Mother Probe Annular Segments for Daughter Probe Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spatial mission systems require complex structures and significant trajectory corrections to release multiple probes from a carrier vehicle, leading to increased fuel consumption and mass, as well as symmetry variations that complicate the release process.
Innovation Solution
A system where daughter probes are aligned along the longitudinal axis of a mother probe, attached via annular segments with collars and cylindrical hood elements for protection, allowing for successive releases with minimal attitude adjustments and reduced propellant needs, using a thrust mechanism at the interface between collars and probes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If daughter probes are placed around the carrier vehicle in clusters, then multiple probes can be released, but the system requires complex trajectory corrections and attitude modifications for each separation
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the daughter probes into a linear sequence along the longitudinal axis, with each probe supported by separate annular segments. This segmentation allows independent release of each probe without requiring complex carrier vehicle attitude modifications, as the linear arrangement maintains system symmetry during successive separations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a radial/cluster arrangement of probes around the carrier to a longitudinal linear arrangement along the carrier's axis. This dimensional change from radial to axial configuration simplifies the release mechanism by maintaining rotational symmetry, eliminating the need for complex attitude corrections between successive probe separations.
2Quantity of substance
If daughter probes are arranged in clusters around the carrier vehicle, then multiple probes can be deployed, but the carrier vehicle diameter and mass increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier vehicle structure is segmented into multiple annular segments along the longitudinal axis, each supporting a daughter probe. This segmentation allows a compact linear configuration that minimizes the carrier's overall diameter and mass while accommodating multiple probes, compared to the radial cluster arrangement.
3Quantity of substance
If daughter probes are released from clustered positions, then multiple probes can be separated, but symmetry variations complicate the release process and increase fuel requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging daughter probes along the longitudinal axis rather than in radial clusters, the system maintains rotational symmetry throughout the release sequence. This symmetry preservation eliminates the need for fuel-consuming attitude correction maneuvers between successive probe separations, reducing overall fuel consumption.
4Quantity of substance
If complex carrier vehicle structures are used to hold clustered probes, then multiple probes can be released, but the release procedure becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier vehicle is divided into discrete annular segments along the longitudinal axis, each independently supporting a daughter probe. This segmented structure simplifies the release procedure, as each segment can be jettisoned independently with minimal attitude adjustments, compared to complex clustered arrangements requiring coordinated multi-probe releases.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a mother probe forming a carrier space vehicle (1) and a plurality of daughter probes (2a, 2b, 2c) aligned in a longitudinal axis (A) of the mother probe, in which the attachment of the daughter probes to the mother probe is carried out by a plurality of probe-supporting annular segments (5a, 5b, 5c) each provided with an annular collar (3a, 3b, 3c) for attaching a daughter probe.