Monolithic Satellite Panel with Lattice Core
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite panels face mechanical and thermal challenges due to the use of adhesives, which deteriorate thermal performance, induce mechanical stresses, and require costly and toxic surface treatments, while also being time-consuming and prone to bubble formation during deposition.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece satellite panel structure comprising two skins separated by a three-dimensional lattice core with varying density, integrated channels, and auxetic properties, manufactured using additive synthesis methods to eliminate the need for adhesives and enhance mechanical and thermal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If adhesives are used to assemble satellite panel components, then mechanical assembly is achieved, but thermal performance deteriorates due to increased thermal resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the skin and core into a single monolithic component manufactured by additive synthesis, eliminating the adhesive layer that causes thermal resistance. The skin and core are integrated as one continuous material structure, allowing direct thermal contact without intermediate adhesive layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive layer is completely removed from the structure. Instead of using adhesives to bond the skin to the core, the invention extracts this intermediate layer and replaces it with a direct monolithic integration through additive manufacturing, eliminating the thermal barrier.
2Strength
If adhesives are used to bond structural materials, then mechanical connection is achieved, but mechanical stresses increase due to differential thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The skin and core are combined into a single monolithic component with uniform material properties throughout. This eliminates the interface between dissimilar materials (adhesive and metal) that causes differential thermal expansion, as the entire structure expands and contracts uniformly as one piece.
3Reliability
If surface treatments are applied to metal substrates for adhesive bonding, then bonding reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The surface treatment step is completely removed from the manufacturing process. Since no adhesives are used, the metal surfaces do not require any special preparation or treatment, eliminating this costly and complex manufacturing step entirely.
4Stability of the object's composition
If adhesives are used for component assembly, then structural integration is achieved, but production time increases due to polymerization delays
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive application and polymerization steps are completely removed from the manufacturing process. The monolithic structure is manufactured in a single additive synthesis operation, eliminating the time required for adhesive curing and multiple assembly steps.
5Stability of the object's composition
If adhesives are used to assemble panel components, then structural assembly is achieved, but manufacturing precision decreases due to bubble formation
Solution Approach 1:
The skin and core are merged into a single monolithic component manufactured by additive synthesis, eliminating the interface where bubbles could form. The continuous manufacturing process ensures uniform material deposition without the voids and imperfections that occur during adhesive application and curing.
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 provides improved mechanical resistance, thermal management, and reduced mass, while avoiding the drawbacks of adhesive use, such as thermal resistance increase and mechanical stress, and enables efficient heat transfer and shock absorption.
Implementation Method 1
A one-piece satellite panel structure comprising two skins separated by a three-dimensional lattice core with varying density, integrated channels, and auxetic properties
Implementation Method 2
A panel can then provide support for dissipation and/or thermal control means, such as heat pipes, allowing transport and distribution of the heat produced
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~7
Figure 8~10
AI summary
The present invention is in the field of satellite panels and relates more particularly to a structure (1) for a satellite panel, comprising at least one skin (3), a core (6) arranged in a three-dimensional lattice, said lattice comprising an arrangement of meshes determined by nodes (19) and at least one first channel (9) integrated into said core (6), characterized in that said core (6), each said first channel (9) and each said skin (3) are monobloc and made of metallic, polymer or ceramic material.