Modular Solar Array Support Structure for In-Space Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Space solar arrays face constraints due to deployment requirements from Earth, leading to over-design and increased costs of transport spacecraft, and there is a need for structures that can be efficiently assembled and optimized in space.
Innovation Solution
A support structure comprising a truss and a plate with polygonal panels, allowing for modular assembly in space using additive manufacturing, incorporating metamaterials for high stiffness and damping properties, and enabling scalable power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If solar arrays are designed for deployment from Earth, then they can be transported and deployed, but the transport spacecraft requires over-design and increased costs
Solution Approach 1:
The solar array support structure is divided into multiple modular panels that can be assembled in space. Each panel is a self-contained unit with standardized interfaces, allowing the array to be constructed from smaller components rather than requiring a single large pre-assembled structure. This segmentation enables more efficient transport and reduces the mass requirements for the transport spacecraft.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar array panels are designed to nest within each other or within the transport spacecraft during launch. The modular panels can be stored in a compact configuration and then deployed and assembled in space, eliminating the need for oversized transport spacecraft and reducing launch mass requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If solar arrays are designed for deployment from Earth, then they can be transported, but the structure requires over-design leading to increased costs
Solution Approach 1:
The modular panels are designed with universal interfaces and standardized connection mechanisms that can accommodate different panel configurations and orientations. This universality allows the same basic panel design to be used in various arrangements, providing deployment flexibility without requiring multiple specialized component types, thus reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar array structure incorporates movable and adjustable components that allow panels to be positioned and oriented dynamically in space. Rather than requiring a fixed, over-designed rigid structure, the panels can be adjusted to optimal positions after deployment, reducing the need for complex structural reinforcement while maintaining adaptability.
3Reliability
If traditional solar array structures are used, then they can support solar cells, but they are not optimized for space environments and increase production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure utilizes materials and geometric parameters optimized for the space environment, including resistance to thermal cycling, vacuum conditions, and radiation. The modular panel design with specific structural parameters enables reliable operation in space while simplifying manufacturing processes and reducing production costs compared to traditional Earth-optimized structures.
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 solution enables mass-efficient, high-precision, stable, and resilient solar support structures optimized for space environments, reducing production costs and extending power generation capacity.
Implementation Method 1
Each beam of the plurality of beams includes an elastic material and a dissipative or dampening material periodically disposed within the elastic material. The dissipative or dampening material is viscoelastic.
Implementation Method 2
The dissipative or dampening material is viscoelastic
Data Source
AI summary
A support structure for a plurality of solar cells includes a truss and a plate engaged with the truss. The plate includes a plurality of polygonal panels. The plurality of polygonal panels are arranged such that the plate has a non-planar surface. Each polygonal panel of the plurality of polygonal panels is configured to support at least one solar cell of the plurality of solar cells.