Segmented Satellite Antenna Reflector Deployment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The large size of rigid satellite antenna reflectors poses bulk transport challenges when launching a satellite with such a reflector into space, necessitating a segmented structure that can efficiently deploy in space.
Innovation Solution
A segmented structure comprising at least two panels with a deployment device featuring a translation system with articulated arms and a rotation system, allowing the secondary panel to transition from a storage position to a deployed position, utilizing synchronized motors and auxiliary rotation systems for efficient deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large rigid reflector is used, then the antenna performance is improved, but the transport and launch becomes difficult due to bulk constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is divided into multiple panels (central panel and end panels) that can be separated and folded during launch, reducing the overall volume while maintaining the ability to form a large continuous surface when deployed in space
2Volume of moving object
If a segmented structure with multiple panels is used, then the transport volume is reduced, but the deployment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end panels are positioned to be superimposed on the central panel during storage, creating a compact nested configuration that minimizes transport volume while allowing straightforward deployment by unfolding the panels in sequence
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment device incorporates articulated arms with rotation and translation capabilities that dynamically transform the panel configuration from a compact stored state to a deployed state, enabling adaptive positioning without requiring complex manual intervention
3Manufacturing precision
If a deployment device with articulated arms is used, then the panel deployment precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated arms are equipped with rotation and translation systems that can be pre-positioned and controlled to achieve precise panel alignment, compensating for any dimensional variations or positioning errors before final assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated arms act as intermediary mechanisms between the stored panel configuration and the final deployed position, providing controlled movement and positioning that ensures precise alignment while simplifying the overall deployment process
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 6~8
AI summary
The segmented structure (1) comprises at least two panels (2, 3, 4), a first panel (2), called the main panel, and a second panel (3, 4), called the secondary panel, and at least one deployment device (5) able to bring an associated secondary panel (3, 4) into a storage position (P1) or a deployed position (P2), said deployment device (5) comprising a translation system (6) having an assembly with articulated arms, said translation system (6) being able to generate a movement of the secondary panel (3) in translation in relation to the main panel (2), and being connected to the secondary panel (3) by an outer end (6A), and a rotation system able to generate a rotation of the translation system (6) and of the secondary panel (3, 4) connected to the translation system (6), in relation to the main panel (2).