Deployable Sparse-Aperture Telescope Using Strain-Deployable Composites
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional space-based telescopes face challenges in achieving high resolution due to the limitations of monolithic lenses or mirrors, which are costly and heavy, and sparse apertures are hindered by complex wavefront sensors and mechanical connectors that increase weight and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The use of foldable members with strain deployable composites to form a sparse aperture, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical connectors and complex wavefront sensors, allowing for automatic alignment and operation without them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If monolithic lenses or mirrors are used to achieve high resolution, then image quality is improved, but weight and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monolithic lens or mirror into multiple smaller segmented elements that can be individually supported and positioned. This segmentation allows the use of lighter materials and reduced support structures while maintaining the overall aperture size needed for high resolution imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state or configuration of the optical elements by using deployable structures that transition from a compact stowed configuration to a deployed operational configuration. This allows the telescope to achieve full aperture size in orbit while fitting within smaller launch vehicle constraints
2Measurement precision
If larger diameter lenses or mirrors are used to increase resolution, then image quality is improved, but the support structure becomes heavier and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the large aperture into multiple smaller elements, the support structure complexity is reduced as each segment can be independently supported by simpler, lighter structures rather than requiring a single complex support system for the entire large aperture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs nested deployable structures where support elements are arranged in concentric or hierarchical patterns that allow compact stowing during launch and automatic deployment to full configuration in orbit, reducing the apparent complexity of the support structure
3Weight of moving object
If sparse aperture is used to reduce weight and cost, then weight is reduced, but alignment precision deteriorates due to complex wavefront sensors and mechanical connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-aligning mechanisms where the segmented optical elements automatically align themselves through elastic recovery of deployable structures or through passive mechanical features, eliminating the need for complex active wavefront sensors and precision mechanical connectors to maintain alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems and active wavefront sensing systems with simpler elastic or passive mechanical features that inherently maintain alignment, such as elastic recovery of deployable arms or precision-machined reference surfaces
4Measurement precision
If segmented full aperture system is deployed to achieve high resolution, then image quality is improved, but the system becomes heavier and requires complex adaptive optics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-aligning and self-correcting features in the segmented structure, such as elastic recovery mechanisms that automatically return segments to their correct positions and orientations, eliminating the need for heavy active optics systems and complex control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses deployable structures that change from a compact stowed configuration to a deployed operational configuration, allowing the full aperture to be achieved in orbit with lighter structures that would be too bulky or heavy if used in a monolithic configuration
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 approach enables the creation of a high-resolution sparse aperture system that is lighter, more cost-effective, and requires less power, while maintaining precise alignment and image quality.
Implementation Method 1
Each foldable member in the plurality of foldable members includes an arm comprising a strain deployable composite... The arm in a respective foldable member in the plurality of foldable members is configured to hold the respective foldable member toward the metering structure in a first state and to hold the respective foldable member away from the metering structure in a second state
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system includes a metering structure and a plurality of foldable members disposed around a periphery of the metering structure. Each foldable member in the plurality of foldable members includes an arm comprising a strain deployable composite and a reflector disposed on the arm. The arm in a respective foldable member in the plurality of foldable members is configured to hold the respective foldable member toward the metering structure in a first state and to hold the respective foldable member away from the metering structure in a second state such that the reflector of the respective foldable member forms part of a sparse aperture in the second state.