SEM Perimeter Truss Reflector for Compact SmallSat Deployment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional deployable mesh reflectors for satellites are costly and optimized for large satellites, making them unsuitable for small satellites that require compact, low-cost, and easily modifiable antenna systems with high gain capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A perimeter truss reflector system using storable extendible members (SEMs) as longerons, which can be flattened and rolled for compact storage, and deployed to form a hoop structure supporting a collapsible mesh reflector surface, allowing for expansion to concentrate RF energy in a predetermined pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If conventional deployable mesh reflectors are used, then large aperture and high gain are achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector structure is segmented into a perimeter truss assembly with discrete battens connected by SEMs, rather than using a continuous complex framework. This segmentation allows the large aperture structure to be built from simpler, modular components that can be independently manufactured and assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The SEMs serve multiple functions: they provide structural support as longerons, enable deployability through extension, and allow compact stowage when retracted. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for each function, reducing overall device complexity.
2Area of moving object
If conventional deployable mesh reflectors are used, then large aperture is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, easily manufactured components such as straight battens and standardized SEMs that can be produced at low cost. These components are designed to be replaced or adjusted if needed, rather than requiring expensive precision-machined parts that would be difficult to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the reflector into modular segments (battens, SEMs, mesh panels), each component can be manufactured independently using simple processes, then assembled. This avoids the need for complex integrated manufacturing of the entire reflector structure.
3Power
If conventional mesh reflectors are used, then high gain is achieved, but adaptability for different missions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector structure incorporates deployable SEMs that can be extended or retracted to adjust the reflector aperture size. This dynamic capability allows the same antenna structure to be adapted for different gain requirements and mission scenarios, rather than being fixed for a single purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The perimeter truss assembly with adjustable SEMs creates a universal platform that can support different mesh reflector configurations for various mission requirements. The same basic structure can be adapted for different aperture sizes and shapes, increasing versatility across missions.
4Volume of moving object
If small satellite volume constraints are considered, then compact stowage is required, but large aperture deployment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The battens and mesh panels are arranged to nest within each other when the SEMs are retracted, creating a compact cylindrical or conical stowage configuration. This nested arrangement minimizes the volume occupied during launch while allowing full aperture deployment in orbit.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployable SEMs transition the structure from a compact stowed state to a large deployed state. This dynamic transformation allows the reflector to achieve large aperture area after deployment, overcoming the initial volume constraints of small satellites.
Data Source
AI summary
Perimeter truss reflector includes a perimeter truss assembly (PTA) comprised of a plurality of battens, each having an length which traverses a PTA thickness as defined along a direction aligned with a reflector central axis. A collapsible mesh reflector surface is secured to the PTA such that when the PTA is in a collapsed configuration, the reflector surface is collapsed for compact stowage and when the PTA is in the expanded configuration, the reflector surface is expanded to a shape that is configured to concentrate RF energy in a predetermined pattern. Each of the one or more longerons extend around at least a portion of a periphery of the PTA. These longerons each comprise a storable extendible member (SEM) which can be flattened and rolled around a spool, but exhibits beam-like structural characteristics when unspooled.