Innovative Escapement-Based Mechanism for Micro-Antenna Boom Deployment

摘要

This paper presents the prototype of a tubular boom antenna developed for the Polish BRITE-PL satelliternby the Space Research Center of the Polish Academy of Sciences (CBK PAN). What is unique about ourrnwork is that we developed an original type of the tubular boom antenna deployment mechanism that canrnbe used widely as a basic solution for compact electrical antennas, booms deploying sensitiverninstruments, ultra-light planetary manipulators etc. The invented electromagnetic driving unit provides arndual complementary action – it adds extra energy to the driving spring, making the system more reliable,rnand at the same time it moderates the deployment speed acting as a kind of damper. That distinguishingrnfeature predetermines the mechanism to be applied wherever the dynamic nature of a spring drivernintroducing dangerous vibrations and inducing severe local stress in the structure needs to be mitigated.rnMoreover, the paper reveals a product unique in Europe – a miniature beryllium bronze tubular boom freernof geometry and strain defects, which is essential for stiffness and fatigue resistance. Both therndeployment mechanism and the technology of tubular boom manufacturing are protected by patent rights.