Spacecraft Docking Ring With Regenerative Damping for Misalignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing docking device for space vehicles requires complex electrical control of linear actuators to correct misalignment and attenuate inertia forces, leading to increased system scale and cost.

Innovation Solution

A docking device with resistance generation mechanisms in linear actuators that produce regenerative current and resistance force upon contact, simplifying electrical control by using motors and diodes to manage compressive loads without requiring extensive electrical control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrical control of linear actuators is used to correct misalignment and attenuate inertia force, then docking function is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedocking functionVSAvoidelectrical control system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical control system with a passive mechanical system. Linear actuators are designed with motors that generate regenerative current during compression, creating resistance force automatically without requiring complex electrical control circuits. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for sophisticated electrical control while maintaining the docking function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The linear actuators self-regulate during docking through regenerative current generation. When the second space vehicle contacts the capturing ring and applies load, the motors in the linear actuators automatically generate resistance force through regenerative current, correcting misalignment and attenuating inertia force without external electrical control intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If electrical control of linear actuators is implemented, then misalignment correction is achieved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemisalignment correctionVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive electrical control systems with a simpler mechanical solution. The linear actuators use motors that passively generate regenerative current during compression, providing misalignment correction through mechanical resistance force rather than requiring complex electrical control circuits, thereby reducing manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If regenerative current is generated in motors, then resistance force is produced without electrical control, but energy management complexity arises

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical control systemVSAvoidenergy management

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of compressive load during docking into a beneficial resistance force. When the second space vehicle contacts the capturing ring, the compressive load causes motors to generate regenerative current, which creates resistance force that automatically corrects misalignment and attenuates inertia force. The harmful compression is transformed into a useful damping mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 solution allows for effective misalignment correction and inertia force attenuation without complex electrical control, resulting in system simplification and cost reduction.

Implementation Method 1

resistance generation mechanisms, each of which generates a regenerative current in the motor of the linear actuator to produce resistance force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

at least a compressive load when the second space vehicle comes into contact with the first-side capturing ring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiode rectification: Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3604144B1Docking device

Publication Date: 2021.07.28 IHI AEROSPACE CO LTD

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Figure 2A
Figure 2B

AI summary

A docking device including: a base ring 2 disposed in a first space vehicle A; a first-side capturing ring 3 for coming into contact with the second space vehicle B; six links 4 that constitute a parallel link mechanism 5 for coupling the base ring 2 to the first-side capturing ring 3; and linear actuators 10, each of which extends and contracts the link 4 by using a motor 13 as a driving source, wherein resistance generation mechanisms, each of which generates a regenerative current in the motor 13 of the linear actuator 10 to produce resistance force when the second space vehicle B comes into contact with the first-side capturing ring 3 and the link 4 receives a compressive load, are provided. Correction of misalignment with the second space vehicle, and attenuation of inertia force that the second space vehicle has can be performed without requiring complicated electrical control, and simplification and cost reduction of an electrical system can be implemented.