Polyhedral Attitude Sensor Module for Wide-View Satellite Pointing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite attitude determination systems require precise sensor positioning based on mission details, leading to complex design, increased costs, and reduced flexibility due to the need for multiple dedicated connections and sensitive sensors with limited fields of view.
Innovation Solution
A polyhedral satellite module with multiple sensors of different types mounted on distinct faces, allowing a single data and power connection, enabling flexible orientation and increased field of view without prior knowledge of mission details.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple dedicated connections are provided for each sensor type, then sensor operation and data transmission are ensured, but device complexity and design burden increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (stellar sensor, sun sensor, earth sensor, horizon sensor) into a single integrated module mounted on the satellite. This merging eliminates the need for separate dedicated connections for each sensor type, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable operation through unified power supply and data transmission interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor module serves multiple functions simultaneously - stellar orientation detection, sun position sensing, earth viewing, and horizon detection - all through a single modular unit. This multi-functionality allows the satellite to operate various sensors through one connection interface, significantly reducing the design burden compared to implementing each sensor as a separate system.
2Measurement precision
If stellar sensor field of view is limited to avoid earth interference, then accurate star detection is achieved, but sensor positioning becomes critical and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single narrow-field-of-view stellar sensor requiring precise positioning to multiple wider-field sensors distributed across different faces of a polyhedral module. This spatial distribution in three dimensions allows each sensor to have a broader field of view while collectively covering all necessary viewing angles, eliminating the need for critical single-point positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The stellar sensing function is segmented into multiple sensors mounted on different faces of the polyhedral module. Each sensor handles a specific angular sector, allowing broader individual fields of view while maintaining overall measurement precision through distributed detection. This segmentation removes the constraint of critical single-point positioning.
3Measurement precision
If sun sensor reading is corrected using mathematical models for terrestrial albedo, then measurement accuracy is improved, but computational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions sun sensors on specific faces of the polyhedral module during the design phase to inherently avoid terrestrial albedo interference through geometric arrangement. This preliminary spatial configuration eliminates the need for complex real-time mathematical corrections, reducing computational cost while maintaining measurement accuracy.
4Measurement precision
If sensors are positioned based on prior knowledge of mission details, then optimal detection is achieved, but adaptability to different missions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The polyhedral sensor module is designed as a universal platform that can detect stellar orientation, sun position, earth location, and horizon data through its multiple faces. This multi-functional design allows the same module to be adapted to various mission requirements without repositioning sensors, as the geometric arrangement inherently provides comprehensive coverage for different operational scenarios.
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
Reduces design complexity, decreases costs, and enhances sensor flexibility and accuracy by ensuring wide field of view and redundancy, allowing for accurate attitude determination with reduced sensitivity and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
stellar sensors that identify and recognize a set of stars
Implementation Method 2
sun sensors that identify the direction and/or position of the sun
Implementation Method 3
earth sensors that identify a direction pointing towards the centre of the earth
Implementation Method 4
magnetometers that measure the intensity and direction of the earth's magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A satellite module for attitude determination includes a containment body comprising at least one data acquisition board and a connection interface, at least one first-type sensor selected from a sun sensor, an earth sensor, a stellar sensor, a horizon sensor, in communication with the data acquisition board and at least one second-type sensor, different from the first type, selected from a sun sensor, an earth sensor, a stellar sensor, a horizon sensor, and in communication with the data acquisition board. The connection interface may be mounted on a first face of the containment body, the first-type sensor may be mounted on a second face of the containment body, and the second-type sensor may be mounted on a third face of the containment body.