Deployable Spacecraft Antenna Reflector With Elastic Rib Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna apparatus for spacecraft face challenges in easy deployment from a stored state, often requiring complex mechanisms like expansion tubes, gas supply devices, and motor-operated masts, which complicate the storage and deployment process.
Innovation Solution
The antenna apparatus incorporates a delivery device with a rack gear and pinion gear mechanism to move the sub-reflector to a predetermined position, combined with elastic ribs that deploy automatically upon restriction release, allowing for compact storage and easy deployment without additional driving devices for restriction release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If expansion tube and gas supply device are used for deployment, then the antenna can be deployed from storage, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the expansion tube and gas supply device from the deployment mechanism. Instead, it uses a simple rack gear and pinion gear mechanism combined with elastic ribs that automatically deploy when restrictions are released, eliminating complex components while maintaining deployment functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic ribs automatically deploy when the restriction mechanism is released, without requiring external power sources or complex actuation systems. The system uses the inherent elasticity of the ribs to achieve deployment, making the mechanism self-service and reducing overall complexity
2Ease of operation
If motor power, gears and pantograph are used for mast extension, then the antenna can be deployed, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates motors, complex gear systems, and pantograph mechanisms. It replaces them with a simplified rack and pinion gear system combined with elastic ribs that provide automatic extension and positioning without heavy mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces motor-driven mechanical systems with a passive elastic mechanism. The elastic ribs store potential energy during compression and automatically convert it to kinetic energy for deployment, substituting active mechanical systems with a passive elastic-mechanical hybrid system that is lighter and simpler
3Measurement precision
If positioning guides are used for mast extension, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex positioning guides and replaces them with a rack gear and pinion gear mechanism that provides inherent positioning accuracy through mechanical engagement. The elastic ribs also contribute to accurate positioning through their controlled expansion characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning function is achieved through the inherent mechanical characteristics of the rack and pinion gear system and the elastic properties of the ribs, without requiring additional positioning guides or control systems. The system self-regulates its positioning through the interaction between the gears and elastic deformation
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 the antenna apparatus to be deployed more easily and compactly stored, reducing the complexity of deployment mechanisms and improving storage efficiency, while ensuring accurate positioning of the sub-reflector and main-reflector for effective radio wave transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of ribs 141 which are radially arranged around an outer circumference of the hub 143 at predetermined intervals. Each of the plurality of ribs 141 has elasticity in a deploying direction
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
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AI summary
[Means for addressing the problem] There is provided "an antenna apparatus, comprising: a main-reflection unit including a plurality of ribs formed to be deployable in a stored state in which the ribs are folded and a sheet body provided between a plurality of the ribs and configured to be capable of reflecting a radio wave radiated from a radiator and emitting the radio wave outside; and a restriction member configured to restrict deployment of the plurality of ribs in the stored state, and release the restriction by operation of a restriction release member different from the main-reflection unit".