Multi-Faceted Bracket for Reaction Wheel Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a demand for compact, lightweight, and cost-effective Reaction Wheel Assembly (RWA) systems suitable for small satellites that offer high mass efficiency, modular designs, and streamlined maintenance, while maintaining reliability and radiation shielding for attitude adjustment.
Innovation Solution
The RWA system incorporates a multi-faceted bracket structure assembled from interchangeable panels, which supports multiple RWAs and features bearing cartridge integration, optimized mass distribution, and radiation shielding, allowing for flexible mounting and reduced manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional RWA systems are used for small satellites, then reliability and attitude adjustment capability are maintained, but mass efficiency and system compactness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket structure is divided into multiple interchangeable panels that can be assembled in different configurations. Each panel is a self-contained module that can be independently manufactured, tested, and replaced, enabling mass production with higher precision while maintaining system reliability through modular redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The interchangeable panels are designed with universal mounting interfaces and standardized bearing cartridge integrations that can accommodate different RWA types and configurations. This multi-functional design allows the same panel structure to serve multiple purposes across different satellite platforms, reducing overall system mass while maintaining reliability through proven standardized components.
2Ease of manufacture
If custom RWA systems are manufactured for each satellite, then specific mission requirements are met, but manufacturing costs and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket structure is divided into multiple interchangeable panels that can be assembled in different configurations. Each panel is a self-contained module that can be independently manufactured, tested, and replaced, enabling mass production with higher precision while maintaining system reliability through modular redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The interchangeable panels are designed with universal mounting interfaces and standardized bearing cartridge integrations that can accommodate different RWA types and configurations. This multi-functional design allows the same panel structure to serve multiple purposes across different satellite platforms, reducing overall system mass while maintaining reliability through proven standardized components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex bracket structures are used to support multiple RWAs, then mounting flexibility is improved, but assembly time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket structure is divided into multiple interchangeable panels that can be assembled in different configurations. Each panel is a self-contained module that can be independently manufactured, tested, and replaced, enabling mass production with higher precision while maintaining system reliability through modular redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple RWA mounting functions are merged into standardized interchangeable panels that incorporate integrated bearing cartridge features. By combining what would otherwise be separate components into unified modular panels, the system reduces the total number of parts and assembly steps while maintaining mounting flexibility through panel reconfiguration.
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 solution provides a compact, mass-efficient RWA system with enhanced radiation shielding, reduced assembly time, and lower manufacturing costs, while ensuring reliable and flexible satellite attitude adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a spin motor drives rotation of the rotor about the spin axis at a relatively high rate of speed to create momentum
Implementation Method 2
Spin bearings, such as duplex pair ball bearings, are positioned around the opposing shaft ends to provide a rotor suspension
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of Reaction Wheel Assembly (RWA) systems (10, 80, 130) are provided, which include multi-faceted bracket structures (14, 82, 132) to which RWAs (16, 88, 138) are mounted. In one embodiment, the RWA system includes a bracket structure, which is assembled from multiple (e.g., two to four) interchangeable panels (82, 134). Each bracket panel may define or include a mount bracket to which an RWA is mounted. In certain embodiments, the bracket panels may include integral bearing cartridge features (44, 156), which contain the spin bearings (66) of the RWAs. The interchangeable panels may have interconnect features (102, 158), which align and which possibly interlock to position the panels in a precise angular relationship when the multi-faceted bracket structure is assembled. In other embodiments wherein the bracket structure is assembled from two interchangeable panels or produced as a single piece, the multi-faceted bracket structure may have a peaked form factor supportive of two RWAs, which are mounted to the bracket structure in a back-to-back relationship.