Shared-Arm Antenna Deployment for Lower-Mass Satellite Kinematics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for deploying multiple antennas on satellites require a large number of arms and motors, leading to complex deployment kinematics, increased mass, and limited space efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A compact deployment device with a main arm and secondary motor system that allows two instruments to transition from a stowed to a deployed configuration, using a main motor to actuate the main arm and a secondary motor to position the second instrument relative to the main arm, reducing the number of arms and mass while simplifying the external configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single or double stacking mechanism with multiple arms and motors is used for each antenna, then multiple antennas can be deployed, but the number of arms and motors increases, leading to complex deployment kinematics and increased mass
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the deployment functions for multiple antennas into a single shared arm mechanism. Instead of having separate arms and motors for each antenna, one arm is shared among multiple antennas, with a single motor controlling the arm's movement. This consolidation directly reduces the number of components and simplifies the deployment kinematics while maintaining the capability to deploy multiple antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared arm is designed to serve multiple functions by deploying different antennas at different times or positions. The arm can be repositioned to deploy the first antenna, then repositioned again to deploy the second antenna, making the same mechanical structure universal for multiple deployment tasks rather than requiring dedicated arms for each antenna.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple arms and motors are used to deploy multiple antennas, then deployment capability is improved, but the mass of the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna deployment functions into a single arm-motor assembly, eliminating the need for separate arms and motors for each antenna. This merging of functions directly reduces the total mass of the deployment mechanism while preserving the capability to deploy multiple antennas sequentially or simultaneously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of arms and motors are used for antenna deployment, then multiple antennas can be deployed, but the external configuration of the satellite becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple antenna deployment functions into a single compact arm mechanism, significantly reducing the external footprint and simplifying the satellite's overall configuration. Instead of having multiple arms extending in different directions, the shared arm provides a more compact and streamlined external appearance.
Data Source
AI summary
A deployment device intended to be positioned on a bearing structure, includes a first instrument and a second instrument, a deployment mechanism comprising: a main arm connected to a face of the bearing structure at a first attachment point, on the one hand, and to the first instrument on the other hand, the second instrument being connected to the main arm, a main motor configured to actuate the main arm in relation to the face, a secondary motor configured to actuate the second instrument in relation to the main arm, and in that the two instruments are suitable for passing from a stored configuration, one over the other, on the face of the bearing structure, to a deployed configuration wherein the two instruments are at a distance from one another and from the bearing structure, and/or vice versa.