Nanosatellite Solar Panel Deployment Hinge Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Nanosatellites face challenges in power supply and energy generation due to the lack of a sufficiently powerful power supply system and energy storage system.

Innovation Solution

A deployable solar panel system for nanosatellites, featuring a fixing connection for holding solar panels in a folded state and a hinged connection forming a common platform, allowing for deployment and use as a single unit, maximizing area while minimizing occupied space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If solar panels are deployed to increase power generation area, then energy generation capability is improved, but the occupied space and structural complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy generation capabilityVSAvoidoccupied space

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The solar panel system is divided into multiple individual panels that can be independently folded and deployed. Each panel is a separate unit that can be stored compactly and then expanded to form a large collective surface area, resolving the contradiction between small storage volume and large operational area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solar panels are designed to nest within each other when folded, with smaller panels fitting inside larger ones. This nesting arrangement minimizes the volume occupied during storage while allowing full deployment of all panels when power generation is needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If solar panels are folded to minimize occupied space, then volume is reduced, but the ability to deploy as a single unit is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoccupied spaceVSAvoidstructural unity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple solar panels are mechanically connected through a common hinge mechanism that allows them to move as a single unified structure. The hinge assembly integrates all panels so that when deployed, they form a stable, unified solar array rather than separate floating panels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge mechanism serves as an intermediary structure that connects individual solar panels to each other and to the satellite body. This intermediate component enables the panels to maintain relative positions and structural integrity during both folded and deployed states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Power

If multiple solar panels are connected to maximize area, then energy generation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy generationVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a connection point for solar panels, provides a folding joint for compact storage, enables deployment motion, and maintains structural alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

All solar panels use identical hinge mechanisms and connection interfaces, creating a homogeneous repeating unit. This standardization simplifies the overall system design, as the same component design can be replicated multiple times rather than creating unique connections for each panel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

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 system enables the connection of multiple solar panels as a single solar array, achieving maximum effective area with minimal occupied space, addressing the power supply challenges faced by nanosatellites.

Implementation Method 1

a primary torsion spring is centrally mounted, to which central double-walled axis a second arm and a first arm are connected in series

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Implementation Method 2

The ratchet gear is in contact with a support pin under the influence of a secondary torsion spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Data Source

PatentUS12263960B2System for deployable solar panels for nanosatellites

Publication Date: 2025.04.01 ENDUROSAT

AI summary

This invention relates to a system for deploying solar panels for nanosatellites, which will find application in science, in space research, and in particular in the equipment of nanosatellites of the CubeSats type. The developed system for deploying solar panels for nanosatellites consists of a fixing connection (11) for keeping the solar panels in a folded state and a hinged connection (10) for forming the solar panels in a common platform. The hinged connection (10) is formed as a hinge, including a central double-walled axis (9), on which a primary torsion spring (4) is centrally mounted, to which central double-walled axis (9) also the second arm (8) and the first arm (7) are connected in series. At one end of the central double-walled axle (9) are made channels for fixing by means of locking rings (6) of a ratchet gear (1), constantly in contact with a support pin (5) under the influence of a secondary torsion spring (3) mounted on axle (2), which is mounted to the first arm (7).