Toroidal support structures
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional support structures face challenges in fitting within complex geometries, such as between cylindrical and spherical objects, and struggle to withstand vibrations and temperature fluctuations, leading to misalignment and deformation.
Innovation Solution
The design of toroidal support structures comprising tubular and planar rings with isolating linear support components that provide thermal isolation and prevent mechanical distortion, allowing attachment to various mounting bases while maintaining orientation and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional support structures are used in complex geometries, then they can be easily manufactured, but they cannot fit within complex geometries such as between cylindrical and spherical objects
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple modular segments that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. Each segment is designed to fit specific geometric constraints, allowing the overall structure to adapt to complex geometries like those between cylindrical spacecraft walls and spherical cryogenic tanks while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized segment production
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates curved and toroidal geometries that match the cylindrical and spherical components of the spacecraft environment. By using curved surfaces and rounded transitions instead of sharp angles, the structure fits seamlessly between cylindrical walls and spherical tanks while distributing thermal and mechanical stresses more effectively
2Strength
If rigid support structures are used to withstand vibrations, then they provide high strength, but they are susceptible to misalignment and deformation under shock and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates dynamic elements such as flexible connectors and adjustable mounting points that allow the structure to move and adapt during vibration and shock events. These dynamic features enable the structure to absorb vibrational energy while maintaining proper alignment through controlled movement rather than rigid resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure uses materials and design features that change their mechanical properties in response to environmental conditions. For example, using materials with varying stiffness at different temperatures or design elements that adjust their rigidity based on load conditions, allowing the structure to remain stable during vibrations while adapting to thermal expansion and contraction
3Reliability
If conventional support structures are used in rapidly changing temperature environments, then they can be attached to mounting bases, but they experience thermal expansion and contraction causing deformations
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction by incorporating expansion joints, sliding interfaces, or pre-stressed elements that allow controlled movement in response to temperature changes. This design enables the structure to maintain reliable attachment to mounting bases while absorbing dimensional changes without causing deformations or loss of alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure uses composite materials with tailored thermal expansion coefficients that match the mounting bases and supported equipment. By selecting materials whose expansion characteristics are compatible with the surrounding components, the structure minimizes differential thermal stresses and maintains structural integrity across rapidly changing temperature environments
4Volume of moving object
If support structures are designed to fit complex geometries, then they utilize available space, but the space available between cylinder and sphere has complex geometry that is underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed as a nested configuration where toroidal support elements are positioned within the annular space between the cylindrical spacecraft wall and the spherical cryogenic tank. This nesting approach maximizes the utilization of the available complex geometry by fitting support components into the otherwise wasted space, effectively using the void between major structural elements
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 toroidal support structures offer improved stiffness and stability, enabling them to withstand higher loads and vibrations, while minimizing thermal expansion impacts, thus providing a more effective and adaptable support solution for spacecraft and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
the isolating linear support components are attached to a mounting base for supporting the structure relative to the base, while providing thermal isolation to the rings
Implementation Method 2
each isolating linear support component is pivotably connected to the second edge at one of the connection members. The pivotable connection allows to pivot the isolating linear support component relative to the second edge during installation of the toroidal support structure to a mounting base
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are toroidal support structures and assemblies comprising these structures. A toroidal support structure comprises one or more side panels forming a tubular ring and one or more floor panels forming a planar ring. These rings define the toroidal shape of the structure. The structure also comprises multiple isolating linear support components connected to a top edge of the tubular ring. During installation of the structure, the isolating linear support components are attached to a mounting base for supporting the structure relative to the base, while providing thermal isolation to the rings and preventing their mechanical distortion. As such, a toroidal support structure can be attached to various types of mounting bases, such as a cryogenic tank of a spacecraft. Both rings provide supporting and mounting surfaces for equipment, cables, and pipes, while the toroidal opening allows external components to protrude through the support structure.