Segmented Deployable Structure for Space Antennas
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing size of space equipment such as antennas and solar generators poses storage challenges during launch, as existing deployable structures require larger volumes that are not easily expandable within the limited space available under a launcher's cap.
Innovation Solution
A deployable structure comprising segmented panels articulated in sets, connected by liaison panels, which can transition from a stored configuration to a deployed configuration, forming a regular polygonal shape, and utilizing articulated arms and reinforcement elements to maintain stiffness and reduce volume during storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the dimension of antennas is increased to meet growing space mission needs, then the operational surface area is improved, but the storage volume required under the launcher's cap increases beyond available space
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into multiple elementary panels that are grouped in sets of n panels. Each set can be independently folded against the others to form a compact configuration during storage, while deploying to form the full antenna surface area in orbit. This segmentation allows the antenna to achieve large operational area while maintaining small storage volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The elementary panels within each set are arranged to nest together during storage, with intermediate panels folded against each other to form a compact stack. The liaison panels connect these nested sets, allowing the entire antenna structure to be compressed into a small volume that fits within the launcher's cap constraints while maintaining the capability to deploy to large surface area in space.
2Volume of stationary object
If traditional articulated panel structures are used for storage, then the structure can be compacted, but the volume required still exceeds the limited space under the launcher's cap
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna structure employs dynamic articulation between elementary panels and liaison panels, allowing it to transition from a compact stored configuration to a fully deployed operational configuration. The articulation points enable the structure to adapt its shape and volume, achieving both compact storage and large operational surface area without compromising deployment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure changes its geometric parameters during deployment - transitioning from a compact folded state with small volume to an expanded planar configuration with large surface area. The articulation mechanisms allow continuous parameter changes in panel angles and relative positions, enabling the antenna to meet both storage volume constraints and deployment versatility requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a deployable structure (10) comprising a segmented structure (20) comprising N assemblies (21) of n articulated adjacent elementary panels (22), the assemblies being joined two by two by a connection panel (24). During a deployment phase, the segmented structure (20) passes: - from a storage configuration in which, for each assembly (21), the elementary panels (22) are folded against one another, the folded elementary panels defining a central cavity, - to a deployed configuration, in which all the elementary panels and the connecting panels are arranged in a same plane. The deployable structure comprises a deployment device (30) comprising an articulated arm (31) comprising several successive articulated elements (32), the articulated arm passing from the storage configuration in which the elements (32) are folded within the central cavity, to the deployed configuration in which the articulated arm is deployed.