Piezoelectric Detection Layer in Spacecraft Multi-Layer Insulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the distribution of fine particles in space, such as space debris and cosmic dust, face challenges due to the limited size range they can detect and the increased mass of sensors required, which hinders their deployment on spacecraft and continuous measurement across entire trajectories.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer insulation system with a detection layer featuring a piezoelectric film and electrode parts, thinly configured to minimize mass and allow wide-area detection, is integrated onto spacecraft, enabling the measurement of fine particle distributions while withstanding thermal stress from sunlight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor area is increased to measure fine particle distribution, then measurement capability is improved, but spacecraft mass increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin film piezoelectric detector integrated into the multi-layer insulation structure. The detector has a thickness of several micrometers to several tens of micrometers, allowing wide-area coverage while maintaining extremely low mass. This thin film approach enables the spacecraft to measure fine particle distribution across large surface areas without significant mass penalty.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-layer insulation structure serves dual functions: thermal insulation for spacecraft temperature control and fine particle detection through integrated piezoelectric films. By making the insulation structure itself the detection medium, the patent eliminates the need for separate heavy sensor systems, achieving both thermal management and particle measurement capabilities.
2Area of stationary object
If sensor area is increased for wide-area detection, then detection coverage is improved, but thermal design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-layer insulation structure performs both thermal insulation and particle detection functions simultaneously. The same layers that provide thermal protection also contain the piezoelectric detection films, eliminating the need for separate thermal control systems and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric detection films are strategically positioned within specific layers of the multi-layer insulation structure. By placing detectors at optimal locations where they can detect particles while maintaining thermal insulation performance, the system achieves effective detection without compromising thermal design.
3Measurement precision
If a conventional sensor is used for fine particle detection, then detection capability is achieved, but the sensor cannot withstand thermal stress from sunlight
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric detector is constructed as a thin film structure integrated into the multi-layer insulation. This thin film configuration has low thermal mass and can rapidly respond to thermal changes without degradation. The film structure allows heat to pass through without creating significant thermal stress, enabling the detector to withstand prolonged exposure to solar radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector uses composite material structure combining piezoelectric materials with substrate materials that provide thermal stability. This composite approach allows the detection layer to maintain its piezoelectric properties while the substrate provides resistance to thermal stress from sunlight exposure.
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 multi-layer insulation system effectively suppresses mass increase on spacecraft, allows continuous measurement of fine particle distributions across wide areas, and enhances detection sensitivity by using a piezoelectric film that generates a potential difference upon collision, while maintaining thermal integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric film; and a pair of electrode parts installed on both surfaces of the piezoelectric film... When fine particles such as space debris, cosmic dust, and so on, collide with the detection layer, the piezoelectric film of the detection layer is compressed or the like by the collision of the fine particles, and a potential difference occurs between the pair of electrode parts
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-layer insulation includes a plurality of layers that are laminated on each other. A detection layer that is at least one of the plurality of layers has a piezoelectric film, and a pair of electrode parts installed on both surfaces of the piezoelectric film.