Payload Adapter Truss Structure for Dynamic Secondary Payload Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing payload adapters have fixed secondary payload port locations, which can lead to mass imbalance and reduced payload capacity due to static attachment of secondary payloads, limiting flexibility in accommodating changing payload geometries and requiring additional ballast for launch vehicle balance.

Innovation Solution

A payload adapter with a plurality of truss supports and mounting fixtures that allow for the adjustable attachment of secondary payload bridges, enabling the relocation of secondary payloads around the adapter's circumference and accommodating varying geometries without re-designing the adapter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If secondary payload ports are fixed in location within the payload adapter shell, then the adapter structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability to accommodate varying payload geometries is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepayload adapter manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to payload geometry changes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The payload adapter is divided into modular components: a fixed adapter body with standardized mounting fixtures, and removable secondary payload bridges that can be repositioned. This segmentation allows the main structure to remain simple while the payload bridges provide adaptability through relocation to different mounting fixtures around the adapter circumference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If secondary payloads are attached in a non-symmetrical manner, then the payload configuration is flexible, but the launch vehicle balance is compromised requiring additional ballast

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepayload configuration flexibilityVSAvoidlaunch vehicle mass balance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting fixtures are arranged asymmetrically around the adapter circumference, allowing secondary payloads to be positioned in non-symmetrical configurations. This asymmetric arrangement of fixtures provides multiple balance points that enable flexible payload placement while maintaining launch vehicle balance through strategic positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Stability of the object's composition

If ballast is added to provide launch vehicle balance, then the mass balance is improved, but the usable payload mass capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaunch vehicle mass balanceVSAvoidusable payload mass

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary payload bridges are designed to be dynamically repositionable between multiple mounting fixtures around the adapter. This dynamic positioning capability allows the payload configuration to be adjusted to achieve mass balance without adding static ballast, thereby preserving usable payload mass capacity while maintaining launch vehicle stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11396389B2Payload adapter having a truss support structure

Publication Date: 2022.07.26 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A payload adapter configured to removably attach to one or more payload bridges. The payload adapter includes a forward open end defined by a forward ring, an aft open end defined by an aft ring, a plurality of truss supports connecting the forward ring and the aft ring to one another, and a plurality of mounting fixtures disposed around a circumference the payload adapter. The mounting fixtures are each configured to releasably attach to a secondary payload bridge.