Docking System with Cam-Actuated Rigidization and Flexible Tensile Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current autonomous vehicle docking systems face challenges in aligning and securely coupling vehicles without imparting substantial forces, especially in environments like outer space where precise alignment and minimal perturbation are crucial for successful docking and undocking processes.
Innovation Solution
The docking system employs a combination of extendable flexible tensile elements for soft-docking, followed by rigidization using auto-alignment load-bearing guideposts and cam-actuated mechanisms to achieve precise alignment and secure coupling, allowing for both translation and rotational alignment of vehicles, and includes redundant release mechanisms for reliable undocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid coupling mechanisms are used for docking, then secure coupling is achieved, but substantial forces are imparted to vehicles causing trajectory perturbation
Solution Approach 1:
The docking system is divided into multiple independent guideposts (first, second, third guideposts) that can be selectively engaged. This segmentation allows the system to achieve secure coupling through distributed contact points rather than a single rigid connection, reducing impulsive forces on any one vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The guideposts are pre-positioned and extend automatically upon approach to establish initial contact and alignment before final coupling. This preliminary action allows the vehicles to align their trajectories gradually, preventing sudden forceful engagement that would cause trajectory perturbation.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment procedures are used, then docking precision can be achieved, but the complexity and time of the docking process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guideposts are designed to automatically perform alignment functions through their geometric configuration and mechanical interaction. The conical surfaces and complementary shapes enable self-alignment as the vehicles approach, eliminating the need for complex manual alignment procedures while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The guideposts utilize conical and curved surfaces that naturally guide alignment through geometric constraints. As the vehicles approach, these curved surfaces automatically steer the docking interfaces into proper alignment, achieving precision without complex control systems or manual intervention.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple alignment mechanisms are implemented, then rotational and translational alignment are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each guidepost is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously provides alignment in multiple degrees of freedom, load-bearing capacity, and coupling engagement. The conical surfaces and geometric features enable both translational and rotational alignment through a single mechanical interaction, eliminating the need for separate alignment mechanisms for each degree of freedom.
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
This approach enables secure, force-efficient docking and undocking with minimal perturbation of vehicle trajectories, ensuring precise alignment and stability during the docking process, and provides redundancy for enhanced reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a cam-actuated mechanism adapted, upon rotation, to rigidize the docking system by bringing the chase and target portions into compression
Implementation Method 2
The probe head is spring-loaded and biased away from the first support structure
Implementation Method 3
The extendable flexible tensile element is adapted to softly dock the chase and target vehicles together
Data Source
AI summary
First and second portions of a docking system are releasably connected with one another using at least one latch mechanism that can be reusably released either from the first portion of the docking system or from the second portion of the docking system.