Vacuum-Rigidized Transport Container for Satellite Vibration Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for transporting satellite equipment into space do not adequately address the challenges of low-gravity environments, where equipment can freely float and become damaged, and do not provide sufficient protection against vibrations during launch.
Innovation Solution
A container with a composite shell lined with vacuum rigidizing structures containing microbeads, and a flexible containing device divided into sections by baffle lines, equipped with a cinch strap and pump mechanisms to control air pressure, ensuring equipment stability and vibration dampening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If equipment is transported in traditional containers into space, then the equipment can be moved from production facilities to spaceports, but the equipment can freely float and become damaged in low-gravity environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible bladder made of elastomeric material that can be inflated with gas to create a rigid-like structure. This flexible shell conforms to the equipment shape and provides support in low-gravity environments, preventing equipment from freely floating while maintaining flexibility for launch vibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the support structure by inflating the bladder with gas. The bladder transitions from a deflated flexible state during loading to an inflated rigid-like state during transport, providing structural support in low-gravity without adding permanent weight or complexity.
2Reliability
If equipment is secured in traditional rigid containers, then equipment is protected from movement, but vibrations during launch can still damage the equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible elastomeric bladder absorbs launch vibrations through its inherent elasticity and damping properties. The material deforms under vibration loads and returns to its original shape, protecting equipment from rigid container vibrations while maintaining structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The bladder is pre-inflated with gas before equipment transport to create a cushioning effect. This pre-tensioned flexible structure provides vibration isolation and shock absorption capabilities before launch vibrations occur, protecting equipment in advance.
3Reliability
If rigid support structures are used in space transport containers, then equipment is stabilized in low-gravity, but the container complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible bladder provides structural support without requiring complex rigid frameworks, struts, or mechanical assemblies. The simple inflatable membrane creates sufficient support in low-gravity through gas pressure, reducing overall container complexity and component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The bladder's structural properties are changed by inflating it with gas, transforming a flexible material into a rigid-like support structure. This parameter change eliminates the need for heavy rigid materials while maintaining equipment stability in space transport.
4Reliability
If heavy protective materials are used to secure equipment, then equipment is protected from damage, but the transport cost and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thin elastomeric bladder wall provides effective protection without the weight of traditional rigid protective materials like foam, wood, or metal. The flexible membrane's strength-to-weight ratio is optimized to protect equipment while minimizing launch mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective function is achieved through gas pressure rather than material mass. By inflating the bladder with lightweight gas, the structure gains rigidity and protective capability without adding significant weight, reducing transport costs and energy consumption.
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 container effectively secures and protects sensitive equipment in low-gravity environments by minimizing movement and absorbing vibrations, reducing the risk of damage during transport.
Implementation Method 1
an inner surface of the composite shell is lined with a plurality of vacuum rigidizing structures
Implementation Method 2
The container effectively secures and protects sensitive equipment in low-gravity environments by minimizing movement and absorbing vibrations
Implementation Method 3
equipped with a cinch strap and pump mechanisms to control air pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A container for transporting satellite equipment and other equipment into low-orbit and deep space includes vacuum rigidizing structures covering the interior of each side wall and base of the container. The vacuum rigidizing structures contain microbeads and is connected to a pump mechanism able to transfer air into or out of the vacuum rigidizing structures. Before the equipment is added to the container, air is released from the vacuum rigidizing structures. After the equipment is added, the vacuum rigidizing structures are able to be inflated enough such that the microbeads compactly conform around the equipment, preventing movement while applying minimal pressure to the equipment. The container is capped with a lid lined with aerospace-grade foam.