Probe-Based Vehicle Capture Assembly for Passive Spacecraft Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spacecraft docking technologies are complex and prone to mechanical and active control failures, increasing the risk of component failure during docking and maintenance processes.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle capture assembly with a probe assembly and extendable lance that passively engages and secures a target vehicle using retention elements biased by mechanical forces, eliminating the need for active components like motors for engagement and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mechanical implements and active control systems are used for spacecraft docking, then the docking capability and control precision are improved, but the device complexity and reliability deteriorate due to increased component failure risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes active control components (motors, sensors, control systems) from the docking mechanism, extracting only the essential passive mechanical elements needed for capture. The probe assembly with retention elements engages the target vehicle through pure mechanical interaction without active control, dramatically simplifying the system while maintaining docking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive capture mechanism uses the relative motion and forces already present during approach to achieve engagement. The retention elements automatically engage with the target vehicle structure through mechanical interference fit, and the biasing elements automatically maintain engagement forces without requiring active control or energy input.
2Device complexity
If passive engagement mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the capture force and holding strength may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing elements (springs) are pre-loaded to generate engagement forces before contact with the target vehicle. As the probe approaches, the biasing elements are compressed, storing potential energy that is converted to engagement force upon contact, ensuring sufficient capture strength without requiring active actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention elements are designed with composite structural features combining rigid engagement surfaces with compliant biasing elements. This composite approach allows the passive mechanism to generate and maintain sufficient capture forces through mechanical advantage and elastic energy storage while remaining structurally simple.
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
Reduces mechanical complexity and enhances reliability and safety by allowing for secure, passive docking and undocking of spacecraft with minimal disturbance, reducing the need for electronic components and minimizing the risk of failure.
Implementation Method 1
The vehicle capture assembly may include a biasing element for biasing the one or more retention elements in the deployed position
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicle capture assemblies and related devices, systems, and methods include one or more probe assemblies for passively engaging with and securing the target vehicle.