Elastically Deformable Satellite Carrier Panel Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellites require compact functional components during transportation into space, but these components must be reliably converted to a functional state post-transportation while minimizing weight and ensuring stability against high accelerations and vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an elastically deformable carrier panel supported by a tensioning device, which holds the panel in a compact transportation pose and allows it to transition to a working pose through elastic restoration, thereby accommodating functional elements like solar cells and antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the carrier panel is made rigid to maintain structural integrity during transportation, then stability during launch is improved, but the ability to transition to working pose is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier panel is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to transition from a rigid transport state to a flexible working state. The panel incorporates elastic deformation capabilities and is supported by a tensioning device that can be switched between holding and release states, enabling the panel to adapt its structural properties according to operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state parameters of the carrier panel by controlling elastic deformation. In transport pose, the panel is held in a deformed state with controlled flexibility, while in working pose, the tensioning device is released allowing the panel to return to its functional configuration. This parameter change enables both stability during transport and adaptability in operation.
2Weight of moving object
If the carrier panel is made compact for transportation, then weight and volume are reduced, but the functional performance is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier panel is segmented into a transport configuration and a working configuration through the use of a tensioning device with holding and release states. This segmentation allows the panel to occupy minimal space during transportation while expanding to its full functional size in orbit, thereby resolving the contradiction between compactness and functional performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier panel is designed to be nested or folded into a compact transport pose that fits within the satellite's constrained volume. The tensioning device enables this nested configuration during launch, and subsequent release allows the panel to unfold to its full operational size, effectively nesting the functional components within a compact form factor for transport.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the carrier panel is held in fixed position during transportation, then stability is improved, but the ability to deploy is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning device is designed with dynamic switching capability between holding and release states. During transportation, the holding state provides stable fixation of the carrier panel. Upon deployment, the device transitions to the release state, allowing the panel to be moved from transport pose to working pose. This dynamic characteristic resolves the contradiction between stability during launch and ease of deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier panel incorporates elastic deformation that provides a restoring force to automatically return the panel to its working pose after the tensioning device is released. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex active deployment systems, maintaining stability during transport while enabling easy deployment through passive elastic recovery.
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 system enables reliable deployment of satellite components post-transportation, maintaining structural integrity and minimizing weight, while effectively managing the mechanical stresses of launch.
Implementation Method 1
The carrier panel is elastically deformable. The carrier panel can be bent elastically (e.g., about one or more bending axes or by arching). The system is configured such that the carrier panel is elastically deformed in the transportation pose and, after switching the tensioning device to the release state, a restoring force based on the elastic deformation of the carrier panel contributes to the movement of the carrier panel from the transportation pose to the working pose.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system for a satellite, the system including a carrier panel and a tensioning device, the tensioning device being switchable from a holding state, in which it holds the carrier panel in a transportation pose, to a release state, in which it permits movement of the carrier panel from the transportation pose into a working pose, wherein the system is configured such that the carrier panel is elastically deformed in the transportation pose and, after switching the tensioning device into the release state, a restoring force based on the elastic deformation of the carrier panel contributes to the movement of the carrier panel from the transportation pose into the working pose. Furthermore, a corresponding carrier plate and a satellite are disclosed.