Harpoon Capture System with Deployable Mast for Space Debris Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing space debris from Earth orbits are either ineffective in addressing the root cause of the problem, as they either provide protective measures for vehicles or attempt to capture debris with systems that are dangerous due to high speeds and large sizes, or are inefficient in precision and safety.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a space vehicle with a deployable and collapsible mast and harpoon mechanism that allows for precise and safe capture of space debris from a distance, using a telescopic mast and harpoon projection system, enabling efficient and safe removal without risking collision with the debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a space vehicle approaches space debris closely for capture using tongs or robotic arms, then capture precision is improved, but collision risk increases due to high debris speed and rotation
Solution Approach 1:
A deployable mast acts as an intermediary between the space vehicle and the debris. The mast extends the reach of the harpoon projection system, allowing the vehicle to remain at a safe distance while still achieving precise capture of the debris through the harpoon mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces contact-based mechanical capture systems (tongs, robotic arms) with a projectile-based harpoon system. This substitution eliminates the need for close approach and direct mechanical contact, thereby reducing collision risk while maintaining capture effectiveness.
2Reliability
If capture means are projected from a distance using sacks or nets, then collision risk is reduced, but capture precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces area-based capture means (sacks, nets) with a projectile-based harpoon system. The harpoon acts as a focused, precision tool that can be projected from a distance while maintaining accurate targeting capability, unlike diffuse net or sack systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployable mast enables dynamic adjustment of the projection distance and angle parameters. This allows optimization of both the distance for safety and the precision for accurate harpoon placement on the debris target.
3Device complexity
If harpoons are projected from a fixed position on the space vehicle, then device complexity is reduced, but capture precision deteriorates due to limited positioning flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The deployable mast transforms the fixed harpoon projection system into a dynamic one. The mast can be extended, retracted, and positioned to optimize the projection angle and distance, providing flexibility in targeting while maintaining system simplicity through a single deployable structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The system has a space vehicle (10), and a harpoon-capturing device provided for capturing space debris. The device is fixed to the space vehicle. The device comprises a telescopic type deployment and folding mast (15) that comprises a base (151), which is fixed to the space vehicle and an opposite end (152) of the mast. A deployment and folding unit is arranged for deployment and folding up of the mast. The device includes a projection unit for projecting a harpoon (16) from the opposite end of the mast. An independent claim is also included for a method for eliminating spatial debris of an orbit around a celestial body.