Spring-Driven Satellite Boom Deployment Without Electric Motors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite boom systems are costly, bulky, and require electric motors for deployment, which can be prone to errors and increase weight and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A coiled boom system using a spring accumulator to unwind without a motor, featuring a spring storage unit, guide mechanism, and locking system, allowing for a stable, compact, and cost-effective deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a spring-driven coiled boom system is used, then weight and device complexity are reduced, but deployment reliability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The spring accumulator is pre-loaded in a compressed state before deployment, storing the energy needed for boom extension. This preliminary action eliminates the need for active motors during deployment, reducing weight and complexity while maintaining reliability through passive, failure-resistant mechanics
Solution Approach 2:
The boom system uses its own integrated spring accumulator to provide deployment force without external power sources. The system serves itself by converting stored elastic energy directly into mechanical work for boom extension, eliminating dependencies on electrical systems that could fail
2Ease of operation
If electric motors are used for boom deployment, then deployment control is improved, but weight and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor is completely removed from the boom deployment system. Instead, a spring accumulator provides all necessary deployment force, extracting the heavy electrical actuation mechanism while maintaining functional capability through passive mechanical means
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical motor-driven mechanical system is replaced with a purely spring-driven mechanical system. The spring accumulator converts elastic potential energy into kinetic energy for boom deployment, substituting electrical-mechanical actuation with direct mechanical energy storage and release
3Length of moving object
If foldable ladder structures like FAST are used, then functional reach is improved, but space occupation in prepared position increases
Solution Approach 1:
The boom is designed as a coiled structure where segments are nested within each other like nested dolls. In the retracted state, the boom forms a compact coil with minimal radius, allowing it to occupy very little space within the satellite while still providing full functional length when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The boom adopts a curved coiled configuration instead of a straight linear structure. This curvature allows the boom to pack into a compact cylindrical or spiral form factor, dramatically reducing its storage volume while maintaining the ability to extend to full functional length for operational tasks
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
The system minimizes weight, size, and construction costs by eliminating the need for electric motors, while ensuring reliable and efficient deployment of satellite components.
Implementation Method 1
The spring storage system makes it possible to do without an electric motor for unwinding the boom
Implementation Method 2
The bending or coil spring can be made of a strip-shaped metallic material (e.g., spring steel)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
The invention describes a boom system (100) for a satellite, comprising a boom (2) which is wound up in several layers in a wound-up state and is unwound in an unwound state, wherein the boom (2) is designed to assume a predetermined shape in zero gravity in the unwound state, wherein the boom system (100) comprises a spring store (4) which provides a force required to unwind the boom (2) from the wound-up state to the unwound state. The boom system (100) can have electrical cabling (50, figure 4) which extends from a first longitudinal end of the boom to a second longitudinal end of the boom and which is fastened to the boom substantially over its entire length. The boom system can comprise a digital camera (28, figure 4) which is fastened to a longitudinal end of the boom in such a way that its viewing axis (52, figure 5) points substantially in the direction of the boom in the unwound state of the boom. The invention also describes a satellite which comprises the boom system.