Adjustable Stiffness Interface Assembly for Space Vehicles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a system that can selectively adjust the stiffness of a coupling interface between components in vehicles, such as space vehicles, to accommodate varying operational stages and reduce or increase interface loads effectively.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a support coupler with a main body, arms, and a flange featuring a locking pin hole, which can be moved between retracted and deployed positions by an actuator, allowing for adjustable stiffness between components, with the locking pin securing the interface assembly to the components when deployed, thereby increasing stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the stiffness of the coupling interface is increased to reduce interface loads, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the adaptability to different operational stages deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The interface assembly incorporates a locking pin that can be selectively positioned in locked or unlocked states, transforming a static connection into a dynamic one. This allows the stiffness to be adjusted based on operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high reliability and adapting to different operational stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the connection by introducing a locking mechanism that alters the stiffness parameter. When the locking pin is engaged, the interface stiffness increases; when disengaged, the stiffness decreases. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to different operational conditions while maintaining connection reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a locking mechanism is added to adjust interface stiffness, then the adaptability to different operational conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the support coupler, the locking pin, and the engagement features. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall system easier to understand, manufacture, and maintain despite the added functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin serves as an intermediary element between the support coupler and the frame. This simple intermediary component enables stiffness adjustment without requiring complex mechanisms, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while achieving the desired adaptability.
3Force
If the locking pin is deployed to increase stiffness, then the interface load capacity is improved, but the ease of operation for adjustment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin is designed to be self-actuating through the support coupler's movement. When the support coupler is installed or removed, the locking pin automatically engages or disengages with the frame, eliminating the need for separate manual locking operations and maintaining ease of operation while achieving high load capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a first component, a second component, a locking pin, and an interface assembly that is configured to selectively adjust a stiffness of a coupling interface between the first component and the second component. The interface assembly includes at least one support coupler secured to the first component. The support coupler(s) includes a main body, a first arm extending from a first side of the main body, a second arm extending from a second side of the main body, and a flange extending from the main body. The flange includes a locking pin hole that is configured to selectively receive the locking pin. The locking pin is selectively moveable between a retracted position in which the locking pin is out of the locking pin hole, and a deployed position in which the locking pin extends into the locking pin hole and a portion of the first component and locks the interface assembly to the first component.