Articulating Spacecraft Chassis for In-Space Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spacecraft chassis are limited to a single configuration and volume by launch vehicle requirements and spacecraft orbital speeds, preventing dynamic structural reorientation in space.
Innovation Solution
An articulating spacecraft chassis with dynamic movement capability that allows structural alteration while maintaining industry volumetric launch standards, incorporating articulation units, rotational and translational units, self-locking units, and power sources for in-space reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current spacecraft chassis are designed to meet launch vehicle requirements and maintain single configuration, then they satisfy industry volumetric launch standards, but they cannot undergo dynamic structural reorientation in space
Solution Approach 1:
The spacecraft chassis is divided into multiple articulation units that can move independently relative to each other. These segmented units are connected through rotational and translational joints, allowing the chassis to reconfigure its structure in space while maintaining a unified launch configuration that meets industry standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The chassis transitions from a static single-configuration design to a dynamic multi-configuration system. Rotational and translational units enable the articulation units to change their relative positions and orientations, providing dynamic structural reorientation capability while maintaining launch vehicle compatibility.
2Productivity
If articulation units are added to enable in-space reconfiguration, then payload capabilities and maneuverability are improved, but the chassis structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation units serve multiple functions: they enable structural reconfiguration for payload deployment, provide maneuverability control through controlled movement, and maintain launch vehicle compatibility through standardized external dimensions. This multi-functionality justifies the added structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational and translational units are designed to enable self-reconfiguration of the chassis in space without requiring external intervention. The system uses its own internal mechanisms to achieve the desired structural changes, improving payload capability while managing complexity through automation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rotational and translational units are incorporated for dynamic movement, then volumetric states are expanded, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis is manufactured as separate articulation units that can be assembled through standardized rotational and translational joints. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing, reducing overall complexity compared to manufacturing a single complex reconfigurable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation units are pre-assembled and tested as modular components before final integration into the complete chassis. This preliminary action allows for simplified manufacturing of individual units while ensuring proper functionality of the rotational and translational mechanisms before final assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to articulating spacecraft chassis and methods of making and using same. The present invention relates to spacecraft chassis and methods of making and using same. Such spacecraft chassis have a dynamic movement capability that allows the spacecraft to alter its structure while still maintaining industry volumetric launch standards. This capability increases opens up a wide range of achievable volumetric states and increases the ability to meet mission requirements by introducing a new tunable parameter. In addition, the judicious selection of certain dynamic movement parameters can result increased payload capabilities and improved maneuverability.