Androgynous Coupling with Radial Locking for Low-Force Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing androgynous coupling mechanisms for spacecraft and modular systems require precise positioning and higher forces for coupling and decoupling, especially when preloaded, and can be affected by radial motion, leading to potential misalignment of coupling partners.
Innovation Solution
The development of an androgynous coupling mechanism with male and female sections featuring lateral locking contours and radial recesses for axial interlocking, allowing for form-fit and force-fit engagement without relative rotation, using blocking elements like balls or pins for secure positioning and reduced actuation forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If classical bayonet joints or mechanisms requiring relative rotation are used, then form fit can be ensured, but quite exact positioning and longer actuating motions are required, and greater forces are needed for decoupling
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is divided into separate functional elements: lateral locking contours for radial positioning, blocking elements for axial positioning, and form-fit coupling sections. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function independently, eliminating the need for complex rotational actuation while maintaining form fit reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Blocking elements (balls or pins) serve as intermediaries between the lateral locking contours and the axial positioning requirement. These blocking elements are radially accessible and can be inserted into radial recesses to prevent axial separation, thereby reducing the forces needed for decoupling while maintaining secure coupling.
2Measurement precision
If precise positioning mechanisms are used to prevent misalignment, then coupling accuracy is improved, but position tolerance during coupling procedure is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral locking contours are designed to engage in a radial direction before axial coupling is completed. This preliminary radial locking action guides the coupling partners into proper alignment, ensuring accurate positioning while accommodating manufacturing tolerances in the axial direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism transitions from requiring precise axial positioning to achieving alignment through radial engagement. The lateral locking contours operate in the radial dimension, allowing axial position tolerance while maintaining overall coupling accuracy through the radial locking action.
3Strength
If greater forces are applied for coupling and decoupling, then secure locking is achieved, but actuation forces and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking elements are designed to be movable in the radial direction, allowing them to be easily inserted and removed from the radial recesses. This dynamic design enables secure locking during coupling while facilitating simple decoupling with minimal force, as the blocking elements can be radially displaced without requiring large axial forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral locking contours and blocking elements are designed to self-lock in the coupled state through radial interlocking, maintaining secure locking without requiring continuous application of actuation force. The form-fit engagement between lateral locking contours and blocking elements provides automatic locking security.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling system comprising a first androgynous coupler and a second androgynous coupler. The first androgynous coupler comprises a first male coupling section having a first recess extending radially and a first female coupling section comprising a first blocking element and a first positioning element. The second androgynous coupler comprises a second male coupling section having a second recess extending radially, where the second male coupling section is configured to form-fit with the first female coupling section. When the second male coupling section is form-fit with the first female coupling section, axial movement of the first positioning element causes the first blocking element to move radially into the second recess to couple the first androgynous coupler to the second androgynous coupler.