Multipart Valve Assembly for Space Vehicle Refueling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite refueling systems face challenges in safely transferring propellant and data between space vehicles in space, with issues of propellant leakage, contamination, and the need for simultaneous transfer of fuel, data, and electricity, while maintaining operational control and reducing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A multipart valve assembly with inter-fitting male and female components and associated control valves creates separate fluid and electrical pathways, enabling the transfer of propellant, data, and electricity between space vehicles, with protected electrical connectors and a releasable, re-sealable fluid connection, utilizing stainless steel and titanium for structural materials and PEEK for sealing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a refueling arm or umbilical is extended to interconnect satellites for propellant transfer, then the operating life of satellites can be extended, but the risk of propellant leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface assembly is divided into separate male and female components with distinct sealing interfaces. The propellant pathway is segmented into discrete sections with individual seals, allowing isolation of leakage to specific segments rather than compromising the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
A propellant seal acts as an intermediary element between the male and female interface components, creating a controlled barrier that prevents direct exposure of propellant to the external environment during connection and transfer operations.
2Reliability
If separate fluid and electrical pathways are created in the interface assembly, then the safety of propellant transfer is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface assembly merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: propellant transfer, electrical connection, and data communication are all accomplished through one unified interface structure, reducing the number of separate assemblies needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The male and female interface components serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mechanical alignment, create fluid-tight seals, establish electrical contacts, and enable data communication, eliminating the need for separate specialized components for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical connectors are exposed for simultaneous power and data transfer, then the functionality is enhanced, but the risk of contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
Electrical contacts are pre-positioned and protected within the male and female interface components before engagement. The mechanical coupling action automatically brings the contacts into alignment and establishes connections, eliminating the need for exposed connectors during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical contacts act as intermediary elements that are protected within the interface assembly structure, allowing electrical and data transfer without direct exposure to the external space environment, thus preventing contamination.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed is a multipart valve assembly. The assembly can be used in selectively coupling two vehicles. The assembly includes inter-fitting male and female components and associated control valves. Coupling the male and female components establishes media (fluid or gas), communications, and electrical paths between space vehicles. This permits the passage of media from one vehicle to the other and likewise enables one vehicle to operate the control valve of the other vehicle.