Pantograph Support Ring for Deployable Space Reflector Antennas

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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 are often bulky and heavy, especially when designed for conical shapes, which complicates the folding process and stability.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical support ring structure with a ring-shaped pantograph comprising circumferentially arranged pantograph sections and support rods, where each pantograph section includes crosswise intersecting pantograph rods with adjustable ratios between distances, allowing for deployment into both cylindrical and conical shapes without additional complex connecting sections, using telescopic mechanisms or sliding joints for precise control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a conical shape is designed for the mechanical support ring structure, then the deployed shape is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional connecting sections and multi-stage deployment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployed shapeVSAvoiddeployment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pantograph sections are designed to perform multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable deployment, and determine the deployed shape (cylindrical or conical) through a single unified mechanism. The same pantograph sections can achieve different shapes by adjusting the ratio parameter, eliminating the need for separate connecting sections for different shapes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses parameter changes to achieve different deployed shapes. By changing the ratio between the first and second distances in the pantograph mechanism, the structure can be deployed into either a cylindrical shape (ratio = 1) or a conical shape (ratio ≠ 1), without requiring different mechanical components or additional connecting sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional connecting sections are added for conical deployment, then the deployed shape capability is improved, but the weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshape deployment capabilityVSAvoidstructure weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the functions of support, deployment, and shape determination into a single integrated pantograph mechanism. The connecting sections that would normally be separate components are merged with the pantograph sections themselves, which inherently provide both structural connection and shape-defining functionality through their geometric configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional connecting sections are added for conical deployment, then the deployed shape capability is improved, but the folded size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshape deployment capabilityVSAvoidfolded state size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Shape

If a two-stage deployment process is used for conical shapes, then the deployed shape is improved, but the deployment reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployed shapeVSAvoiddeployment reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The deployment process is made continuous and simplified by using the pantograph mechanism's inherent geometric properties. The structure transitions smoothly from folded to deployed state in a single action, maintaining structural integrity throughout the process, rather than requiring discrete two-stage operations with intermediate connecting sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

5Adaptability or versatility

If complex multi-component connecting sections are used, then the deployed shape capability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshape deployment capabilityVSAvoiddeployment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 efficient, accurate, and reliable deployment into various shapes with high stability and compact folding, eliminating the need for multi-component connecting sections and two-stage deployment, thus improving deployment reliability and maintaining structural integrity.

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, and a plurality of circumferentially arranged support rods

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPantograph mechanism: Pantograph

Implementation Method 2

using telescopic mechanisms or sliding joints for precise control

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTelescopic mechanism:

Implementation Method 3

using telescopic mechanisms or sliding joints for precise control

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSliding joint:

Data Source

PatentEP2825827B1Mechanical support ring structure

Publication Date: 2017.05.17 EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY

Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3C

AI summary

The present invention relates to a mechanical support ring structure 1 for supporting a deployable space reflector antenna. The mechanical support ring structure 1 is convertible from a folded state into a deployed state and comprises a ring-shaped pantograph 2A, 2B having a plurality of circumferentially arranged pantograph sections which are deployable for converting the mechanical support ring structure 1 from the folded state into the deployed state, and a plurality of circumferentially arranged support rods 3, each pantograph section being arranged between a respective pair of support rods 3a and 3b, wherein each pantograph section comprises one or more pairs of pantograph rods 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b which intersect crosswise with each other at a respective crossing position 6.