Passive Electrostatic Charge Neutralizer for Spacecraft

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Solution Overview

Problem

Spacecraft in space experience significant electrostatic charging during rendezvous and proximity operations, leading to electrostatic discharges that can damage electronics, and existing systems are inadequate to mitigate these charges effectively.

Innovation Solution

A charge-neutralization system comprising a reservoir, plasma generator, and flow-restricting transfer line that generates and applies neutral low-energy plasma to a ground plate on the spacecraft, using ionizing radiation from a radioisotope to attract charged particles and reduce electrostatic differences between the spacecraft and other objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If microwave driven xenon plasma charge couplers are installed to neutralize electrostatic charges, then electrostatic discharge protection is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrostatic discharge protectionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the active microwave-driven plasma charge coupler system with a passive electrostatic charge neutralizer that uses natural electrostatic attraction and ionization principles. The radioisotope source creates ions that are naturally attracted to charged surfaces without requiring microwave power or complex control systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining charge neutralization capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The passive electrostatic charge neutralizer operates autonomously using the natural electrostatic field around the spacecraft. The radioisotope continuously generates ions that are automatically attracted to charged surfaces based on electrostatic forces, requiring no external power source or active control, thus eliminating the need for complex power supply and control systems required by microwave-driven systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 3:

The patent changes the operational parameters from high-power microwave-driven plasma generation to low-power radioisotope-based ion generation. This parameter change transforms the system from an active, power-intensive process to a passive, self-sustaining process that relies on natural electrostatic attraction, thereby reducing both device complexity and power consumption while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If triple redundant microwave driven xenon plasma charge couplers are installed, then electrostatic discharge protection is improved, but weight and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrostatic discharge protectionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The passive electrostatic charge neutralizer uses the natural electrostatic field and radioisotope decay to generate ions that are automatically attracted to charged surfaces. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external power sources, microwave generators, and xenon gas storage systems, thereby dramatically reducing power consumption while maintaining continuous charge neutralization capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates the power-intensive microwave generation system and complex control electronics from the charge neutralization system. By using only a simple radioisotope source and passive ion collection surfaces, the system removes the need for electrical power input while maintaining the essential function of charge neutralization through natural electrostatic processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If passive electrostatic charge neutralizer is used, then power consumption and device complexity are reduced, but charge neutralization effectiveness may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidcharge neutralization effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a radioisotope as an intermediary that facilitates charge neutralization by generating ions in the surrounding environment. These ions act as mediators that are naturally attracted to charged surfaces, enabling charge transfer without requiring direct contact or complex active systems. The radioisotope continuously supplies ions to maintain effective charge neutralization passively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the ion generation mechanism from high-power microwave-driven plasma to low-power radioisotope decay. This parameter change increases the density of ions in the immediate vicinity of the spacecraft by using a localized radioisotope source, thereby enhancing charge neutralization effectiveness despite the passive nature of the system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9119277B2Passive charge neutralization system for mitigating electrostatic discharge in space

Publication Date: 2015.08.25 NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORP

AI summary

A charge-neutralization system is provided. The charge-neutralization system includes a reservoir, a plasma generator and a flow-restricting transfer line. The reservoir is configured to hold matter to be ionized under pressure. The plasma generator is configured and arranged to create a neutral energy plasma on a vehicle from the matter to be ionized. The flow-restricting transfer line provides a fluid communication between the reservoir and the plasma generator.