Nested Mast Pushing Mechanism for Satellite Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pushing-out apparatuses for extendible masts are not sufficiently miniaturized, making them unsuitable for mounting on small moving objects like artificial satellites or spaceships, where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus integrates a mast storing unit and a mast pushing-out unit, where the mast pushing-out unit is stored within the mast storing unit, allowing the mast pushing-out unit to be moved to a projecting position outside, thereby extending the folded trusses without increasing the overall dimensions, and utilizing a mast pushing-out driving unit that aligns with the mast storing unit to maintain miniaturization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the mast pushing-out unit is adjoined and fixed to the mast storing unit externally, then the pushing-out function is achieved, but the overall apparatus size increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The mast pushing-out unit is stored inside the mast storing unit in a nested configuration, allowing the pushing-out mechanism to be compactly integrated without increasing the overall apparatus volume. The pushing-out unit can be moved to a projecting position when needed, maintaining both compact storage and functional capability.
2Volume of moving object
If the apparatus is miniaturized for space-constrained mounting, then the volume is reduced, but the complexity of integrating the pushing-out mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mast pushing-out unit and mast storing unit are merged into a single integrated apparatus where the pushing-out unit is stored within the storing unit. This combination eliminates the need for separate external mounting of the pushing-out mechanism, reducing overall volume while maintaining functionality through intelligent spatial integration.
3Length of stationary object
If the outer dimensions are kept minimal, then the apparatus can be mounted on small moving objects, but the mast cannot be extended without increasing dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus transitions from a static compact storage configuration to a dynamic extended configuration. The mast pushing-out unit is movable, allowing it to be positioned at a projecting location outside the storing unit during mast extension, enabling the mast to extend beyond the original apparatus boundaries without permanently increasing its stored dimensions.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~4
AI summary
A pushing-out apparatus (10) for an extendible mast incudes a mast storing unit (30), a mast pushing-out unit (40) and a mast pushing-out driving unit (50). The storing unit stores an extendible mast (20) including stages of foldable trusses in a state that the stages are folded. The pushing-out unit is stored in the storing unit around the stage-folded mast stored in the storing unit. The driving unit moves the pushing-out unit to a projecting position in an outside of the storing unit while the stages of the mast are folded, sequentially extend out the folded stages of the mast stored in the storing unit by the pushing-out unit from the storing unit and push out the extended stages from the pushing-out unit of the projecting position in a side of the pushing-out unit opposing to the storing unit.