Single Actuator Satellite Manipulation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite manipulation systems in space, particularly those using articulated arms, face reliability issues due to multiple actuators, complex storage challenges, and single-point failures, making them economically and technically inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a single actuator to deploy, grip, and fold an articulated structure for satellite manipulation, featuring a threaded rod, pivot links, and articulated bars with gripping devices, allowing for compact storage and enhanced reliability by reducing mechanical parts and using a single actuator for deployment and gripping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators are used in articulated arms for satellite manipulation, then the gripping capability and degrees of freedom are improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to increased probability of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple actuator functions into a single actuator that controls the entire articulated structure. The single actuator drives the deployment, gripping, and folding operations through a centralized mechanical transmission system, eliminating multiple actuators and their associated failure points while maintaining full gripping capability through coordinated bar movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator performs multiple functions: deploying the articulated structure, gripping the satellite, and folding the structure back. This multi-functional actuator replaces several specialized actuators, reducing complexity and improving reliability while maintaining adaptability through its ability to control all degrees of freedom.
2Manufacturing precision
If articulated arms with multiple actuators are used, then the manipulation precision is improved, but the storage complexity worsens due to significant stacking requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated bars are designed to nest within each other during storage, with the structure folding into a compact configuration. The bars can be stored in a stacked or nested arrangement that minimizes space requirements, making the system suitable for launch constraints while maintaining manipulation precision through the articulated mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If multiple actuators are used in articulated arms, then the gripping control is improved, but the single point of failure risk worsens
Solution Approach 1:
By combining all actuation functions into a single actuator, the patent eliminates the multiple failure points inherent in multi-actuator systems. The single actuator design removes the 'multiple points of failure' problem while maintaining gripping control through its centralized control of all articulated bars.
4Adaptability or versatility
If articulated arms with numerous actuators are used, then the manipulation versatility is improved, but the programming complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges control of all articulated bars into a single actuator, simplifying the control architecture. This reduces programming complexity by eliminating the need to coordinate multiple independent actuators, while maintaining manipulation versatility through the articulated mechanism's inherent degrees of freedom.
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
The system provides improved reliability, reduced production costs, and compact storage capabilities, minimizing the risk of failures and mechanical stresses while enabling continuous manipulation with a single actuator, enhancing the overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness of satellite handling in space.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded rod, said central threaded rod having a first end fixed to the output of the actuator
Implementation Method 2
a pivot link with the fixed supporting structure, the manipulation system further comprising a tapped whorl guided by the threaded rod and a set of articulated bars held by pivot links at their interfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A system for manipulating a space object in space comprises an articulated structure, wherein the articulated structure comprises a single actuator configured to control, equally, the deployment of the structure in space, the gripping of the space object and the folding down of the articulated structure. Developments describe the use of a fixed supporting structure, a threaded rod, a tapped whorl guided by the threaded rod and a set of articulated bars held by pivot links at their interfaces on the tapped whorl and on the fixed supporting structure. Various mechanical configurations are described, notably gripping devices comprising rollers for locking and/or unlocking the space object by separation of the articulated bars. A method of regulation, of control and of adjustment of the manipulation is provided.