Adapter Element With Curved Guide Surfaces For Spacecraft Connections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In space missions, the maintenance or replacement of components, especially electrical units, is challenging due to the difficulty in making and breaking mechanical or electrical connections in extreme environments like space, where astronauts face dexterity limitations and high forces are required, often damaging sensitive contacts.
Innovation Solution
A connection system featuring an adapter element with guide surfaces and engagement elements that allow for precise positioning and secure connection of components, even with limited motor skills, using guide pins and adjusting devices to facilitate controlled plug connections and prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If astronauts perform mechanical or electrical connections in space using pressure suits, then connections can be made, but dexterity is severely restricted making complex connections practically impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into two separate parts: an adapter element with receiving elements and a component with engagement elements. This segmentation allows the complex connection task to be broken down into simpler steps where the engagement elements guide the component into proper alignment with the adapter element, reducing the dexterity required compared to manually connecting hundreds of individual wires.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter element acts as an intermediary between the component and the spacecraft's electrical system. The receiving elements with guide surfaces serve as a mediator that automatically aligns and guides the engagement elements into place, eliminating the need for astronauts to manually align and connect numerous individual electrical contacts.
2Productivity
If large forces are applied to connect multiple contacts simultaneously, then connections are established, but the delicate contacts are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The guide surfaces on the receiving elements perform a preliminary alignment action before the actual electrical contacts engage. The engagement elements are guided along the curved guide surfaces into proper position, ensuring that the electrical contacts align correctly before force is applied, thereby preventing damage during the connection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide surfaces act as a cushioning mechanism that gradually guides the engagement elements into position rather than allowing direct impact. This gradual guidance distributes the force over a longer period and prevents sudden shocks that could damage the delicate electrical contacts.
3Reliability
If robotic arms are used for connections in space, then spacewalks are avoided, but fine motor skills are even more limited than human arms
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is designed to be self-aligning and self-guiding. The engagement elements automatically follow the guide surfaces into the correct position without requiring precise manual manipulation. This self-service capability makes the system suitable for robotic operation where fine motor skills are limited, as the system guides itself into proper alignment.
4Ease of operation
If engagement elements are simply inserted into receptacles, then connection is simple, but automatic detachment due to vibrations occurs in unstable environments
Solution Approach 1:
The guide surfaces are curved rather than flat, creating a receptacle geometry that naturally retains the engagement elements. The curved surfaces allow the engagement elements to be guided into position while preventing them from easily dislodging due to vibrations, as the curved geometry provides mechanical retention without requiring complex locking mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An adapter element 10 for connecting a component is disclosed. The adapter element comprises at least one plug element 12 for establishing an electrical connection with a plug component belonging to the component, and at least two receiving elements 15, each forming a receptacle with an entry opening 151 and a designated mounting end position 152 for a respective engagement element belonging to the component. Contrary to a designated connection direction R, the receptacles are each bounded by a guide surface 153, which is curved or angled relative to the designated connection direction R in at least one section. A component 20 for connection to an adapter element is also disclosed. The component comprises at least one plug component 22 for establishing an electrical connection with a plug element of the adapter element and two engagement elements 251, each for engaging a respective receptacle of the adapter element.The distance between the engagement elements 251 is variable by means of an adjustment device 27 belonging to the component. Furthermore, a spacecraft, a connection system, a connection method, and a detachment method are disclosed.