Triangular Frame Metering Structure for Large Aperture Telescope
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spaceborne telescopes with large apertures face challenges in achieving reduced mass and increased stiffness to minimize vibration-induced jitter, which is typically caused by structural resonances coupling with disturbance sources like momentum wheels and cryocoolers.
Innovation Solution
A triangular frame metering structure composed of three side beams and three rectangular end pieces, where all support loads are connected to the corners of the structure at a consistent radial distance from the central axis, providing high stiffness and reduced mass while supporting large aperture telescopes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the aperture size of the telescope is increased, then the collection area and resolution are improved, but the mass increases and stiffness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs advanced composite materials for the metering structure to achieve high stiffness-to-mass ratio. The composite structure allows the telescope support to maintain rigidity while significantly reducing the overall mass compared to traditional solid metal structures, thereby supporting larger aperture telescopes without proportionally increasing weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The metering structure is divided into modular segments that can be independently optimized and assembled. This segmentation allows for efficient load distribution across the structure, enabling the support of larger apertures while maintaining structural integrity and minimizing mass through optimized placement of structural elements.
2Area of stationary object
If the aperture size of the telescope is increased, then the collection area and resolution are improved, but the structural stiffness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a complex three-dimensional truss-based metering structure that provides stiffness in multiple directions simultaneously. This spatial configuration allows the structure to resist vibrations and maintain stability across different axes, enabling larger aperture support without compromising structural rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
Advanced composite materials with tailored anisotropic properties are used to provide direction-specific stiffness where needed while minimizing mass. The composite structure can be engineered to exhibit high stiffness along critical load paths while remaining lightweight, thereby supporting larger apertures without sacrificing structural stability.
3Strength
If traditional metering structures are used, then structural support is provided, but vibration-induced jitter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the metering structure with specific natural frequencies that are deliberately detuned from the dominant vibration frequencies of telescope components such as momentum wheels and cryocoolers. This frequency separation prevents resonant coupling, thereby reducing vibration-induced jitter while maintaining adequate structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented truss structure provides multiple independent load paths and degrees of freedom that help isolate and dampen vibrations. The modular design allows for strategic placement of damping elements and creates a structure that can absorb and dissipate vibrational energy more effectively than monolithic structures.
Data Source
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AI summary
A triangular frame metering structure (112, 312) includes three side beams (201-203) and three end pieces (204-206) each connected between two of the side beams. Each end piece top (212) and bottom (213) is configured for connection of support loads (104, 304, 108, 308), with all support loads connecting to the metering structure at the top or bottom of one of the end pieces. Secondary mirror focusing mechanisms mounted on the end piece tops support pairs of secondary mirror struts (103). Strut mounts on the end piece bottoms provide connections to pairs of primary mirror struts (106), base struts (109), and instrument struts (111). All support loads connected to the metering structure are thus connected only to the corners of the metering structure and are connected at a same radial distance from a central longitudinal axis. The metering structure has reduced mass with high stiffness for supporting large aperture telescopes.