Telescopic Satellite Mast Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite deployable inflatable masts require a gas generator to maintain pressure during polymerization and are complex due to the need for resistance to space atmosphere and UV, making them heavy and costly.
Innovation Solution
A telescopic mast structure using nested segments with a simple inflatable tube that maintains inflation only during deployment, reducing the need for a large gas generator and simplifying the tube design, while incorporating mutual locking and restraint mechanisms for easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a gas generator is used to maintain pressure during polymerization of inflatable masts, then the mast can be solidified and maintain its shape, but the gas generator capacity must be large and the system becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mast is divided into multiple telescopic segments that can be nested within each other during launch and deployed sequentially. This segmentation allows the mast to achieve its final shape without requiring a large-capacity gas generator, as each segment can be inflated independently with smaller gas generators, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining shape stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic segments are designed to be nested within each other in a compact configuration for launch, similar to nested dolls. This nesting arrangement reduces the volume occupied by the mast during transport while allowing easy deployment by extending the segments in sequence, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing the complexity of the gas generator system required.
2Reliability
If complex multi-layer tubes are used to ensure resistance to space environment and UV rays, then the inflatable tube achieves high watertightness and durability, but the tube design becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable tube is divided into multiple segments corresponding to the telescopic mast segments. Each tube segment can be independently designed and manufactured with simplified construction, yet collectively they provide the necessary environmental resistance and durability when assembled in the complete mast structure, reducing the complexity of individual tube designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube segments are pre-assembled and tested independently before final integration into the complete mast structure. This preliminary action allows for quality control and environmental resistance verification at a manageable scale, reducing the complexity of designing and testing the entire tube system at once while ensuring reliability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the mast is designed as a solid structure, then it provides stability, but it cannot be folded for launch
Solution Approach 1:
The mast is segmented into multiple telescopic sections that can be nested within each other, transforming a solid structure into a collapsible configuration. Each segment maintains its structural stability when deployed, while the nested arrangement dramatically reduces the volume occupied during launch, resolving the contradiction between stability and compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The mast transitions from a static solid structure to a dynamic telescopic structure that can change its configuration. During launch, the segments are nested in a compact state; during operation, they extend to form a stable mast structure. This dynamic capability allows the mast to adapt its volume while maintaining structural integrity when needed.
4Ease of manufacture
If the mast is designed for easy assembly and disassembly, then unit tests are facilitated, but locking and retention mechanisms become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mast is divided into discrete segments with standardized locking and retention mechanisms at the interfaces. This segmentation allows individual segments to be easily assembled and disassembled for unit testing, while the standardized nature of the locking mechanisms reduces overall complexity by using repeated, proven designs rather than custom solutions for each connection point.
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 reduces the capacity and cost of the gas generator, simplifies the inflatable tube design, and facilitates easy assembly and disassembly of the mast, enhancing unit testing and deployment efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The inflatable tube comprises a gas generator
Implementation Method 2
retaining the segments in the folded position by friction of the nested segments on each other
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to a carrier device for satellite equipment, in the form of a telescopic mast consisting of pull-out cylindrical segments (2, 2a, 21, 22) which enclose an inflatable tube (3) for deployment of the mast and are provided with means (4, 6) for hooking equipment carried by the mast. The invention also relates to a carrier device for satellite equipment, in the form of a telescopic mast consisting of pull-out cylindrical segments (2, 2a, 21, 22), for which the segments comprise a system for interlocking the segments in the extended position (18a, 19, 13, 22a), and holding means in the form of an upper abutment (18a) between the segments in the extended position and a lower abutment (18b) between the segments in the retracted position.