Optical Grid Relative Navigation for Spacecraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current relative navigation systems face challenges in accurately determining the range and relative attitude between moving objects in harsh environments, such as space satellite capture and servicing, and require minimal form factor and high reliability, while also being cost-effective for applications like autonomous vehicle navigation.
Innovation Solution
A method using a grid generator to project intersecting lines into space, detected by multiple non-collinear detector modules, which encode information for determining the range and attitude between objects, enabling precise navigation and course corrections through processing of the detected grid words.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional relative navigation systems are used to determine range and attitude between moving objects, then measurement capability is provided, but system weight and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical navigation sensors with an optical system. A radiation emitter projects modulated radiation carrying location signals, and a detector receives these signals to determine range and attitude. This optical substitution eliminates heavy mechanical components while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates an optical copy of the spatial relationship between objects through projected radiation patterns. The radiation emitter projects intersecting lines that form a spatial grid, and the detector receives this optical information to reconstruct position and orientation data without physical contact or mechanical measurement devices.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive navigation sensors are installed to measure both range and attitude, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation emitter performs multiple functions: it projects the spatial grid for range measurement, provides attitude reference through modulated radiation patterns, and enables both objects to navigate relative to each other. This single device replaces what would traditionally require separate sensors for range finding, orientation, and attitude measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The modulated radiation serves as an intermediary carrier that encodes spatial information. The radiation pattern intersects with detector elements to provide both range and attitude data through a single measurement interface, simplifying the overall system architecture compared to multiple dedicated sensors.
3Weight of moving object
If minimal form factor navigation systems are used to reduce weight, then weight constraints are satisfied, but reliability in harsh environments decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical radiation-based system replaces mechanical sensors that are vulnerable to harsh environments. The radiation emitter and detector have no moving parts, making them resistant to vibration, shock, and extreme temperatures while maintaining minimal weight. The electromagnetic radiation itself is unaffected by environmental conditions.
4Measurement precision
If advanced navigation systems are deployed for autonomous vehicle navigation, then navigation accuracy improves, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses optical radiation patterns as information carriers instead of expensive specialized sensors. The modulated radiation creates a virtual measurement field that can be detected by standard detector elements, providing advanced navigation capability at lower cost by replacing expensive hardware with optical information processing.
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 approach allows for accurate and reliable determination of range and attitude, facilitating proper orientation and docking of objects, even in harsh environments, with a compact and cost-effective navigation system suitable for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
A method using a grid generator to project intersecting lines into space, detected by multiple non-collinear detector modules
Implementation Method 2
detected by multiple non-collinear detector modules, which encode information for determining the range and attitude between objects
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of providing a relative navigation system by projecting into space from a first object (120) a grid (170, 190) that is repeatedly detected from a second object (110) having a second relative reference frame (114) associated with a second origin point (112) on the second object (110) and using range and attitude between the objects to adjust the attitude or range of at least one of the first (120) and second (110) objects.