Reconfigurable Universal Control Module for Spacecraft Effectuators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Spacecraft command and control electronics are complex and bulky due to incompatible control circuitry from disparate vendors, leading to significant space and weight issues, increased launch costs, and complexity in repairs.

Innovation Solution

A universal functionality module comprising a programmable logic device (PLD) and universal input/output interface, allowing real-time reconfiguration to operate any effectuator device, thereby simplifying communication and reducing the need for spare electronics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple vendor-specific control circuitries are used for different effectuator devices, then each effectuator can be operated with its native compatibility, but the cumulative size and weight of electronics increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectuator compatibilityVSAvoidweight of electronics

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal controller that can operate multiple types of effectuator devices (analog, digital, PWM, serial) through a single platform. The controller uses standardized interfaces and communication protocols to accommodate different effectuator types without requiring vendor-specific control circuitry, thereby reducing the cumulative weight and size of electronics while maintaining compatibility across diverse effectuator devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If vendor-specific control circuitry is used for each effectuator, then each device can be controlled with its native interface, but the complexity of command and control electronics increases geometrically

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidcomplexity of control electronics

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The universal controller consolidates multiple vendor-specific control functions into a single platform that supports analog, digital, PWM, and serial communication protocols. This eliminates the need for separate control circuitry for each effectuator type, thereby reducing the geometric increase in complexity while maintaining the ability to operate diverse effectuator devices through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple control functions and communication protocols into a single universal controller architecture. By combining what would otherwise be separate vendor-specific control circuits into one integrated system, the overall complexity of command and control electronics is reduced while preserving compatibility with multiple effectuator types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If spare electronics are carried for each effectuator device, then repairs can be performed in case of malfunction, but the space and payload capacity are significantly consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepair capabilityVSAvoidspace for spare electronics

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The universal controller serves as a multi-functional platform that can operate multiple types of effectuator devices through standardized interfaces. This universality means that a single spare universal controller can replace multiple different vendor-specific controllers, thereby reducing the space and payload capacity required for spare electronics while maintaining the ability to perform repairs on diverse effectuator devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple disparate effectuator devices are used, then system capability can be enhanced, but the cost of launching the spacecraft increases due to additional weight and space requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem capabilityVSAvoidlaunch mass

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The universal controller enables a single lightweight platform to operate multiple types of effectuator devices (analog, digital, PWM, serial), thereby maintaining enhanced system capability without requiring multiple heavy vendor-specific controllers. This reduces the overall launch mass by eliminating redundant control electronics while preserving the ability to control diverse effectuator devices that provide the required system capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8390324B2Universal functionality module

Publication Date: 2013.03.05 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

Methods and apparatus are provided for a Universal functionality Module (UFM). The apparatus comprises a programmable logic device (PLD) configured to be reprogrammed in real time and a means for universally interfacing the PLD with any effectuator device. The UFM loads a startup personality bit stream from a boot memory, which allows it to read a pin configuration associated with a effectuator device. The UFM receives a function personality associated with the pin configuration, writes the function personality to programmable logic device, and initiates the function personality.