Reaction Wheel Housing Using Rigid-Flex Frames for Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compact attitude control modules with reaction wheels face challenges in further miniaturization, requiring a more compact design while maintaining functionality.
Innovation Solution
A reaction wheel apparatus with a polyhedral housing using rigid flexible substrates as frame parts, incorporating a motor, electromagnet, and urging member for braking, and a motor rotation speed detection device that can precisely detect speed using a smaller number of Hall sensors by adjusting clock pulse frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional reaction wheel apparatus design is used, then basic functionality is achieved, but the size is too large for further miniaturization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the frame structure with the circuit board by making the circuit board itself serve as a structural frame component. The circuit board is designed with specific geometries (L-shape, T-shape, cross-shape) that directly form the housing framework, eliminating the need for separate frame parts and reducing overall apparatus volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support as a frame component, serves as an electrical connection pathway, and acts as a mounting substrate for electronic components. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate parts needed, enabling further miniaturization.
2Volume of moving object
If the number of Hall sensors is reduced for compactness, then apparatus size decreases, but rotational speed detection precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the reduced number of Hall sensors by adjusting clock pulse frequencies dynamically. The control unit varies the clock pulse frequency supplied to each Hall sensor based on the detected rotational speed, enabling precise measurement across different speed ranges even with fewer sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the clock pulse frequency in response to changing rotational speeds. The control unit monitors the rotational speed and modifies the clock pulse frequency accordingly, creating a dynamic measurement system that maintains precision across varying operating conditions despite using fewer sensors.
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 apparatus achieves a significant reduction in size, enabling further downsizing of compact attitude control modules and precise rotational speed detection, enhancing the system's compactness and performance.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet disposed between the frame part and the rotary body, and an urging member attached to the frame part and urging the electromagnet toward the frame part. At least a partial portion of the rotary body facing the electromagnet may be formed of a ferromagnetic material. The electromagnet may be urged by the urging member in such a manner that the electromagnet and the rotary body are separated from each other when the electromagnet is not energized, and the electromagnet may come into contact with the rotary body against an urging force of the urging member when the electromagnet is energized, thereby braking the rotary body.
Implementation Method 2
an urging member attached to the frame part and urging the electromagnet toward the frame part. At least a partial portion of the rotary body facing the electromagnet may be formed of a ferromagnetic material. The electromagnet may be urged by the urging member in such a manner that the electromagnet and the rotary body are separated from each other when the electromagnet is not energized
Data Source
AI summary
A reaction wheel apparatus including a reaction wheel provided in a polyhedral housing, in which respective faces constituting a polyhedron are constituted by frame parts corresponding to the respective faces constituting the polyhedron, and at least two of the frame parts are constituted by at least two rigid circuit board parts of a rigid flexible substrate.