Ruggedized reaction wheel for use on kinetically launched satellites
US11021271B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 10, 2018 |
| Grant date | Jun 1, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 5, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/002
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Provided is a reaction wheel assembly ruggedized for use in kinetically launched satellites. An example reaction wheel assembly may include a shaft mounted to a body of a satellite, a wheel mounted to the shaft, wherein a center of a gravity of the wheel is co-aligned with the shaft, and a support device mounted to the body of the satellite. The reaction wheel assembly may include bearings for holding the shaft to the body of the satellite and allowing a rotation of the wheel. The support device can be engaged to support the wheel to reduce a load on the shaft and the bearing, the load being caused by an acceleration of the satellite during a kinetic launch of the satellite. After the satellite is launched into space, the support device can be disengaged from supporting the wheel to allow the wheel to spin.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.