Pantograph Support Ring for Compact Conical Antenna Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical support ring structures for deployable space reflector antennas and solar sails have complex deployment mechanisms, leading to reduced deployment accuracy and reliability, and increased size and mass when folded, especially for conical shapes.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical support ring structure with a ring-shaped pantograph comprising circumferentially arranged pantograph sections and support rods, where each pantograph section has crosswise intersecting rods with adjustable ratios between distances, allowing deployment into both cylindrical and conical shapes without additional complex connecting sections, using telescopic mechanisms or sliding joints for efficient deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a double-pantograph mechanism with intercrossing pantograph lever pairs is used to achieve conical shape deployment, then the deployed structure can achieve conical shape, but the folded state becomes larger in size and more complex in structure
Solution Approach 1:
The pantograph mechanism is divided into multiple independent pantograph sections arranged circumferentially, each section being deployable independently. This segmentation allows the structure to be folded more compactly while maintaining the ability to form conical shapes when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The pantograph sections are designed with movable and fixed hinges that allow dynamic transformation between folded and deployed states. The ratio between distances from crossing position to attachment positions can be altered during deployment, enabling shape transformation without increasing folded state volume.
2Stability of the object's composition
If additional connecting sections are added to connect separate pantograph mechanisms, then the ring-shaped support structure can be formed, but the deployment process becomes more complex and requires multiple stages
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pantograph sections are merged into a single ring-shaped pantograph structure where each section is integrated with adjacent sections through shared support rods and hinges. This merging eliminates the need for separate connecting sections and enables single-stage deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
Each pantograph section serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables deployment motion, and contributes to forming both cylindrical and conical shapes. The universal design of sections allows them to work together without additional specialized connecting components.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact folded state is achieved with smaller size, then the structure can be efficiently stowed in spacecraft, but the deployment accuracy and reliability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pantograph mechanism is designed with built-in geometric constraints and hinge configurations that guide the deployment process. The alterable distance ratios are predetermined in the design, providing inherent guidance that ensures accurate deployment without requiring complex control systems, thus maintaining high deployment accuracy despite compact folding.
4Shape
If multiple separate pantograph mechanisms are used, then the deployed structure can achieve desired shape, but the overall structure becomes heavier and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pantograph mechanisms are merged into a unified ring-shaped structure where components are shared between sections. Support rods, hinges, and connecting elements are common to adjacent sections, eliminating redundancy and reducing overall weight while maintaining the ability to achieve desired deployed shapes.
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
Enables reliable, accurate, and efficient deployment into various shapes with reduced size and mass in the folded state, providing high stability and stiffness in the deployed state, suitable for diverse space and ground applications.
Implementation Method 1
a ring-shaped pantograph having a plurality of circumferentially arranged pantograph sections which are deployable for converting the mechanical support ring structure from the folded state into the deployed state
Implementation Method 2
using telescopic mechanisms or sliding joints for efficient deployment
Implementation Method 3
using telescopic mechanisms or sliding joints for efficient deployment
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical support ring structure for supporting a deployable space reflector antenna. The mechanical support ring structure is convertible from a folded state into a deployed state and includes a ring-shaped pantograph having a plurality of circumferentially arranged pantograph sections which are deployable for converting the mechanical support ring structure from the folded state into the deployed state, and a plurality of circumferentially arranged support rods, each pantograph section being arranged between a respective pair of support rods, wherein each pantograph section includes one or more pairs of pantograph rods which intersect crosswise with each other at a respective crossing position.