Petalled Reflector Folding Structure for Compact Spacecraft Stowage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a deployable large solid-shell reflector that can fit into a smaller footprint when stowed, as existing mesh-type reflectors are expensive and limited in shape customization, and current solid-shell reflectors lack effective stowage solutions.
Innovation Solution
A deployable petalled reflector design with a hexagonal central portion and trapezoidal petals that fold and unfold to minimize stowed footprint, using a boom for actuation and release mechanisms to avoid interference, allowing for customizable shapes and reduced passive intermodulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large solid-shell reflector is used, then signal reflection efficiency is improved, but the stowage footprint becomes too large for small spacecrafts
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector surface is divided into multiple petal-shaped segments that can be folded and stowed compactly. Each petal is a separate element that can be independently positioned during deployment, allowing the large reflector area to be broken down into manageable sections that fit within limited stowage space on small spacecrafts.
Solution Approach 2:
The petal segments are configured to nest within each other or against the central hub when in the stowed position, similar to nested dolls. This allows the large reflector surface to be compressed into a compact configuration that minimizes the stowage footprint while maintaining the ability to deploy to the full large diameter when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mesh-type reflector is used, then the reflector can be made deployable, but the cost increases and shape customization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the reflector surface are created with locally optimized properties by configuring the petal segments. The petal geometry, curvature, and positioning can be customized in specific areas to achieve non-parabolic shapes or region-specific reflector characteristics, allowing shape customization without requiring a completely different reflector design.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector employs deployable petal segments that can transition from a compact stowed configuration to a deployed operational configuration. This dynamic capability allows the reflector to be transported in a compact form and then deployed to its full operational size and shape, combining the benefits of compact stowage with large deployable aperture.
3Reliability
If a mesh reflector is used, then deployability is achieved, but passive intermodulation interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The petal segments are constructed using composite material structures that provide both the mechanical properties needed for deployability and the electromagnetic properties needed to minimize passive intermodulation. The composite construction allows optimization of both structural and RF performance, eliminating the PIM issues associated with traditional mesh reflectors while maintaining deployability.
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
The petalled reflector achieves a smaller stowed footprint, lower cost, and efficient signal reflection across multiple bands with minimal passive intermodulation, enabling precise coverage and RF performance.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna reflector for reflecting a radio frequency (RF) signal is provided, the antenna reflector including a hexagonal central reflecting portion having a first face and an opposed second face, the first face for reflecting the RF signal, and six central edges of equal length and six trapezoidal petals disposed about the hexagonal central reflecting portion and having first faces and opposed second faces, the first faces for reflecting the RF signal
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna reflector and methods for stowing and deploying are provided. The reflector includes a hexagonal central portion and six trapezoidal petals, each two opposing petals forming a petal pair. Each petal includes a first edge equal in length to a central edge, a second edge greater in length than and parallel to the first edge, and third and fourth edges connecting the first and second edges. In a stowed configuration, each petal pair is folded and has a cross-sectional footprint substantially identical to that of the central reflecting portion. In a deployed configuration, each petal is not folded, and the petals and the central reflecting portion together form a hexagon with a cross-sectional footprint larger than that of the central reflecting portion. Each petal is configured to fold and unfold along the first edge from the deployed configuration to the stowed configuration and vice-versa.