3D Rigid Ball Drive System for Satellite Attitude Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing satellite attitude control systems using rigid balls face inaccuracies and operational issues due to magnetic field interference and vibrations during launch and flight, leading to unreliable attitude control.

Innovation Solution

A three-dimensional rigid ball driving system that employs a polyhedral support frame with ball bearings to mechanically support and stabilize the rigid ball, eliminating the need for magnetic levitation and minimizing interference from vibrations, while using electromagnets to control the ball's rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If magnetic levitation is used to position the rigid ball, then the ball can be positioned without mechanical contact, but magnetic field interference occurs between levitation and rotation electromagnets, reducing control accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning methodVSAvoidrotation control accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Ball bearings are introduced as intermediary mechanical elements between the rigid ball and the support frame. These ball bearings enable the rigid ball to be supported and rotated without direct magnetic field interaction, serving as a mediator that separates the positioning function from the rotation control function, thereby eliminating magnetic field interference between levitation and rotation electromagnets

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the magnetic levitation system with a mechanical support system using ball bearings. Instead of using electromagnetic fields to levitate and position the rigid ball, the system uses mechanical ball bearings to support the ball, allowing it to be positioned and rotated without magnetic field interference while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If the rigid ball is positioned at the center without mechanical support, then the structure is simplified, but the ball cannot withstand launching thrust and vibrations, leading to collision with components or operational failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport structureVSAvoidoperation reliability under vibration

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Ball bearings are installed beforehand to provide mechanical support and cushioning for the rigid ball. These ball bearings are pre-positioned at the corners of the support frame to bear the launching thrust and vibrations before they can cause damage to the rigid ball or collision with other components, ensuring operational reliability under vibrational conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

Ball bearings serve as intermediary mechanical elements between the rigid ball and the support frame, providing a protective interface that absorbs and distributes launching thrust and vibrations. This intermediary structure prevents direct transmission of harmful forces to the rigid ball, maintaining both structural simplicity and operational reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This system allows for accurate satellite attitude control without damaging the rigid ball, maintaining its position and improving driving accuracy by damping vibrations and avoiding magnetic levitation apparatuses.

Implementation Method 1

a current is applied to these electromagnets to generate a rotating magnetic field in the rigid ball, such that Lorentz's force is generated in the rigid ball to allow driving force to be simultaneously applied to three axes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLorentz force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of ball bearings installed at corners of inner sides of the support frame, respectively, and contacting a surface of the rigid ball

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBall bearing: Ball Bearing

Data Source

PatentUS9751644B2Three-dimensional rigid ball driving system

Publication Date: 2017.09.05 KOREA AEROSPACE RES INST

AI summary

Provided is a three-dimensional rigid ball driving system including: a support frame having a polyhedral shape; a rigid ball positioned at the center of an inner portion of the support frame; a plurality of ball bearings installed at corners of inner sides of the support frame, respectively, and contacting a surface of the rigid ball; and a plurality of electromagnets disposed around the ball bearings and generating magnetic fields to rotate the rigid ball; and a controller controlling the electromagnets to control a rotation direction and a rotation speed of the rigid ball.