Externally-expanding gradual-change inflatable docking unit used for outer space

Abstract

The invention discloses an externally-expanding gradual-change inflatable docking unit used for outer space. The docking unit comprises a docking pipeline, wherein a connecting flange is installed at a first end of the docking pipeline, multiple sets of stopping blocks are sequentially arranged on the docking pipeline from a second end to the first end, the intervals between the stopping blocks are gradually changed, each set of stopping blocks is composed of two stopping blocks arrayed closely, a tubular elastomer is installed between every two adjacent sets of stopping blocks in a sealed mode, the tightness degrees of the multiple elastomers are identical or basically identical, and multiple through holes communicated inside and outside are formed in the wall of the part, between the first set of stopping blocks and the last set of stopping blocks, of the docking pipeline. The elastomers are installed on the docking pipeline in the sealed mode, in this way, stability of the whole docking unit is enhanced after docking, and a controlled object is reliably and easily operated. By the adoption of the elastomers which are gradually increased or decreased in length and uniform in tightness degree, the docking unit can adapt to various docking objects of different diameters, and then the application range of the docking unit is enlarged.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to a docking device for spaceflight, in particular to a gradually expanding inflatable docking device for space. Background technique [0002] With the development of the aerospace industry, there are more and more various aerospace equipment, such as various space satellites, space stations, and space shuttles. The operation of these aerospace equipment in the sky requires various changes in certain circumstances, such as on-orbit docking of satellites, in order to achieve space target capture, attitude adjustment, orbit change and transfer operations. [0003] The existing docking mechanism generally adopts a mechanical docking mechanism, which has disadvantages such as complex structure, large launch size, high control requirements, difficult control, and easy damage to the docking target. [0004] In order to solve the above problems, some patent documents propose an inflatable docking mechanism, such as the invention patent ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This structure adopts an inflatable structure, which has the advantages of simple structure, easy docking, low requirements for docking process control, simple control method, small launch volume, light weight, and low cost. The support of the tube to the expansion end is insufficient, so that the expansion end is not stable enough after inflated butt joint, and since there is one expansion end, the most suitable tension corresponds to one, so the diameter of the most suitable butt joint object can only be one , which limits the scope of application of the docking mechanism

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