RU2643100C2 - Structural module for space stations - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: cosmonautics; construction.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a structure and assembly of space objects, for example, orbital stations. Structural module (as a part of a platform) in the form of hollow 6-faced or 4-faceted prism (1) is equipped with additional flat elements (2). For example, titanium, kevlar and other composites can be used as a material for the module. When modules (1) are joined along the edges of elements (2) having a width of half the width of the prism face, the volumes(3) of the construction object (for example, a platform) are repeatedly increased. Jointing edges of elements (2) can be beveled, allowing to diversify the shape of the created objects. To launch, the unit module can be placed in a cylindrical shell (fairing), and powder accelerators can be placed in the volumes between the shell and elements (2). It is possible to launch a bundle of modules.

EFFECT: technical result of the invention is aimed at creation of a simple and universal strustural module that allows to reduce the number of launches and other costs for the construction of space objects.

3 cl, 11 dwg

Description

The invention relates to the field of construction of space stations, in particular to the creation of a universal module that is simple and efficient in manufacturing and use, as well as during transportation to space, which significantly reduces the cost of building space stations.

Known prismatic building elements for the construction of space stations with additional parts made in the form of flanges placed on the edges of the prism. However, during assembly they do not contribute to an increase in the volume of the building structure and are intended to simplify the technology [1].

Known modular designs of the cylindrical type with the ability to launch into space, however, in this case, the goal of increasing the volume during the assembly of the station is not achieved [2].

Known space platforms assembled from standardized modules in the form of cellular elements [3]. And here the goal of increasing the volume is not achieved.

This goal today can be achieved through the use of pneumatic inflatable structures, but they are not unified and also require rocket transportation [4], ie rise in price construction.

Modular spacecraft with flat unified modules are known, but during assembly they require rather complicated additional devices and are deprived of the possibility of individual transportation [5].

Closest to the present invention is a modular element in the form of a prism [6]. However, the task of increasing the volume during assembly and reducing launches to achieve the required volume in this design is not being solved efficiently due to the design features of the module. All the additional elements in these known modules largely solve the technological problems of transportation due to the need to use powerful means for putting into orbit. The objective of our invention is to create a simple, easy-to-use device that allows you to reduce the cost of building a space station by reducing the number of launches, using less costly means and the modules themselves to put into orbit, as well as the ability to create almost any architectural forms.

For this, in the building module for space stations, which is a prismatic hollow volumetric design with an even number of faces, the number of which does not exceed six, made of strong and rigid material, and designed to interact with similar building modules to enable the creation of a wider range of functional structures the required shapes and volumes both in space and on the ground with further transportation to space, subject to the creation of the possibility of a significant increase volumes and areas about the assembly of space stations “the building module on each side rib carries the same additional flat elements made of the same material as the module itself, forming parts of the building module that protrude symmetrically in pairs, designed to interact with similar additional flat elements of another of the same module, forming a symmetrical structure relative to the axis of the prism, while the width of the additional flat part can be chosen equal to half the width of gr ani building module; according to the present invention, the outer edge of the flat part can be chamfered.

The drawings show modules according to the present invention.

In FIG. 1 is a sketch of a hex module;

In FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a module enclosed by a cylindrical shell for starting the module from a powder charge (not shown);

In FIG. 3 - a cellular assembly indicating additional volumes formed;

In FIG. 4 - photo of the module;

FIG. 5 - photo of the assembly;

FIG. 6 - sketch of a tetrahedral module;

7 is a cross section of a tetrahedral module with a cylindrical shell;

In FIG. 8 - assembly of tetrahedral modules;

In FIG. 9 is a view of a module with a cylindrical shell;

In FIG. 10 - photo of a tetrahedral module;

In FIG. 11 is a photo of the assembly of tetrahedral modules.

The building module (hereinafter referred to as the "module") is a three-dimensional hollow hexagonal or tetrahedral prism 1 with additional flat elements 2. Any durable and rigid material intended for use in space, such as titanium, Kevlar, etc., can be used as the material for the module .. When assembling, for example, a platform or any flat surface with an additional flat element width equal to half the width of the module face, an additional volume of 3 objects under construction is obtained from two to 10 times. At the same time, the cost of transporting modules is reduced by the same amount. If necessary, the cannon launch of a single module, it is placed in a cylindrical shell 4, and in the formed additional volumes, compartments 3, powder accelerators are placed.

The cylindrical volume for the cannon launch is provided with a fairing (not shown) and a powder charge, which significantly reduces transportation costs, because reduces the size of the projectile with standard weight. The module can be launched by rocket method without a cylindrical shell, while additional details do not reduce the aerodynamic properties of the structure. Additional module parts can be chamfered uniformly 6 at different angles (shown by the dotted line in Fig. 6 for the example of one additional part). This allows you to build structures of various configurations (arches, balls, etc.). A line of modules and their bundles can be made up depending on the tasks set during the construction of space stations.

Simple and easy-to-use modules according to this invention make it possible to expand the functionality of building structures due to the possibility of providing, thanks to the design features of the module, provided that the space stations are significantly increased, they allow the module to be put into orbit, as well as use less costly launchers installation. This will allow developing the field of space construction at a faster pace.

Information sources

1. RU 2084349, B32B 3/12, 1997

2. RU 2014236, B32B 3/12, 1991

3. A.S. Gwamichava, V.A. Koshelev. Construction in space. "Knowledge". M. 1984/9, p. 19.

4. US 6236785, 244-159, 1999.

5. US 6568638, 244-158R, 2007.

6. US 5086999, 244-168, 1992.

Claims (3)

1. The building module for space stations, which is a prismatic hollow volumetric design with an even number of faces, the number of which does not exceed six, made of durable and rigid material used for work in space, and designed to interact with similar building modules to create the required shapes and volumes both in space and on Earth with further transportation to space, equipped with additional flat elements placed on the ribs and intended for inter actions with the same elements and made of the same material as the module itself, characterized in that the above flat additional elements are placed on each side rib, forming a structure symmetrical with respect to the axis of the prism. 2. The building module according to claim 1, characterized in that the width of the additional flat part is chosen equal to half the width of the face of the building module. 3. The building module according to claim 1, characterized in that the additional flat part along its outer edge is made with a bevel.

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