GRASP Docking Mechanism for Spacecraft Module Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spacecraft docking port designs fail to meet the requirements for an androgynous, retractable, and symmetric connection necessary for the SYNERGEO modular spacecraft platform, lacking the ability to support multiple assembly orientations and efficient data and power transmission.
Innovation Solution
The Guideless Resilient Androgynous Serial Port (GRASP) assembly interface provides a novel mechanism for an androgynous, selectable-preload structural connection with integrated physical connections for power and data transmission, featuring a multi-mechanism array and modular electrical connections that can be customized for various applications, including 90° rotational symmetry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing spacecraft docking port designs are used, then structural connection is achieved, but androgynous symmetry and multi-orientation assembly capability are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry in reverse by designing a symmetric androgynous interface where both docking ports have identical structural features. This allows either port to serve as the active or passive interface, enabling assembly in multiple orientations (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) while maintaining structural stability and symmetry.
2Reliability
If probe-drogue docking design is used, then proven reliability is achieved, but androgynous capability and reusability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The docking interface is designed with universal androgynous characteristics where both ports have identical active and passive features. This allows either port to initiate docking or receive docking, enabling the system to perform multiple functions (active male, active female, passive male, passive female) while maintaining proven reliability through standardized structural connections.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed-preload connection is used, then structural stability is achieved, but adaptability to different assembly requirements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The docking interface incorporates a resilient mechanism with a spring element that provides selectable preload forces. The spring constant and precompression can be configured to provide different preload levels, allowing the connection to adapt to various assembly requirements while maintaining structural stability through controlled elastic deformation.
4Productivity
If integrated electrical connections are used, then power and data transmission are achieved, but interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges structural mechanical connection features with electrical connection features into a single integrated docking interface. The spring pins serve dual purposes as both mechanical alignment/structural elements and electrical contacts, reducing the number of separate components needed while enabling simultaneous power and data transmission.
5Strength
If non-retractable docking port is used, then structural strength is achieved, but symmetry and multi-orientation capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The docking interface employs symmetric androgynous design where both ports have identical structural features arranged with rotational symmetry. This allows the interface to maintain full structural strength in any orientation (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) while enabling multi-orientation assembly capability through the symmetric configuration of alignment features and connection elements.
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 GRASP interface enables secure, redundant, and customizable connections for spacecraft modules, accommodating diverse interface requirements and ensuring reliable power and data transmission across multiple orientations, thereby addressing the limitations of existing docking port designs.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient mechanism incorporates a spring element that utilizes elastic deformation to provide selectable preload forces, ensuring secure mechanical connection while accommodating thermal expansion and contraction of the spacecraft modules during orbital operations.
Implementation Method 2
The resilient mechanism incorporates a spring element that utilizes elastic deformation to provide selectable preload forces, ensuring secure mechanical connection while accommodating thermal expansion and contraction of the spacecraft modules during orbital operations.
Implementation Method 3
Initial GRASP mechanism prototype designs are equipped with integrated physical connections (spring pins) for both power and data transmission between modules, utilizing elastic spring pins to maintain reliable electrical contact while accommodating misalignment and vibration during docking operations.
Data Source
AI summary
The Guideless Resilient Androgynous Serial Port (GRASP) mechanism provides an androgynous mechanical and electrical interface that can be tailored to the meet the requirements of a given application. Each mechanism is equipped with physical connections (spring pins) for both power and data transmission between modules.