Spring-Loaded Blanket Connector for Spacecraft Grounding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connection systems for super-insulating blankets in spacecraft are cumbersome, prone to damage, and require complex cable management, making them difficult to connect and disconnect without risking tears or electrical disconnections.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connection device featuring a conductive sleeve, pin, and elastic element, which allows for easy mounting and dismounting without damaging the super-insulating blanket, and ensures permanent electrical contact while allowing axial mobility and vertical play.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rivet or screw-nut assembly with conductive material is used to ground the super-insulating blanket, then electrical connection is achieved, but the assembly becomes complex and difficult to disconnect without damaging the fragile sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is divided into separate male and female parts that can be independently assembled and disconnected. The female part integrates the electrical connection function into the fastening mechanism itself, allowing the blanket to be connected and disconnected as a single unit without damaging the fragile sheets.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection function is merged with the mechanical fastening function. The conductive female part serves both as the fastening element (integrating with rivet or screw-nut assembly) and as the electrical connection element, eliminating the need for separate conductive material layers and simplifying the disconnection process.
2Reliability
If multiple electrical cables are attached to each insert, then comprehensive electrical connection is achieved, but the risk of forgetting to reconnect cables increases and testing becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection is segmented into modular female parts that are pre-assembled with the blanket. Each female part represents a discrete connection point, making it easier to track and ensure all connections are properly reattached without missing any cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The female electrical connection parts are pre-assembled and pre-positioned on the blanket before the blanket is installed on the spacecraft. This preliminary assembly ensures that all electrical connection points are prepared in advance, reducing the risk of overlooking connections during reassembly and minimizing testing time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If longer electrical cables are used to connect panel insert to mattress rivet, then flexibility in positioning is improved, but the cables become expensive, heavier, and installation becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical fastening element and electrical connection element are merged into a single integrated female part. This integration eliminates the need for separate long electrical cables, as the electrical connection is achieved through the fastening element itself, reducing weight, cost, and installation complexity while maintaining positioning flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The female part serves as an intermediary element that directly bridges the mechanical fastening function and electrical connection function. By using this intermediary, the system avoids the need for long cables as mediators, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving adaptability in positioning.
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 connection device facilitates quick and secure assembly and disassembly of super-insulating blankets to spacecraft structural panels, reducing installation time and costs, and ensuring reliable electrical contact without the need for additional conductive elements.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element (16) suitable for pushing the pin (14) against the sleeve (12) to press it against the sleeve and ensure electrical contact between them
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for electrical connection (2) intended to connect a superinsulating blanket to a structural panel of a spacecraft, said connection device (2) comprising: - a conducting sleeve (12) having an axis (A‑A) extending along a first direction (z), said sleeve (12) comprising a device for axial fixing of the insulating blanket (10, 18, 22) and a support (24), - a conducting pin (14) able to be arranged in said sleeve (12), - an elastic element (16) carried by said support (24), said elastic element (16) being able to exert on the pin (14) a force in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction (z) so as to thrust the pin (14) against the sleeve (12). The invention also relates to a method for assembling a female part of the electrical connection device to a superinsulating blanket, a superinsulating blanket and a spacecraft.