Spacecraft Solar Generator Deployment Synchronization Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current deployment systems for solar generators on spacecraft, such as those using toothed-sector gears or pawls/latches, fail to maintain the driven spindle engaged with the driving spindle during complex deployments, particularly in specific footings or transfer articulations, leading to disengagement issues.
Innovation Solution
A synchronization mechanism with a pulley system and winder-unwinder devices ensures the driven spindle remains engaged with the driving spindle, allowing synchronized rotation only during specific phases of deployment, using two cable strands attached to eccentric pulley sectors to retain and release the driven spindle accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If toothed-sector gears are used for deployment, then the mechanism can achieve deployment motion, but the driven spindle becomes disengaged during the first deployment phase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the retaining means movable between two positions: a retaining position that prevents disengagement during the first deployment phase, and a releasing position that allows synchronized rotation during the second phase. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the engagement state to the deployment phase requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cable as an intermediary element that transmits motion from the driving spindle to the retained spindle through the retaining means. This cable-mediated transmission ensures continuous engagement while allowing controlled motion transfer only when needed, resolving the disengagement issue without requiring complex direct mechanical coupling.
2Reliability
If pawls or latches are used for deployment, then the mechanism can maintain engagement, but the system becomes non-reversible
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining means is designed to be dynamically repositionable between retaining and releasing states, allowing the system to switch between engagement and disengagement modes. This dynamic capability enables reversible deployment operations, contrasting with fixed pawl-latch mechanisms that permanently maintain engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic switching between the retaining position and releasing position of the retaining means, corresponding to different deployment phases. This periodic action allows the mechanism to alternately maintain and release engagement, enabling reversible operations while ensuring proper engagement during critical phases.
3Reliability
If the driven spindle is retained during the first phase, then disengagement is prevented, but the driven spindle cannot rotate during this phase
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining means dynamically adjusts its state based on the deployment phase: during the first phase, it constrains the driven spindle to prevent disengagement while allowing the driving spindle to rotate; during the second phase, it releases the constraint to enable synchronized rotation of both spindles. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between maintaining engagement and enabling rotation.
4Reliability
If a synchronization mechanism is added to prevent disengagement, then engagement reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a cable as a simple intermediary element to transmit rotational motion from the driving spindle to the retaining means, which in turn controls the engagement state of the driven spindle. This cable-mediated approach achieves synchronization and prevents disengagement without requiring complex mechanical linkages or additional actuation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining means is designed to automatically switch between retaining and releasing positions based on the rotational position of the driving spindle, without requiring external control signals or additional actuators. The cable tension and geometric constraints naturally cause the retaining means to assume the appropriate position, making the synchronization mechanism self-regulating and reducing overall system complexity.
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 solution ensures the driven spindle is never disengaged from the driving spindle, enabling smooth, reversible deployment kinematics, maintaining engagement throughout the deployment process without relative motion, even during complex configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the retaining means comprise a pulley system on the driven spindle, from which there depart two cable strands attached independently of one another to the releasing means
Implementation Method 2
the releasing means comprise a first winder-unwinder device, a second winder-unwinder device, these devices being eccentric
Data Source
AI summary
A deployment system for spatial appendages, such as, for example, solar generators, comprises at least one two-phase deployment articulation line, furnished with two rotation spindles. The deployment system comprises a synchronization mechanism for the two rotation spindles so that when the driving spindle rotates during a first deployment phase, the driven spindle does not rotate, and then, when the driving spindle rotates during the second deployment phase, the driven spindle rotates in a manner synchronized with the driving spindle.