Satellite Dispensing With Diagonal Struts for Batch Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional satellite dispensing systems are bulky, inefficient in space utilization, lack lateral stability, and require multiple launches to disperse satellites at different locations, leading to increased costs and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of diagonal struts that stabilize satellite stacks horizontally and vertically, allowing for heavier and taller stacks, and the ability to disperse satellites in batches by releasing sub-stacks at different locations, reducing the need for pyrotechnics and enhancing stability along all three axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional stacked satellite dispensing systems are used, then satellites can be deployed, but the system provides minimal lateral stability and cannot support heavier and taller satellite stacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces diagonal struts that extend from the base at an angle to the satellite stack, adding a diagonal dimension to the support structure. This diagonal configuration provides lateral stability by creating triangular support geometry that resists side-to-side forces, enabling the stack to support more satellites without increasing vertical height alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric support structures with struts positioned at different locations and angles rather than uniform vertical supports. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes the distribution of lateral forces across the stack, providing enhanced stability for taller and heavier satellite configurations.
2Productivity
If conventional stacked satellite dispensing systems are used, then satellites can be deployed, but the entire stack must be released at once, requiring multiple launches for different locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the satellite stack into separable sub-stacks or groups that can be dispensed independently. The support structure is designed with multiple release points and independent separation mechanisms, allowing different portions of the stack to be released at different times and locations, thereby reducing the number of launches required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic dispensing system where the stack configuration can change during deployment. The support struts and separation mechanisms are designed to allow progressive release of satellite groups, transforming the static single-release system into a dynamic multi-stage deployment process.
3Volume of moving object
If conventional stacked satellite dispensing systems are used, then satellites can be deployed, but the system is bulky and does not efficiently use physical space within the payload fairing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses diagonal struts that utilize the diagonal space within the payload fairing more efficiently than vertical supports alone. By extending struts at angles from the base to the stack, the design achieves structural stability while better utilizing the available three-dimensional space, reducing the overall footprint required.
Data Source
AI summary
Stacked satellite dispensing systems are described herein. The disclosed systems have a full stack of satellites with multiple sub-stacks. Each of the multiple sub-stacks has a respective sub-stack strut that stabilizes the sub-stack of satellites. A full stack strut stabilizes the full stack of all the sub-stacks of satellites. The sub-stack struts and the full stack strut can traverse an external sidewall of the satellites, and, in some examples, extend diagonally along the external sidewalls. Each sub-stack of satellites is stacked, then its respective sub-stack strut is extended along the external sidewall of the sub-stack. After each sub-stack strut is secured, the full stack strut is secured along the external sidewall of the full stack of satellites.