GreDom insert, FHNW School of Engineering and Environment

Objectives

Development of a new type of insert, which can be used in and adhered to satellite panels fully automatically.

Starting situation

The special threaded inserts are used to fix instruments, units and sensors to the support structure of a satellite. An average communication satellite has 5,000 to 10,000 inserts, which before now were only installed manually. To automate the production of satellite panels, a new, innovative type of insert must be developed.

Project result

The FHNW Institute of Product and Production Engineering developed the insert "GreDom", which can be used in and adhered to satellite panels automatically. Based on this invention, the so-called "Automated Potting Machine" could be developed – a machine that automatically cuts satellite panels to size, drills holes, applies adhesive and places in the inserts with a high degree of accuracy. This reduces the production time of satellite structures significantly, resulting in substantial cost savings. In 2015, the invention won the JEC Innovation Award in the category "Equipment", and in 2017 the Ypsomed Innovation Award for Research, Development and Technology Transfer.

Project Information