Satellite Damping Connector with High-Loss Elastomer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite support structures are ineffective in damping vibrations across a wide range of frequencies, as existing elastomer means are only effective in specific local resonance modes, failing to address vibrations induced by shocks which span a broad frequency range, and modifying resonance modes can lead to coupling issues with launch vehicle excitations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating elastomer means with a loss angle greater than ten degrees, arranged in series between structural elements, to attenuate vibrations across a wide frequency range (80 Hz to 500 Hz) without significantly altering the resonance modes, using high-stiffness elastomer materials to withstand launch forces and maintain structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If elastomer means are fixed to local areas of the support structure to damp vibrations, then local resonance mode vibrations are attenuated, but vibrations across a wide frequency range (including shock-induced vibrations) cannot be damped
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple segments connected by damping connecting devices, each containing elastomer means. This segmentation allows vibrations of different frequencies and modes to be dampened at different locations throughout the structure, transforming a single-point local damping approach into a distributed multi-point damping system that covers a broader frequency range.
Solution Approach 2:
Damping connecting devices are introduced as intermediary elements between structural elements (such as between panels or between panel and frame). These intermediaries contain elastomer means that actively dampen vibrations transmitted through the structure, serving as mediators that reduce vibration propagation without requiring modification of the primary structural components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If damping means are added to attenuate vibrations, then vibration amplitude is reduced, but the resonance modes of the support structure are significantly modified
Solution Approach 1:
Damping is applied locally at specific connecting points between structural elements rather than throughout the entire structure. The elastomer means are positioned at joints and connections where vibration transmission occurs, providing targeted damping while leaving the overall resonance characteristics of the main structural elements largely unchanged.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping connecting devices use elastomer materials with specific mechanical properties (viscoelastic characteristics, loss factors) that provide effective vibration damping. By carefully selecting and positioning these materials with appropriate damping parameters, vibration attenuation is achieved while maintaining the structural integrity and resonance mode stability of the overall support structure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If damping means are added to attenuate vibrations, then vibration amplitude is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damping function is merged with the connecting function by integrating elastomer means directly into the connecting devices (such as angle brackets or joint connectors). This combination eliminates the need for separate damping components and reduces overall system complexity, as the same structural elements that connect panels and frames also provide vibration damping.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping connecting devices serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mechanical connection between structural elements, enable relative movement or flexibility, and dampen vibrations. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed and simplifies the overall structure compared to having separate dedicated damping devices.
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 solution effectively attenuates vibration amplitudes across a broad frequency range while maintaining the original resonance modes, ensuring the satellite support structure can withstand launch forces and reduce vibration-induced stress on measuring instruments without introducing coupling issues with launch vehicle excitations.
Implementation Method 1
elastomer means arranged in said damping connecting device so that the transmission of forces between the two damped structural elements via said damping connecting device is achieved entirely via said elastomer means
Implementation Method 2
elastomer means are made from elastomer material with a loss angle δ (also known as the phase angle) greater than ten degrees
Implementation Method 3
the preferential mode of deformation of the elastomer means is the shear mode
Data Source
AI summary
A satellite support structure to support at least one device of the satellite. The support structure includes structural elements with at least one of the structural elements being a damping connector linking at least two other structural elements of the support structure. The damping connector includes an elastomer element and at least one flat angle bracket having at least two wings to be linked by the respective connectors to the damped structural elements. The elastomer element is made from elastomer material with loss angle δ greater than ten degrees and is arranged such that the transmission of forces between one of the wings of the flat angle bracket and the connectors is achieved entirely via the elastomer element.