Slit-tube longeron solar array for compact stowage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current deployable solar arrays for spacecraft are limited by mass, volume, and power efficiency, requiring more efficient packaging and deployment mechanisms to increase power capacity or reduce mass and stowed volume while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The use of slit-tube longerons made from shape memory materials, which can transform from a stowed state around the satellite to a deployed state by unwrapping and flattening, coupled with flat solar panels and a force applicator to facilitate automatic deployment, allowing for more compact stowage and efficient power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If rigid panels with crystalline solar cells are used, then power generation efficiency is improved, but mass and stowed volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible thin-film solar arrays instead of rigid crystalline solar panels. The thin-film photovoltaic material is deposited on a flexible substrate, allowing the array to be rolled or folded into a compact stowed configuration while maintaining power generation capability when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar array is packaged in a rolled or folded configuration that nests within a smaller volume. The flexible substrate allows the large-area photovoltaic array to be compacted into a small stowed package that can be accommodated on the spacecraft.
2Power
If rigid panels with crystalline solar cells are used, then power generation efficiency is improved, but stowed volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible thin-film solar array can be rolled or folded into a compact configuration, dramatically reducing the stowed volume compared to rigid panels. The flexibility of the thin-film substrate enables this compact packaging while maintaining the large deployed area for power generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar array is packaged in a rolled or folded configuration that nests within a smaller volume, reducing the space required during launch and stowage while providing sufficient area for power generation when deployed.
3Volume of moving object
If thin-film arrays packaged in a long roll are used, then stowed volume is reduced, but deployment complexity increases due to separate booms
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is integrated directly with the photovoltaic array, eliminating the need for separate boom mechanisms. The flexible substrate itself provides the structural support, merging the support function with the power-generating element and simplifying the deployment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible substrate provides self-supporting capability, allowing the array to maintain its deployed configuration without requiring external boom structures. The material's inherent flexibility and strength enable it to serve both as the photovoltaic substrate and as the structural support element.
4Volume of moving object
If thin-film arrays packaged in a pleated stack are used, then stowed volume is reduced, but deployment complexity increases due to separate boom
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is integrated directly with the photovoltaic array, eliminating the need for separate boom mechanisms. The flexible substrate itself provides the structural support, merging the support function with the power-generating element and simplifying the deployment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible substrate provides self-supporting capability, allowing the array to maintain its deployed configuration without requiring external boom structures. The material's inherent flexibility and strength enable it to serve both as the photovoltaic substrate and as the structural support element.
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
This solution enables more compact and lightweight solar arrays that can automatically deploy, increasing power capacity and reducing stowed volume, thereby enhancing spacecraft capabilities and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The slit-tube longeron may include a shape memory material. When in the deployed state, the tubular member may have a substantially circular cross section along the longitudinal length of the slit-tube longeron.
Data Source
AI summary
A deployable structure that may include a slit-tube longeron and a flat panel coupled with the slit-tube longeron. The slit-tube longeron may include a tubular member having a slit that runs along the longitudinal length of the slit-tube longeron. The deployable structure may be configured to couple with a satellite. And the deployable structure may be configured to transform between a stowed state and a deployed state where the tubular member is substantially straight when the deployable structure is in the deployed state, and the tubular member is wrapped around the satellite when the deployable structure is in the stowed state.