Rotating Film Space Structure Shaping With Solar Radiation Pressure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing space structures face challenges in increasing size without significantly increasing weight, which leads to higher launch costs and complex surface shape control, especially when considering deployment time and gravitational effects.
Innovation Solution
A space structure control system that includes a film-like structure, an artificial satellite, and a propulsion device, where the film-like structure is rotated to generate centrifugal force and solar radiation pressure is controlled to shape the structure, with a shape retaining device to stabilize the form.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the size of a space structure is increased to increase antenna gain, then the gain is improved, but the weight increases and launch costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin film reflecting surface instead of traditional rigid mirror structures. This flexible film can be deployed to form large parabolic antenna surfaces with minimal material, achieving high gain while maintaining extremely low weight. The film is stretched and shaped using centrifugal force during rotation, eliminating the need for heavy support structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a deployable structure that transitions from a compact folded state for launch to a large deployed state for operation. The antenna surface is dynamically formed by rotating the deployed film structure, using centrifugal force to achieve the parabolic shape. This dynamic approach allows the structure to achieve large size without proportionally increasing launch weight.
2Measurement precision
If the size of a space structure is increased to increase antenna gain, then the gain is improved, but the surface shape control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical shape control mechanisms with a fluid dynamic approach. Instead of using multiple actuators and mechanical structures to control the antenna surface shape, the system uses centrifugal force generated by rotation to naturally form the parabolic shape. This substitution dramatically simplifies the control system while maintaining precise surface geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the antenna surface shape by changing the rotation speed parameter. By adjusting the rotational velocity, the centrifugal force changes, which directly controls the tension and curvature of the thin film surface. This single-parameter control method simplifies the complexity of surface shape control compared to traditional multi-actuator systems.
3Reliability
If traditional surface shape control methods are used, then the structure can be controlled, but the deployment time is long and gravity gradient effects are not considered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary shaping of the antenna surface during the deployment process itself. As the structure is deployed and rotated, the centrifugal force automatically forms the parabolic shape without requiring subsequent adjustment phases. This eliminates the need for separate shape control operations after deployment, significantly reducing total deployment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the dynamic rotation of the deployed structure to achieve surface shaping. The centrifugal force generated during rotation naturally tensions the thin film and forms the parabolic geometry. This dynamic shaping process occurs concurrently with deployment, eliminating the need for static adjustment mechanisms and reducing overall deployment time.
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 a larger space structure to be deployed efficiently with reduced weight, simple surface shape control, and shorter deployment time, while also managing the effects of gravity and air disturbances.
Implementation Method 1
the propulsion device rotates the film-like structure to generate a centrifugal force
Implementation Method 2
the solar reflectance control device controls a solar reflectance in the reflecting mirror to control a solar radiation pressure to be applied to the reflecting mirror
Data Source
AI summary
The space structure control system includes: a space structure; an artificial satellite connected to the space structure; and a propulsion device installed on the artificial satellite and configured to control an orbit and an attitude of the artificial satellite, in which the space structure includes a film-like structure, a solar reflectance control device that controls a spatial pattern of a solar reflectance in a reflecting mirror provided in the film-like structure, and a shape retaining device that is connected to the film-like structure, the propulsion device rotates the film-like structure to generate a centrifugal force, the solar reflectance control device controls a solar reflectance in the reflecting mirror to control a solar radiation pressure to be applied to the reflecting mirror, a three-dimensional shape of the film-like structure is controlled based on the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the film-like structure and the solar radiation pressure, and the shape of the film-like structure is retained or stabilized by the shape retaining device.