Vacuum-Rigidizing Container for Low-Gravity Equipment Transport

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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 traditional terrestrial transport methods are not suitable for space travel.

Innovation Solution

A container with a composite shell lined with vacuum rigidizing structures containing microbeads, and a flexible containing device divided by baffle lines with a cinch strap and pump mechanisms to control air pressure, ensuring equipment stability and vibration dampening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional terrestrial transport containers are used for space equipment, then equipment can be transported on flat beds, but equipment cannot be secured against floating and damage in low-gravity environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment securityVSAvoidlow-gravity environment adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The container uses vacuum-deployable rigidizing structures that change their physical state from flexible to rigid when vacuum is applied. This parameter change allows the same structure to provide both ease of deployment and firm equipment securing capability in low-gravity environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The container employs dynamically adjustable rigidizing structures that can transition between flexible and rigid states. This dynamic capability allows the container to adapt to different gravitational environments and securely hold equipment that would otherwise float freely

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If rigid structures are used to secure equipment, then equipment stability is improved, but the container cannot conform to equipment shape and may cause damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment stabilityVSAvoidequipment damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The container incorporates vibration dampeners and compliant rigidizing structures that are designed to cushion equipment against shocks and vibrations before they can cause damage. The microbead layers act as pre-positioned cushioning elements that absorb impact forces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The rigidizing structures are constructed from flexible materials that can conform to the equipment's shape while still providing rigidity when vacuumed. This flexible-rigid transition allows the container to adapt to equipment geometry without causing damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Object-affected harmful factors

If vacuum rigidizing structures with microbeads are used, then vibration dampening and equipment protection are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration damageVSAvoidcontainer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container merges multiple functions into the rigidizing structures: vibration dampening, equipment securing, and container rigidity are all achieved through the same vacuum-deployable microbead structures. This consolidation reduces the need for separate systems for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 conforming to the equipment's shape, absorbing vibrations, and preventing damage during transport.

Implementation Method 1

an inner surface of the composite shell is lined with a plurality of vacuum rigidizing structures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

absorbing vibrations, and preventing damage during transport

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 3

pump mechanisms operable to add air to or subtract air from the plurality of sections

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir pressure control: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS12459717B2Container for transporting equipment for space-related applications

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 GSTC LLC

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.