Modular Satellite Structures with Integrated Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite structures, particularly 'smallsats' or 'cubesats', face limitations in adaptability, mass, and susceptibility to electromagnetic fields and temperature variations in orbit, as well as complexity in construction and wiring, making it difficult to modify or create complete satellite structures on demand.
Innovation Solution
A modular satellite structure composed of plastic structural elements with integrated electric circuits and connection means, such as mechanical slots, anchoring elements, and conductive coatings, allowing for assembly and modification in orbit and effective shielding against electromagnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal satellite structure is used, then mechanical strength is improved, but mass increases and electromagnetic field susceptibility worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material structures combining plastic structural elements with integrated conductive coatings or electric circuits. This allows achieving the required mechanical strength through optimized composite design while maintaining low mass characteristic of plastic materials and providing electromagnetic shielding through the conductive components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into the structural elements: the plastic body provides mechanical support and low mass, while integrated conductive coatings or electric circuits provide electromagnetic shielding. This combination eliminates the need for separate metal shielding components, reducing overall mass while maintaining strength.
2Strength
If metal satellite structure is used, then mechanical strength is improved, but electromagnetic field susceptibility worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The composite structure integrates plastic structural elements with conductive materials (coatings or circuits) to simultaneously achieve mechanical strength and electromagnetic shielding. The conductive components form Faraday cage-like structures that shield sensitive electronics from electromagnetic fields while the plastic matrix provides mechanical integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive coatings or integrated circuits act as intermediary shielding layers between external electromagnetic fields and internal sensitive electronics. These intermediary structures provide electromagnetic protection without requiring the entire satellite structure to be metal, thus maintaining mechanical strength through the plastic framework.
3Weight of moving object
If plastic satellite structure is used, then mass is reduced, but electromagnetic field shielding worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines plastic structural elements with integrated conductive coatings or electric circuits within the same components. This merging allows the structure to maintain the low mass advantage of plastic while incorporating electromagnetic shielding functionality through the conductive elements, eliminating the trade-off between mass and shielding.
4Adaptability or versatility
If modular structural elements are used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the satellite structure into modular structural elements that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. Each module contains integrated features (cavities, connection points, conductive coatings) that simplify the overall assembly process. The segmentation enables adaptability through reconfiguration of modules while the standardized interfaces reduce construction complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular structural elements are designed with universal features such as standardized connection interfaces, integrated cavities for electronics, and built-in conductive coatings for shielding. This multi-functionality allows the same basic module type to serve multiple purposes (structural support, electromagnetic shielding, electronic housing), reducing the variety of unique components needed and simplifying construction.
Data Source
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AI summary
Structured set (10) suitable to make modular satellite structures (20), flat or three- dimensional, which is able to shield electromagnetic fields and/or variations in temperature in orbit, comprising a plurality of structural elements (11) and a modular satellite structure (20) made with said structural elements (11) of the structured set (10). The present invention also concerns a method to make a satellite structure (20).