Solar Array Deployment Mechanism for Compact Stowage and High Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar arrays for space vehicles and satellites face a challenge in achieving high stiffness and stability after deployment while maintaining a low volume and weight during launch, which is difficult to achieve with existing folding mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The deployment mechanism includes an elongated deployment member routed along a first panel and an extension, which, upon retraction by a deployment motor, rotates the extension into an extended position and further deploys solar array gores around a hub, effectively increasing the surface area of the solar array by extending the radius and unfolding the gores.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If solar arrays are folded and stacked to reduce volume for launch, then the stowed volume is reduced, but the deployed stiffness and stability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The solar array is divided into multiple triangular or trapezoidal panels called gores that can be independently folded and stacked. Each gore is a discrete structural unit that maintains its shape during stowage and deploys to form a stable circular configuration, resolving the contradiction between compact folding and deployed stiffness.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar array is configured in a circular arrangement with gores forming a curved, dome-like structure when deployed. This curved geometry provides inherent structural stiffness and stability while allowing the array to be folded into a compact configuration for launch, directly addressing the contradiction between stowed volume and deployed stability.
2Power
If the solar array surface area is increased to generate more electrical current, then power output is improved, but the stowed volume and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple solar array gores are nested within each other in a compact stacked configuration during stowage, similar to nested dolls. This allows a large surface area solar array to be folded into a small volume for launch, resolving the contradiction between power generation capability and stowed size.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar array transitions from a two-dimensional flat configuration to a three-dimensional circular dome structure when deployed. This dimensional transformation allows the array to achieve a large surface area for power generation while maintaining a compact stowed volume, effectively resolving the contradiction between power output and stowed size.
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 allows for a higher power output from a solar array that can fit within a smaller space, doubling or tripling the surface area compared to traditional designs, while maintaining a compact stowed configuration, thereby enhancing energy harvesting efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The elongated deployment member is routed along a first panel, along an extension, and at least partially along a second panel. Upon retraction of the elongated deployment member by the deployment motor, the extension is moved into an extended position and the second panel is rotated about a hub located at a distal end of the extension.
Data Source
AI summary
Mechanisms for deploying a solar array include an elongated deployment member routed along a first panel, along an extension, and at least partially along a second panel. The elongated deployment member is configured to, upon retraction of the elongated deployment member by a deployment motor, move the extension into an extended position and rotate the second panel about a hub located at a distal end of the extension. Solar array assemblies include such a mechanism. Methods of deploying a solar array include retracting an elongated deployment member to rotate an extension into an extended position and further retracting the elongated deployment member to rotate a panel coupled to the extension approximately 360° about a hub of the extension.