Satellite Structure with Direct Wall-to-Ring Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing satellite structures require complex and costly intermediate support structures for launch, which are not generic, modular, or adaptable to different satellite sizes and geometries, leading to increased mass, design complexity, and development costs.

Innovation Solution

A satellite structure featuring a circular launcher interface ring with directly supported primary walls and a quasi-point connection system, eliminating the need for intermediate support structures, allowing for a lightweight, modular, and adaptable design that can accommodate various satellite sizes and geometries using a limited number of basic components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If an intermediate support structure is used to connect the launcher interface ring to the equipment-carrying walls, then the satellite can withstand launch forces, but the structure mass and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to withstand launch forcesVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the intermediate support structure from the satellite design, directly connecting the equipment-carrying walls to the launcher interface ring. This removal of the unnecessary intermediate component simplifies the structure while maintaining strength through direct load transfer paths from the walls to the ring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the functions of the intermediate support structure into the equipment-carrying walls themselves, which are designed to directly bear and transmit launch loads to the launcher interface ring. This consolidation eliminates redundant components and reduces overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Strength

If an intermediate support structure is used, then the satellite can support equipment walls, but the structure mass increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-bearing capabilityVSAvoidstructure mass
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the intermediate support structure that adds unnecessary mass, allowing the equipment-carrying walls to directly support themselves and transmit loads to the launcher interface ring, thereby reducing the overall moving mass of the satellite.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a non-generic intermediate support structure is designed for each satellite type, then the satellite can be optimized for specific missions, but the development cost and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemission-specific optimizationVSAvoiddevelopment cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a universal launcher interface ring design that can accommodate different satellite types and missions without requiring custom intermediate support structures. The equipment-carrying walls are designed to directly interface with this standardized ring, providing mission-specific optimization while maintaining manufacturing simplicity and reducing development costs through reuse of the same basic interface components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a complex intermediate support structure is used, then the satellite can accommodate various geometries, but the adaptability to different satellite sizes and geometries decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different launchersVSAvoidintermediate structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the intermediate support structure that limited adaptability, allowing the equipment-carrying walls to directly interface with the launcher interface ring. This enables greater flexibility in accommodating different satellite sizes and geometries while maintaining compatibility with various launchers through the standardized ring interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP2563670B1Satellite with simplified structure, lightweight and economic, and its method of application
Publication Date: 2018.10.17 AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE SAS
  • EP2563670B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1d
  • EP2563670B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP2563670B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3e

AI summary

The invention relates to a satellite having a structure that includes a circular launching interface ring (1) and at least two main planar apparatus-holding walls (5) that are substantially parallel to the axis (A) of the ring (1) and rigidly connected to one another and to the ring (1). Each wall (5) directly bears on the ring (1) by a base (6) of the wall (5), and each wall (5) is rigidly and directly attached to the ring (1) by at least one somewhat point-by-point connection (7) on at least one point or area of tangency or intersection with the base (6) of the wall (5) and the ring (1).