Modular Spacecraft Bus with Wireless Interchangeable Housing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current spacecraft designs are inflexible and costly due to bespoke structures, leading to slow adaptation to new technologies and mission requirements, with issues related to connector compatibility, mass constraints, and the inability to reuse or interchange subsystems or payloads, resulting in prolonged mission delays and frequent replacements.

Innovation Solution

A modular, reusable spacecraft design featuring a scalable bus structure with interchangeable housing components and wireless communication systems, allowing for rapid assembly, testing, and on-orbit servicing, with standardized electrical/power transfer interfaces and propulsion systems for adaptability and future technological advancements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If bespoke spacecraft designs are used to carry out single missions, then each mission can be customized, but the spacecraft cannot be reused or adapted to new technologies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to new technologiesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The spacecraft is divided into modular subsystems (power, propulsion, communication, etc.) that can be independently manufactured, tested, and assembled. Each module can be reused across different missions, eliminating the need for complete redesigns while maintaining customization capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Standardized interfaces and connectors are implemented across all subsystems, creating a universal platform that can accommodate various payloads and mission requirements. The same bus structure can support different mission configurations without requiring full redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If standardized modular spacecraft are used, then reusability and adaptability improve, but connector compatibility and mass constraints limit future technological advancements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereusability and adaptabilityVSAvoidconnector compatibility complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A universal connector design is implemented that can accommodate multiple data protocols and power requirements through software configuration rather than physical redesign. This single connector type replaces numerous specialized connectors while maintaining compatibility with diverse subsystems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector system uses programmable parameters to adapt to different communication protocols and power requirements. By changing software parameters rather than physical hardware, the same connector can support evolving technologies without adding mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If bespoke spacecraft designs are used, then mission-specific requirements are met, but late stage manufacturing changes are extremely costly and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemission-specific customizationVSAvoidmission delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The spacecraft architecture separates mission-specific payload modules from the standardized bus. Payloads can be developed, tested, and integrated independently, allowing late-stage mission changes without affecting the core spacecraft systems and minimizing delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized bus and subsystems are pre-integrated and tested before final payload attachment. This preliminary preparation allows rapid accommodation of late-stage mission changes, as the core spacecraft is already ready and only requires payload integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If modular spacecraft with varying connectors are used, then different technologies can be supported, but on-orbit servicing becomes significantly more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetechnology diversity supportVSAvoidon-orbit servicing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

A single universal connector design supports multiple communication protocols and power standards through software configuration. This eliminates the need for servicing vehicles to carry multiple connector types and complex end-effector tools, greatly simplifying on-orbit maintenance and technology refresh operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11878816B2Reusable modular spacecraft and related systems

Publication Date: 2024.01.23 WEINTRAUB SCOTT

AI summary

A reusable modular spacecraft has a spacecraft bus structure configured to support spacecraft subsystems, at least one interchangeable housing component configured to be interchangeably received and supported by the bus structure, and a wireless system configured to permit wireless communication between the at least one interchangeable housing component and spacecraft subsystems supported by the bus structure. In embodiments of the spacecraft, the wireless system includes a wireless hub and a wireless coordinator for wireless transmission of data between the at least one interchangeable housing component and the spacecraft subsystems. An electrical/power transfer interface unit is provided to the at least one interchangeable housing component for transferring electricity, power, data and/or providing thermal management and control.