Satellite Equipment Mounting Panels Vertical Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite payload space is constrained by propellant tanks and launch vehicle size limitations, leading to inefficient heat dissipation and limited equipment mounting capacity in horizontally-stacked configurations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing vertically-oriented equipment mounting panels adjacent to elongated propellant tanks, with thermal connections to radiators and heat transport systems to enhance heat dissipation and accommodate more equipment within size constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If horizontally-stacked mounting panels are used above cylindrical propellant tanks, then equipment space is provided for squat-shaped tanks, but size constraints of launch vehicle are not satisfied and heat dissipation is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal stacking to vertical stacking of equipment mounting panels, changing the spatial arrangement from two-dimensional horizontal layers to three-dimensional vertical configuration. This dimensional change allows equipment to be positioned adjacent to elongated propellant tanks while maintaining compliance with launch vehicle size constraints, and simultaneously improves heat dissipation by locating more equipment proximate to thermal radiators that interface with deep space
2Ease of operation
If horizontally-stacked mounting panels are used, then equipment can be positioned above propellant tanks, but heat generated by equipment cannot be efficiently dissipated
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from horizontal to vertical stacking arrangement, the patent repositions equipment in the vertical dimension adjacent to propellant tanks, enabling more effective thermal coupling with radiators that interface with the cold environment of deep space, thereby improving heat dissipation capacity
3Volume of moving object
If vertically-oriented mounting panels are used adjacent to elongated propellant tanks, then equipment capacity and heat dissipation are improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical stacking configuration utilizes the vertical dimension more effectively, allowing equipment to be mounted on panels that are vertically oriented and positioned adjacent to elongated propellant tanks. This approach maximizes equipment capacity within the available volume while the modular panel design manages the increased structural complexity
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
This configuration increases equipment capacity and heat dissipation efficiency by positioning electronics near thermal radiators in deep space, while maintaining compliance with size constraints imposed by the satellite and launch vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
more equipment is located proximate to thermal radiators that interface with the lower temperature environment of deep space, thereby increasing heat dissipation capacity and efficiency
Implementation Method 2
one or more of the equipment mounting panels may be associated with a heat transport system that is thermally connected to a thermal radiator
Data Source
AI summary
A satellite payload structure includes one side that includes at least two equipment mounting panels. Each of the equipment mounting panels are oriented substantially parallel to each other such that when the satellite is deployed, each of the equipment mounting panels are substantially parallel to a vector pointing from the deployed location of the satellite to a point on the earth's surface. The point on the earth's surface is located vertically beneath the satellite such that the vector is substantially normal to the earth's surface.