Two-Axis Load Orientation Architecture With Eccentric Kinematic Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load orientation devices in aerospace and telecommunications, particularly those used in satellites, face challenges with large masses and mechanical stresses due to gravity and environmental factors, leading to oversizing and increased production costs, as well as inefficient scanning capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A load orientation device with an orthonormal kinematic connection system, featuring a transmission shaft and two interconnected shafts with specific connecting members that allow for precise rotational mobility along two orthogonal axes, utilizing flexible components and an anti-rotation mechanism for space vehicle applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a serial architecture with two independent axes is used for load orientation, then two degrees of rotational mobility are achieved, but large masses are embedded on the first axis generating high mechanical stresses under gravity and launcher vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional serial architecture by making the first axis (carrying the load) fixed and non-rotating, while the second axis becomes the primary rotation axis. The load orientation is achieved through the rotation of the second axis and the relative positioning of the two axes, rather than rotating the load-carrying axis itself. This eliminates the mechanical stresses caused by rotating large masses under gravity and vibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation function is segmented between two independent rotational axes: the first axis provides a fixed reference frame with large sweep capability, while the second axis provides rotation perpendicular to the first axis with small sweep capability. This segmentation allows each axis to be optimized independently, with the load-carrying axis remaining fixed to avoid stress issues.
2Adaptability or versatility
If serial architecture is designed to allow large scans on each axis, then full rotational capability is provided, but the device becomes oversized for applications requiring only large scan on one axis and small scan on the other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different sweep capabilities to different axes based on local requirements: the first axis (fixed reference) is designed for large sweeps up to 360°, while the second axis (perpendicular rotation) is designed for small sweeps typically less than 10°. This localized optimization prevents oversizing the device while maintaining the necessary orientation capabilities for specific applications like mirror orientation.
3Reliability
If actuators are oversized to compensate for parasitic torques from centering defects and gravity, then reliability under gravity is improved, but production cost and bulk increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the architecture so that the load-carrying first axis remains fixed and does not rotate, the patent eliminates the parasitic torques that would require oversized actuators and gravity compensation. The fixed axis design ensures that the load weight and centering defects do not create disturbing torques during operation, allowing for more compact and cost-effective actuators.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (100) for orienting a load (10) intended to orient said load about a main axis X and a secondary axis Y, comprising: - a first shaft, called transmission shaft (11), intended to support the load and configured to be rotated about the main axis and the secondary axis; - a second shaft (21) configured to be rotated about the main axis X; - a third shaft (31) configured to be rotated about a third axis of rotation (35), in the same direction as the main axis; - a first connection component (40) between the transmission shaft (11) and the second shaft (21), configured to prevent relative movements between the transmission shaft and the second shaft in, on the one hand, a degree of rotational freedom about the main axis X and, on the other hand, three degrees of translational freedom; - a second connection component (50) between the transmission shaft and the third shaft and configured to allow relative movements between the transmission shaft and the third shaft in, on the one hand, a degree of translational freedom along the third axis of rotation and, on the other hand, three degrees of rotational freedom, wherein the second connection component, the transmission shaft and the third shaft form an eccentric kinematic connection.