Design and Analysis of Active Speed-Limit Mechanism for Large-Scale Spatial Solar Array

Abstract

The multidimensional deployment of large-scale spatial solar arrays has been the basis for high-power advanced spacecraft and a symbol of the leaps forward in aerospace technology. Activated and passive drives have often been used in combination to implement the driving mechanism of large-scale solar arrays, which can reduce the impact of the deployment and locking process. For the first time, a novel active speed-limit mechanism was introduced into the two-dimensional secondary deployable drive system of a large-scale spatial solar array, achieving a balance between large deployable driving torque and small locking impact load. A highly integrated and lightweight drive system has been designed, integrating motor drive, gear drive, and adaptive torque limiting device to achieve adaptive control of the deployment torque of the solar array. A dynamic simulation system for the entire process of a large-scale spatial solar array based on the Kane method and ADAMS model has been established. A two-dimensional secondary deployable motion control law for a large-scale solar array using an active speed-limit mechanism has been established, and the dynamic characteristic parameters of the active speed-limit driving mechanism have been determined, such as driving torque, driving mode, and driving speed. The results can be used to guide the design of the deployable driving mechanism for large-scale spatial solar arrays.

Effects of different deployment strategies on the dynamic characteristics of bidirectional solar array

“…Some origami-based bidirectional array deploying methods capable of eliminating gaps between panels have been explored [5]. Yang et al [6] introduced an active speed-limit mechanism into a two-dimensional secondary drive system for a spatial solar array to balance large deployable driving moments and small locked impact loads. Ding et al [7] designed a root hinge drive assembly to control the deployment of solar arrays along two dimensions.…”