Androgynous Coupling Device for Modular Spacecraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current modular spacecraft systems lack the flexibility and autonomy for robotic maintenance and reconfiguration, as existing coupling devices only allow for fixed approach routines, limiting on-orbit servicing and service life.
Innovation Solution
An androgynous coupling device with a retractable interface and bayonet-like plug-in mechanism, allowing for increased degrees of freedom in module connection and disconnection, enabling robot-supported maintenance and automatic coupling, with redundant design for fail-safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed approach sequence is used for module connection, then the coupling device is simple to operate, but the adaptability and degrees of freedom for robotic manipulation are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates movable coupling elements that can change their position and orientation dynamically during the docking process. This allows the system to adapt to different approach sequences and robotic manipulation requirements while maintaining a relatively simple base structure. The dynamic characteristics enable increased degrees of freedom without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is divided into multiple independent coupling elements that can operate semi-independently. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for specific functions while the overall system gains versatility through combinatorial arrangements. The modular segmented structure enables robotic systems to manipulate individual elements rather than requiring precise control of the entire coupling mechanism.
2Productivity
If manual docking procedures are used, then the coupling device requires simple control mechanisms, but productivity and service life extension capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates self-aligning and self-latching mechanisms that automatically perform docking operations once initial proximity is achieved. The coupling elements are designed to automatically engage and secure modules without requiring complex automated control systems or manual intervention during the actual coupling action. This self-service capability enables high productivity while keeping automation requirements manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device includes preliminary positioning features such as guide surfaces and alignment pins that prepare the modules for docking before the actual coupling action occurs. This preliminary action reduces the complexity of automated control by pre-establishing correct orientations and reducing the precision requirements for robotic manipulation, thereby enabling faster module exchanges.
3Reliability
If redundant coupling elements are added for fail-safe operation, then reliability increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The redundant coupling elements are merged into a compact integrated structure where multiple coupling functions are combined within a single device footprint. The redundant elements share common mounting structures, actuation mechanisms, and support frameworks, which reduces the overall increase in device complexity while maintaining the fail-safe reliability benefits of redundancy.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to an androgynous coupling device (10) for connecting modules, in particular for constructing a spacecraft of modular design, wherein, in order to connect the modules, the coupling device (10) can be coupled to an identically constructed further androgynous coupling device and has a plurality of coupling elements (30, 32). It is provided that the androgynous coupling device (10) has a covering element (18) which covers the coupling elements (30, 32) in a passive state of the coupling device (10), wherein a first of the coupling elements (30) can be moved outwardly through the covering element (18) for active coupling to the identically constructed further coupling device. The invention furthermore relates to a module, in particular a module for constructing a spacecraft of modular design, having at least one such coupling device (10).