Tape Spring Hinge Assembly for Space Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spacecraft solar arrays face challenges in meeting power demands due to insufficient surface area, requiring deployable structures with hinges that provide deployment torque, locking mechanisms, and electrical connections, which can be complex and prone to failures.
Innovation Solution
A space structure with a hinge assembly comprising self-actuating and self-locking tape spring elements that deploy by releasing stored strain energy, also serving as conductors for direct current of opposite polarities, eliminating the need for separate electrical connections and reducing complexity and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate wiring elements are used to establish electrical connection between adjacent panels, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical hinge function with the electrical connection function into a single integrated component. The hinge assembly includes conductive elements that serve both as mechanical joints for deploying solar panels and as electrical conductors for transmitting power, eliminating the need for separate wiring elements and reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical deployment torque, acts as a locking mechanism, and serves as an electrical conductor. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall hinge assembly structure
2Stability of the object's composition
If deployable structures with separate locking mechanisms are used, then panels can be fixed at desired deployment angle, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the locking mechanism functionality into the hinge assembly itself, combining the deployment torque provision and panel fixation functions into a single unified structure, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining deployment stability
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly is designed to automatically lock panels at the desired deployment angle through its own structural features without requiring external locking mechanisms, enabling the system to service itself and reduce overall complexity
3Extent of automation
If tape spring elements are used for deployment, then stored strain energy can be released for actuation, but electrical conductivity must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs conductive materials or coatings on the tape spring elements to maintain electrical conductivity while preserving their mechanical properties for storing and releasing strain energy. This composite approach ensures both self-actuating deployment capability and reliable electrical conduction through the moving hinge joints
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 solution simplifies the assembly and deployment process, reduces susceptibility to failures, and maintains voltage drop within desired limits by using high conductivity materials or coatings, while ensuring mechanical stability and minimizing magnetic moments.
Implementation Method 1
each of the first and the second tape spring element is movable from a folded state into an unfolded state by releasing stored strain energy
Implementation Method 2
The first tape spring element is connected to a first direct current source and configured to conduct direct current provided by the first direct current source. Furthermore, the second tape spring element is connected to a second direct current source and configured to conduct direct current provided by the second direct current source
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5c
AI summary
A hinge assembly (10) comprises a first tape spring element (12) and a second tape spring element (14), wherein each of the first and the second tape spring element (12, 14) is adapted to connect a first element (102) of a space structure (100) to a second element (104) of the space structure (100), and wherein each of the first and the second tape spring element (12, 14) is movable from a folded state into an unfolded state by releasing stored strain energy so as to deploy the first and the second element (104) of the space structure (100). The first tape spring element (12) is connected to a first direct current source (16) and configured to conduct direct current of a first polarity which is supplied to the first tape spring element (12) from the first direct current source (16). The second tape spring element (14) is connected to a second direct current source (18) and configured to conduct direct current of a second polarity opposite to the first polarity which is supplied to the second tape spring element (14) from the second direct current source (18).