Mass efficient reaction wheel assembly systems including multi-faceted bracket structures
US10472098B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 25, 2016 |
| Grant date | Nov 12, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 14, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/285
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Embodiments of Reaction Wheel Assembly (RWA) systems are provided, which include multi-faceted bracket structures to which RWAs are mounted. In one embodiment, the RWA system includes a bracket structure, which is assembled from multiple (e.g., two to four) interchangeable panels. Each bracket panel may define or include a mount bracket to which an RWA is mounted. In certain embodiments, the bracket panels may include integral bearing cartridge features, which contain the spin bearings of the RWAs. The interchangeable panels may have interconnect features, which align and which possibly interlock to position the panels in a precise angular relationship when the multi-faceted bracket structure is assembled. In other embodiments wherein the bracket structure is assembled from two interchangeable panels or produced as a single piece, the multi-faceted bracket structure may have a peaked form factor supportive of two RWAs, which are mounted to the bracket structure in a back-to-back relationship.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.