Acoustic Radiation Pressure Capture for Fragile Space Debris
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic arms struggle with capturing unpredictably sized and shaped objects in low or zero gravity environments, particularly those without standard attachment points, and often cause damage to fragile surfaces due to the need for precise control and mechanical force.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a boom with a capture head equipped with a non-cooperative capture device, such as resettable adhesive pads, that can move relative to a structure, determine proximity to an object, minimize relative velocity, and establish intimate contact without requiring precise alignment or robust attachment surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If mechanical grippers are used to capture objects, then capture force is sufficient for robust objects, but damage occurs to fragile surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical contact-based capture systems with a non-contact capture mechanism using acoustic radiation pressure. The acoustic field exerts force on the target object without physical contact, eliminating mechanical stress and potential damage to fragile surfaces while maintaining sufficient capture force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an acoustic field as an intermediary between the capture device and the target object. This acoustic intermediary transmits the capture force without requiring direct mechanical contact, thereby protecting fragile surfaces from damage while achieving effective capture.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical grippers are used for capture, then precise control is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems with an acoustic field-based control mechanism. By using acoustic radiation pressure, the system achieves precise control of the captured object's position and motion without requiring complex mechanical actuators, sensors, and control algorithms associated with traditional mechanical grippers.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If non-contact capture is used, then surface damage is prevented, but capture reliability decreases for unpredictable objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts acoustic field parameters such as frequency, amplitude, and phase to adapt to different target objects with unpredictable sizes, shapes, and material properties. This parameter optimization ensures reliable capture across diverse object types while maintaining non-contact operation to prevent surface damage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the capture and control of objects with complex shapes and sizes, including space debris, without damaging sensitive surfaces, and facilitates faster recovery compared to mechanical grippers by using low force per unit area and adaptable capture technology.
Implementation Method 1
The non-cooperative capture device includes a capture device pad utilizing a resettable adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
A device for non-cooperatively capturing an object is provided. The device includes a boom having a fixed end coupled to a structure and a free end. The boom also includes boom deployers for moving the fixed end of the boom relative to the structure. The device also includes a capture head, coupled to the free end of the boom, and a control apparatus. The control apparatus controls the boom deployers and capture head to move the capture head in close proximity to the object. The control apparatus moves the capture head in closer proximity to the object if the capture head is not close enough to the object to capture the object. The control apparatus minimizes forces applied to the object, and activates a non-cooperative capture device. The non-cooperative capture device makes initial contact with the object, establishes intimate contact with the object, and captures the object.