Space Object Detection Sheet with Ruptured Conductive Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for detecting objects flying in space, such as space debris or cosmic dust, face challenges in setting up a wide detection area without requiring numerous apparatuses, are limited in size measurement, and need complex calibration, making them cumbersome and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A detection apparatus featuring a non-conductive thin film with conductive detection lines arranged in a predetermined array pitch, connected to a detection circuit, which ruptures upon collision, allowing for the detection of objects flying in space without the need for extensive calibration or complex structures, enabling lightweight and flexible deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional detection methods (sound/vibration measurement, plasma detection, piezo film voltage measurement, or gas bottle pressure measurement) are used to detect objects flying in space, then detection capability is achieved, but the apparatus complexity and weight increase significantly when expanding the detection area
Solution Approach 1:
The detection area is segmented into multiple independent detection units, each containing a simple detection element (conductive line on insulating substrate). By dividing the large detection area into many small, identical modular units, the system achieves wide coverage while keeping each individual unit simple and lightweight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses identical replicated detection patterns (conductive lines on insulating substrates) across the entire detection area. Instead of using one complex detection apparatus, multiple simple identical detection units are copied and arranged to cover the required area, reducing complexity while maintaining detection capability.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional detection methods are used, then detection capability is achieved, but the weight of the apparatus increases when expanding the detection area
Solution Approach 1:
The detection structure uses thin insulating substrates with conductive lines patterned on them, replacing heavy conventional detection apparatus. This thin-film structure provides the necessary detection functionality while minimizing weight, enabling large-area deployment without proportional weight increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection area is divided into multiple lightweight modular units, each with its own simple detection element. This segmentation allows the system to achieve large total detection area while keeping each component lightweight and the overall structure manageable.
3Measurement precision
If conventional detection methods are used, then detection capability is achieved, but calibration time and effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is designed to be self-calibrating through its inherent binary detection mechanism. The conductive lines on insulating substrates provide natural reference states (intact vs. ruptured), eliminating the need for external calibration equipment or procedures. The system automatically establishes its baseline and detects changes without human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of calibrating the detection system to recognize objects, the patent inverts the approach by using the absence of conduction (ruptured line) as the detection signal. This inversion simplifies the detection logic to a binary state that requires no calibration, as the intact/ruptured distinction is inherently clear and unambiguous.
4Area of stationary object
If the detection apparatus is designed for wide detection area, then detection coverage is improved, but the number of required apparatuses increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple detection units are merged into a single integrated detection system. Instead of deploying numerous separate detection apparatuses, the patent combines multiple simple detection elements (conductive lines on insulating substrates) into one unified structure that functions as a single large-area detection system, reducing the number of discrete apparatuses required.
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 accurate detection of objects flying in space by measuring the number and position of ruptured detection lines, facilitating the expansion of the detection area, reducing weight, and eliminating the need for calibration, while enabling continuous long-term detection.
Implementation Method 1
when a detection line on the detection sheet element is ruptured by a collision with an object flying in space
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention sets out to provide a device for detecting space objects which is simple in construction and avoids a requirement for calibration. The present invention achieves the above object by providing a detection apparatus for an object flying in space comprising: at least one detection sheet element (1, 1a, 1b, 1c) that retains in a predetermined array pitch a plurality of conductive detection lines on at least one of a first and a second face of a non-conductive thin film that can be exposed in a space environment, and that is configured such that the direction in which the plurality of the conductive detection lines extend is mutually orthogonal when two of the detection sheet elements are laminated; and a detection circuit connected to each detection line, wherein when at least one of the plurality of conductive detection lines on the detection sheet element (1, 1a, 1b, 1c) is ruptured by a collision with an object flying in space, detection of the object flying in space that has collided with each detection sheet element (1, 1a, 1b, 1c) is enabled by the detection circuit.