Elastic Locking Assembly for Precise Deployment Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in reconstructing large-scale, flexible satellite and space vehicle structures with geometrical precision after deployment, as kinematic inaccuracies and structural dimensions complicate the reassembly of folding parts.
Innovation Solution
A locking device comprising a convergent male element and a divergent female element with a moveable body, elastic hanging strips, and a controllable blocking device ensures precise locking and maintenance of the structure's position through automatic transition from a cocked standby to a locking position, utilizing elastic deformation and hooks for secure alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If folding parts are used to reduce volume for transport, then the volume compatibility with rockets is improved, but the geometrical precision of reconstructed structures deteriorates due to kinematic inaccuracies and structural flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is pre-configured in a cocked standby position where the moveable body is held by a controllable blocking device. When deployment occurs, the blocking device releases automatically, allowing the moveable body to transition to the locking position and engage the male and female elements with precise geometrical alignment, compensating for kinematic inaccuracies
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic hanging strips undergo elastic deformation to adapt to slight dimensional variations and kinematic inaccuracies during deployment. The strips extend through the female element forming a flared receptacle that elastically deforms to accommodate the convergent male element, then retract to provide firm holding, thereby maintaining geometrical precision despite initial inaccuracies
2Adaptability or versatility
If large-scale flexible structures are deployed, then the structural adaptability is improved, but the difficulty of achieving precise geometrical alignment worsens due to structural flexibility and large dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic hanging strips act as flexible elements that can deform elastically to accommodate large-scale structural variations and flexibility. These strips extend through the female element forming a flared receptacle that elastically deforms to guide and capture the male element, then retract to provide firm holding, thereby achieving precise geometrical alignment in large-scale flexible structures
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic hanging strips serve as intermediary elements between the male and female locking elements. They perform capture, guidance, and maintenance of position, mediating the interaction between the rigid locking elements and the flexible large-scale structure to achieve precise geometrical alignment
3Ease of operation
If automatic locking mechanism is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components like moveable body, elastic strips, and blocking device
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device operates automatically through self-service mechanisms. The moveable body transitions from cocked standby to locking position automatically when the blocking device is released by the convergent male element. The elastic hanging strips automatically perform capture, guidance, and maintenance of position functions, eliminating the need for complex external control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device utilizes dynamic elements including a moveable body that can transition between positions, elastic hanging strips that can extend and retract, and a controllable blocking device that can engage and disengage. These dynamic components enable automatic operation while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through coordinated movement rather than complex mechanisms
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 solution enables precise and reliable locking of structural parts, ensuring accurate geometrical alignment and firm holding, even in large and flexible structures, by using elastic strips and a controllable blocking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of elastic hanging strips, connected to said moveable body and equipped with a hook on their free extremity opposite to the latter, said hanging strips: extending through said female divergent element spreading away from one another to form, for said convergent male element, a flared receptacle, elastically deformable, inside said divergent female element
Implementation Method 2
In the cocked standby position, said moveable body is loaded by at least one spring, of which the relaxation is under the control of said controllable blocking device
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present invention, the device, which is provided with a male element secured to one of the parts and a female element secured to the other of said parts, comprises a plurality of resilient fastening strips forming a flared receptacle for said male element inside said female element. This receptacle is slidably movable so as to capture, pull and hold said male element inside said female element.