Decentralized Satellite Electrical Architecture with Modular Distribution Boxes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centralized electrical architectures for satellites are economically disadvantageous and difficult to install and modify, requiring new power distribution and data management equipment for each payload and platform variation, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A decentralized electrical architecture with standard, interchangeable electrical distribution and management boxes that separate the satellite into zones, each with its own independent power, telemetry, and remote control networks, connected via standardized interfaces, allowing for modular configuration and reprogramming to meet diverse equipment needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If a centralized electrical architecture is used, then mass is reduced, but device complexity and ease of manufacture deteriorate due to the need to design new equipment for each payload and platform variation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the satellite electrical system into modular zones, each with its own standardized electrical distribution and management box. This segmentation allows independent design and manufacturing of standardized modules that can be reused across different satellite configurations, reducing the need to redesign centralized equipment for each payload and platform variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal standardized electrical distribution and management boxes that can serve multiple functions across different satellite types. These standardized boxes can be configured through reprogramming to meet diverse equipment needs, making a single design serve multiple purposes across different payloads and platforms.
2Weight of stationary object
If a centralized electrical architecture is used, then mass is reduced, but device complexity worsens due to the need to design new equipment for each payload and platform variation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical system into standardized modular boxes that handle power distribution, telemetry, and remote control functions independently. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity by breaking down the centralized equipment into manageable, reusable modules with well-defined interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses reprogrammable standardized boxes where functional parameters can be changed through software configuration rather than hardware redesign. This allows the same physical equipment to adapt to different payload and platform requirements by modifying operational parameters rather than redesigning the equipment itself.
3Power
If star wiring is used to connect equipment, then electrical energy distribution is achieved, but ease of operation and reliability worsen due to difficulty in installation and modification during integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical connections into standardized interfaces on modular boxes rather than using complex star wiring. Each zone has its own standardized box with predefined connection points, making installation and modification simpler compared to traditional star wiring configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized electrical distribution and management boxes act as intermediary components between equipment and the central power distribution network. These standardized interfaces simplify connections and enable easier installation and modification during satellite integration compared to direct star wiring.
4Adaptability or versatility
If remote power supply converter modules are multiplied to meet different electrical requirements, then adaptability improves, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses universal standardized boxes that can meet different electrical requirements through reprogramming rather than multiplying specialized modules. A single standardized box design can be configured to handle various power distribution needs, telemetry requirements, and remote control functions through software configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves adaptability by changing operational parameters through reprogramming the standardized boxes rather than physically multiplying different module types. The same hardware platform can be reconfigured to meet different electrical requirements by modifying software parameters and control logic.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The satellite has an electric system with an electric energy distribution line, telemetry line, and a remote control line that are connected to an electric distribution and maintaining standard case (2) associated to zones by an serial interfaces (22a, 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a), where zones are formed by electrically separating the satellite. The case is connected to a power distribution network (41) and a digital communication bus (51) e.g. controls area network bus, by serial interfaces (22b, 29a).