, while the overall non-planar structure emerges from the spatial arrangement of modules, thereby achieving functional capability without increasing individual module manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional planar modules to three-dimensional non-planar structures by stacking and arranging identical modules in vertical and horizontal dimensions. This dimensional transformation enables telescopes, radars, and other complex geometries while maintaining simple identical module designs that can be manufactured using standard processes.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for mapping a planar surface to a curved surface. One such method comprises providing a planar lattice pattern having identical regular polygon shapes which can be truss support modules for supporting a curved surface structure. Method further include determining respective positions of the nodal points of the identical polygon shapes by placing a starting nodal point on an axis of symmetry of the planar lattice pattern and iteratively positioning each nodal point in relation to already placed neighboring nodes to make a distance between a currently positioned nodal point optimally close with a set value of the planar lattice pattern. Method still further comprises forming a curved lattice pattern of the truss support module based on the positions of the nodal points of the identical polygon shapes.