Deployable Spacecraft Sub-Reflector for Compact Antenna Stowage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antenna apparatuses for spacecraft face limitations in compact storage due to the inability to fold the sub-reflector, which restricts the overall size reduction of the antenna device during transportation and non-use periods.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a delivery device that allows the sub-reflection unit to be accommodated within the main body and subsequently positioned for optimal radio wave reflection, enabling the antenna apparatus to be deployed from a more compactly stored state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the sub-reflector is supported by a support mechanism and placed away from the main reflector, then the radio wave reflection function is maintained, but the antenna device cannot be stored compactly
Solution Approach 1:
The sub-reflector is stored inside the main body of the spacecraft, nested within the available internal space. During storage, the sub-reflector is accommodated within the main body along with other components, achieving compact integration similar to nested dolls.
Solution Approach 2:
The sub-reflector transitions from a static supported position to a dynamic deployable configuration. The delivery device enables the sub-reflector to be moved from its stored position inside the main body to its operational position, providing dynamic adaptability between storage and usage states.
2Volume of moving object
If the main-reflector is folded for compact storage, then the storage volume is reduced, but the sub-reflector cannot be folded due to its support mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The storage mechanisms for the main-reflector and sub-reflector are merged into a unified system. Both components are stored within the main body of the spacecraft, combining their storage functions and simplifying the overall storage mechanism while achieving compact volume.
3Reliability
If the sub-reflector is placed away from the main reflector for optimal radio wave reflection, then the reflection efficiency is maintained, but the overall device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distance between the sub-reflector and main reflector becomes a dynamic parameter rather than a fixed constraint. The delivery device enables the sub-reflector to be positioned at the optimal distance for radio wave reflection when needed, while allowing compact storage when the optimal distance cannot be maintained.
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
Enables the antenna apparatus to be stored more compactly by accommodating the sub-reflection unit inside the main body during transport and deploying it efficiently for operation, addressing the previous limitations of sub-reflector size and overall device compactness.
Implementation Method 1
a main-reflection unit (121) configured to reflect and emit a radio wave outside
Implementation Method 2
a sub-reflection unit (122) configured to face the main-reflection unit (121)... positioned for optimal radio wave reflection
Data Source
AI summary
A spacecraft includes: a main-reflection unit configured to reflect and emit a radio wave outside, a sub-reflection unit configured to face the main-reflection unit, a radiator arranged to face the sub-reflection unit and configured to radiate the radio wave in a direction of the sub-reflection unit, a main body configured to be able to accommodate at least one part of the sub-reflection unit therein, and a delivery device connected to the sub-reflection unit and configured to deliver the sub-reflection unit, at least one part of which is accommodated in the main body, to a position where the sub-reflection unit is able to reflect the radio wave radiated from the radiator to the main-reflection unit and cause the main-reflection unit to radiate the radio wave outside.