Spacecraft Fill-Drain Coupling With Torque-Unlocked Valve Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spacecraft valves designed for pre-launch filling and draining pose challenges in making fluid connections in space, as they can accidentally open, leading to fluid leakage and contamination risks.

Innovation Solution

A coupling assembly with a drive mechanism, actuating member, and locking system that ensures the valve remains closed until a proper fluid connection is established, using a torque-based mechanism to securely engage and open the valve, preventing accidental fluid release into space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a valve is used for filling and draining spacecraft, then fluid transfer capability is improved, but accidental valve opening may occur leading to fluid leakage and contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid transfer capabilityVSAvoidvalve operation safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling assembly is designed to establish a secure mechanical and fluid connection with the valve before the actuating member is positioned to open the valve. The connection includes threaded engagement and sealing elements that must be properly installed before the valve can be actuated, ensuring the spacecraft is ready to receive or contain fluid before the valve opens.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling assembly acts as an intermediary device between the external fluid source and the spacecraft valve. It provides a controlled interface that mediates the connection process, ensuring proper alignment, sealing, and mechanical coupling before allowing valve actuation, thereby preventing direct and potentially unsafe connection to the valve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a coupling assembly is designed to prevent accidental valve opening, then reliability is improved, but the complexity of the coupling mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve operation safetyVSAvoidcoupling mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: a connection portion for mechanical and fluid coupling to the valve, an actuating portion for valve operation, and a sealing portion for preventing leaks. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling assembly merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: mechanical connection, fluid sealing, and valve actuation capability. By combining these functions in one assembly rather than separate components, the design reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the safety and reliability benefits of preventing accidental valve opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 ensures safe and controlled fluid transfer by preventing accidental valve opening during spacecraft operations in space, reducing contamination risks and maintaining thermal integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a coupling member configured to couple to the drive mechanism such that the drive mechanism is operable to exert a torque on the coupling member to rotate the coupling member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorque: Torque

Implementation Method 2

a second connector comprising a stop portion and a bore for transferring fluid, the second connector configured to screw on to the valve until the stop portion engages the valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS11572200B2Coupling assembly for fluidly connecting first and second spacecraft and a kit of parts for a coupling and a method of fluidly connecting first and second spacecraft using a coupling

Publication Date: 2023.02.07 AIRBUS DEFENCE AND SPACE LTD

AI summary

A first spacecraft comprises a drive mechanism. A second spacecraft comprises a valve for filling/draining the second spacecraft. The coupling assembly comprises a first connector comprising an actuating member configured to engage and open the valve and a coupling member configured to couple to the drive mechanism. A second connector comprises a stop portion and a bore for transferring fluid. Operation of the drive mechanism rotates the coupling member and the second connector together to screw the second connector onto the valve until the stop portion engages the valve, the actuating member being prevented from moving relative to the second connector to open the valve whilst the lock is in the locked state. Once the stop portion engages the valve, operation of the drive mechanism to exert a torque on the coupling member greater than a predetermined torque level moves the lock to an unlocked state wherein the actuating member is moveable relative to the second connector to engage and open the valve.