Monolithic Thermomechanical Focal Plane Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal control solutions for focal planes in space observation instruments are complex and costly, requiring numerous assembled parts, which complicates integration and increases production costs while compromising thermal performance.
Innovation Solution
A thermoregulated thermomechanical structure with a reduced number of parts, featuring a metallic design with a heat energy transport cavity using a phase change fluid and a heat energy storage cavity, both integrated into a monolithic block, providing direct thermal transport and enhanced thermal stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a complex assembly of mechanical and thermal parts is used for the focal plane, then thermal control performance can be achieved, but the integration process becomes long and delicate and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges mechanical support and thermal control functions into a single integrated focal plane structure. The metallic focal plane incorporates heat energy transport cavities with phase change fluid and heat energy storage cavities with phase change material directly within its structure, eliminating the need for separate mechanical and thermal assemblies. This integration reduces the number of parts from twenty or more to a single monolithic component, simplifying the integration process while maintaining effective thermal control.
2Temperature
If multiple assembled parts are used for the focal plane, then thermal control can be provided, but production costs increase and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple functional components into a single metallic focal plane structure manufactured by additive layer manufacturing. The structure integrates detector support interfaces, heat energy transport cavities with phase change fluid, heat energy storage cavities with phase change material, and radiators into one monolithic block, eliminating the need to assemble twenty or more separate parts including ceramic plates, heat pipes, and electronic equipment housings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs additive layer manufacturing (3D printing) to create the focal plane structure, representing a fundamental change in the manufacturing parameter from traditional subtractive or assembly-based methods. This manufacturing approach enables the creation of complex internal cavities and integrated structures that would be difficult or impossible to produce through conventional assembly processes, thereby simplifying production while maintaining thermal control performance.
3Temperature
If heat pipes and multiple thermal components are assembled, then thermal transport can be achieved, but the number of parts increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates heat energy transport cavities containing phase change fluid and heat energy storage cavities containing phase change material directly into the metallic focal plane structure. This eliminates the need for separate heat pipes and thermal components that require assembly, reducing the number of parts from twenty or more to a single integrated structure. The direct integration removes potential failure points associated with multiple assembled thermal components while maintaining effective thermal transport to detectors and radiators.
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
This solution simplifies the integration process, reduces production costs, and achieves equivalent or better thermal and mechanical performance compared to existing solutions, with potential weight savings of over 5% and improved signal quality from detectors.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first heat energy transport cavity via a phase change fluid that is in the liquid or gaseous state, said first cavity extending partially within said radiator and providing direct thermal transport between said first interface and said radiator
Implementation Method 2
at least one second heat energy storage cavity encapsulating a phase change material that is in the solid or liquid state
Implementation Method 3
at least one radiator for dissipating heat into the space environment
Data Source
AI summary
A thermoregulated thermomechanical structure for a focal plane suitable for operating in a space environment is disclosed having an interface for supporting dissipative electronic equipment, the structure being monolithic, metallic and including a radiator and a first two-phase heat-transfer fluid transport cavity, extending within the radiator and providing direct thermal transport between the interface and the radiator. The structure also includes a second cavity encapsulating a phase change material.