Panel Satellite Multi-Network Redundancy

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional artificial satellites with panel-type structures lack network connectivity, leading to inefficient thermal control and limited 'Plug and Play' capabilities, resulting in high production costs and reduced utility.

Innovation Solution

A panel-type artificial satellite system where multiple satellites are connected through a multi-network configuration, including a communicating network, heat pipe for thermal energy distribution, and battery supplying line, enabling flexible operation and redundancy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If devices are provided at each panel with one-to-one network connection, then each panel can operate independently, but network communication and Plug and Play operation cannot be accomplished

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePlug and Play operation capabilityVSAvoidnetwork connection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The satellite system is segmented into multiple independent panel-type satellites, each capable of autonomous operation. This segmentation enables modular deployment where panels can be independently manufactured, tested, and launched, then connected in space to form a complete satellite system with network communication capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each panel-type satellite is designed with universal interfaces and standardized connection protocols that enable multiple functions: independent operation mode, networked communication mode, and flexible reconfiguration. The same panel can serve different roles depending on its connection status and mission requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Temperature

If heat pipe is connected with one-to-one network, then thermal control can be implemented, but thermal connections cannot form a network and remain complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal control capabilityVSAvoidthermal connection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple heat pipe systems from different panels are merged into a unified thermal network. The heat pipes are designed with compatible interfaces that allow them to be connected in series or parallel configurations, forming an integrated thermal management system that simplifies the overall thermal control architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The thermal network is designed to achieve equipotential thermal distribution across the satellite system. By creating a unified thermal potential field through the heat pipe network, temperature equilibrium is maintained across all panels without requiring complex individual control mechanisms for each panel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional cube-shaped satellite structure is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but production cost is high and development time is long

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoiddevelopment speed and cost efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The satellite system is divided into multiple standardized panel modules that can be manufactured independently using identical or similar processes. This segmentation enables parallel production, reducing overall development time and allowing for economies of scale that lower per-unit costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design parameters of the panel modules are standardized to enable rapid manufacturing and assembly. By fixing key parameters such as interface dimensions, connection protocols, and module configurations, the system achieves ease of manufacture while maintaining flexibility in overall system configuration and deployment scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 multi-network configuration enhances performance, allows for flexible operation, and maintains system functionality even if individual components fail, reducing production costs and expanding utility.

Implementation Method 1

the multi network as claimed in claim 1 is a heat pipe for providing thermal energy among tools which are installed in each of the respective panel type artificial satellites

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat pipe: Heat Pipe

Data Source

PatentEP2386489B1Panel type artificial satellite and artificial satellite system therewith
Publication Date: 2019.02.06 MITSUBISHI HEAVY IND LTD
  • EP2386489B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(b)
  • EP2386489B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2386489B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An artificial satellite system (200) comprises at least two panel type artificial satellites (100) closely connected with a plurality kind of multi networks and the minimum necessary essential tools for one artificial satellite installed on a substrate of each panel type artificial satellites (100), wherein the multi networks(N1, N2, N3) are formed by a communicating network for communicating data among data processing tools installed on each the panel type artificial satellites (100), a heat pipe for providing thermal energy among tools installed on each the panel type artificial satellites (100) and a battery supplying line for connecting battery controlling devices installed in the each panel type artificial satellite so that the artificial satellite system (200) can maintain higher and various controlling performance with a back-up effect of the multi network in the case that any function tool is damaged in one of the panel type artificial satellite (100).