Payload Adapter Antenna Integration for Launch Vehicles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current payload adapters for launch vehicles do not efficiently integrate antenna assemblies, leading to increased costs and reduced payload capacity due to the need for separate deployment and structure modifications for satellite components.
Innovation Solution
A payload adapter with a ring structure incorporating a portion of an antenna assembly, such as a parabolic reflective dish, formed within the adapter, allowing for integrated and compact satellite assembly formation with the antenna remaining partially or entirely within the adapter during and after launch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If antenna assemblies are integrated into payload adapters, then device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost decreases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to the need for precise integration of antenna components within the adapter structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the antenna assembly with the payload adapter structure by forming the antenna dish as an integral part of the adapter's ring structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate antenna deployment mechanisms and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining precise antenna positioning through the integrated manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The payload adapter structure serves multiple functions: it provides the mechanical support for satellite components, acts as the launch vehicle interface, and simultaneously forms the antenna dish structure. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while the integrated design ensures precise alignment and positioning of the antenna elements.
2Quantity of substance
If antenna assemblies are formed within the payload adapter, then payload capacity increases due to reduced deployment requirements, but the ring structure volume is reduced limiting antenna size
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna dish is nested within the ring structure of the payload adapter, utilizing the internal volume of the adapter to house the antenna components. This nesting approach allows the antenna to be formed within the existing structural boundaries while maximizing the use of available space, thereby increasing payload capacity without requiring additional deployment mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If separate antenna deployment mechanisms are eliminated, then ease of operation improves and reliability increases, but manufacturing complexity increases due to integral formation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna assembly and payload adapter are merged into a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate deployment mechanisms. This simplifies operation and improves reliability by removing potential failure points associated with deployment systems, while the integrated manufacturing approach streamlines production despite the increased complexity of forming the combined structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Payload adapters for launch vehicles include a ring structure having an opening formed therein and at least a portion of an antenna assembly coupled to a circular sidewall of the ring structure at least partially within the opening of the ring structure. Satellite assemblies may include a payload adapter comprising a ring structure having a circular opening formed therein and an antenna assembly including a parabolic reflective dish formed within the circular opening. Launch stack systems may include a primary payload and a secondary payload adapter including an antenna dish integrally formed with a ring structure of the secondary payload adapter. Methods of forming a satellite assembly include positioning at least a portion of the antenna assembly within an opening formed in a ring-shaped payload adapter for a launch vehicle and coupling the at least a portion of the antenna assembly to the ring-shaped payload adapter.