Dome-Type Tensegrity Mesh Antenna for High Deploy-Stow Ratio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spaceborne deployable mesh antennas face challenges in achieving high deploy/stow ratio, light mass, and large aperture due to the mass and volume requirements of traditional double-layer back cable nets, which increase the burden on carrier rockets.
Innovation Solution
A deployable mesh antenna based on dome-type tensegrity, combining a wire mesh reflector, a dome-type reflector support system, and a peripheral deployable truss, which forms a balanced structure with a single-layer dome-type reflector support system, reducing mass and storage volume by using a smaller number of rods and cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a double-layer back cable net is used for reflector support, then the structural stability is improved, but the mass and storage volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes one layer from the traditional double-layer back cable net support structure, transitioning to a single-layer support system. This extraction eliminates redundant cables and components while maintaining the necessary structural stability through optimized cable tensioning and geometric configuration, thereby reducing the overall antenna mass and storage volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary tensioning to the single-layer back cable net during the deployment process. By pre-tensioning the cables before the antenna reaches its final operational configuration, the structure achieves adequate stiffness and stability without requiring the additional support layer that would be needed in a non-pre-tensioned system.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a double-layer back cable net is used for reflector support, then the structural stability is improved, but the storage volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes one layer from the traditional double-layer back cable net support structure, transitioning to a single-layer support system. This extraction eliminates redundant cables and components while maintaining the necessary structural stability through optimized cable tensioning and geometric configuration, thereby reducing the overall antenna mass and storage volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested folding mechanism where the single-layer back cable net and truss structure are compactly arranged during stowage. The cables are routed through and alongside the truss members, allowing the entire support system to be compressed into a compact cylindrical configuration that minimizes storage volume while maintaining deployability.
3Length of moving object
If the deployable height is increased to accommodate double-layer back cable net, then the deployment capability is improved, but the mass and volume when stowed increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamically deployable truss structure with telescopic and articulating members that can transition from a compact stowed configuration to an extended operational configuration. The truss members are designed to unfold and extend outward, increasing the deployable height and aperture while maintaining a compact cylindrical form factor during stowage, effectively decoupling the stowed volume from the deployed dimensions.
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 solution effectively reduces the mass and storage volume of the antenna, enhances structural stiffness, and allows for a higher deploy/stow ratio, making it suitable for large spaceborne deployable antennas with improved operational performance.
Implementation Method 1
deployable mesh antenna based on dome-type tensegrity
Data Source
AI summary
A deployable mesh antenna based on dome-type tensegrity includes: a wire mesh reflector, a dome-type reflector support system, and a peripheral deployable truss which are coaxially arranged; the peripheral deployable truss includes: a annular main rod and end-to-end truss units disposed on the main rod; an outermost cable boundary of the dome-type reflector support system is fixedly connected to the peripheral deployable truss, and the dome-type reflector support system includes: an inner strut ring, an outer circumference of the inner strut ring is connected to radial rib units, each radial rib unit is arranged at a radial direction of the inner strut ring, and the radial rib units are connected through hoop cables; the wire mesh reflector is covered on the dome-type reflector support system to form a parabolic structure, the wire mesh reflector is petal-shaped, and the wire mesh reflector has a grid structure.