Spacecraft Docking Buffer Mechanism for Precision Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spacecraft docking systems are complex, with high inertia and reduced buffering efficiency due to numerous components, and require high-precision force sensors that can cause oscillations and increase manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A spacecraft docking system comprising an active docking device with three sets of buffer mechanisms, each including a main buffer and self-difference buffer, which eliminates the need for force sensors by using screw nut assemblies and a control device to achieve precise alignment and rigid connection without Stewart platform operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a motor drive mechanism with transmission gears is used to achieve active docking, then the docking precision is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional motor drive mechanism with transmission gears with a buffer mechanism comprising three sets of buffer assemblies. Each buffer assembly includes a buffer rod, buffer spring, and damping component that work together to provide active docking capability through controlled mechanical buffering rather than complex gear transmission, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining docking precision
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer mechanism is segmented into three independent buffer assemblies, each handling specific directional buffering requirements. This segmentation allows the system to achieve complex docking motions through coordinated simple components rather than a single complex transmission system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precision
2Ease of operation
If numerous transmission gears are used in the docking system, then the docking control is improved, but the system inertia increases and buffering efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the gear transmission system with a direct buffer mechanism where buffer rods connect docking rings through buffer springs and damping components. This eliminates the energy losses associated with gear meshing and transmission, directly transferring and controlling docking forces while maintaining precise control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer springs are pre-compressed or pre-positioned to provide immediate buffering capability upon docking contact. This beforehand cushioning allows the system to absorb impact energy efficiently without the delays and losses associated with mechanical transmission through multiple gears, improving both control responsiveness and buffering efficiency
3Manufacturing precision
If high-precision force sensors are used for closed-loop control, then the docking precision is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases and system instability may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer mechanism is designed to provide inherent feedback through the mechanical properties of buffer springs and damping components. The system uses its own structural deformation and force characteristics to regulate docking motions, eliminating the need for external high-precision force sensors while maintaining docking precision and reducing manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements passive mechanical feedback through the buffer spring-damper system, where the mechanical elements themselves provide force feedback proportional to compression and velocity. This intrinsic feedback mechanism replaces expensive electronic sensors and achieves stable closed-loop control without the risk of sensor drift or oscillations
4Extent of automation
If a complex motor drive mechanism is used, then the active docking capability is improved, but the system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy motor drive mechanisms with a lighter buffer mechanism consisting of buffer rods, springs, and damping components. This mechanical substitution maintains active docking capability through controlled buffer deployment and retraction while significantly reducing the weight of the docking system
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
The system effectively buffers collision loads, allows for flexible docking and undocking with varying quality targets, and simplifies the docking process with existing manned spacecraft, offering improved reliability, weight reduction, and economic benefits.
Implementation Method 1
The buffer mechanism includes a spring component that compresses during impact to absorb kinetic energy
Implementation Method 2
The buffer mechanism includes a damping component that dissipates vibrational energy during the docking process
Implementation Method 3
The active docking device includes a screw nut assembly that converts rotational adjustment to linear positioning of the docking ring
Data Source
AI summary
A spacecraft docking system and method thereof are provided. The system comprises an active docking device and a passive docking device. The active docking device comprises an active docking ring and a docking frame. The active docking device further comprises three sets of buffer mechanisms, each set of the buffer mechanisms comprises a main buffer, two screw nut assemblies, and a self-difference buffer. An upper end and a lower end of the screw nut assembly are movably connected to the active docking ring and the docking frame, respectively. The two screw nut assemblies in each set are simultaneously driven and stretched by the main buffer, being also connected to each other through the self-difference buffer, and able to be relatively adjusted and stretched through the self-difference buffer.