Thermal Release Self-Opening Cover Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The high cost and complexity of mechanisms used in satellite aperture covers and doors, including motors and control circuitry, drive up expenses in space-based systems, and existing solutions do not adequately simplify these mechanisms to reduce costs effectively.

Innovation Solution

A cover mechanism is designed with a biasing mechanism to keep the cover open and an adhesive member to retain it closed, where a release mechanism, such as heating elements, diminishes adhesion in response to an open command signal, allowing the cover to open without the need for expensive motors and complex control systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If motors and control circuitry are used to open cover/door mechanisms, then the mechanism can be reliably opened, but the cost and complexity of the system increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliable operationVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes motors and control circuitry from the cover/door mechanism, retaining only essential passive components (springs, adhesives, thermal release material) to achieve reliable operation without complex active systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover mechanism uses self-actuating components where springs provide automatic opening force and thermal release material automatically responds to heat, eliminating the need for external motor control while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If motors and control circuitry are used to open cover/door mechanisms, then the mechanism can be reliably opened, but the cost of design, procurement, manufacture and test increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliable operationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive motors and electronics with inexpensive passive components (springs, adhesives, thermal release material) that can be easily manufactured and tested, dramatically reducing cost while maintaining functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

By removing expensive motor and control circuitry components, the patent eliminates the associated high costs of design, procurement, manufacture and testing while retaining reliable operation through passive mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Strength

If adhesive members are used to retain the cover closed against the bias of the biasing mechanism, then the cover remains securely closed, but the mechanism requires a release mechanism to diminish adhesion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover retention strengthVSAvoidrelease mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the adhesion parameter of the adhesive member by applying heat through thermal release material, temporarily reducing adhesion strength to enable cover opening while maintaining strong retention during normal operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical release mechanisms with a thermal field-based release system using thermal release material that responds to heat, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining secure retention and reliable release

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 simplifies the aperture cover mechanism, reducing costs and complexity by using a biasing mechanism and adhesive release, enabling reliable and efficient operation with fewer components, suitable for space-based systems.

Implementation Method 1

A release mechanism effects release of the cover from the adhesive member by diminishing adhesion thereof in response to an open command signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

A biasing mechanism is connected to the cover to mechanically bias the cover in an open position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS9932757B2Thermal release of a self-opening cover

Publication Date: 2018.04.03 HARRIS CORP

AI summary

A cover is fitted to an aperture in an enclosure. A biasing mechanism is connected to the cover to mechanically bias the cover in an open position. An adhesive member is disposed around the aperture to retain the cover in a closed position against the bias of the biasing mechanism. A release mechanism effects release of the cover from the adhesive member by diminishing adhesion thereof in response to an open command signal.