Space Capture Device With Pivotable Gripper For Uncooperative Satellites
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Capturing uncooperative satellites in space requires highly precise positioning and complex movement mechanisms due to the lack of designed interfaces, which can result in damage to sensitive materials and misalignment, complicating repair, maintenance, or repositioning operations.
Innovation Solution
A capture device with pivotable legs and a gripping mechanism that forms a variable frame, allowing for precise positioning and adaptation to different satellite elements, including payload adapter rings, with a clamping finger for secure gripping without internal contact, minimizing satellite disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional gripping methods are used on uncooperative satellites, then the satellite can be captured, but the complex movement mechanisms and precise positioning requirements increase device complexity and risk of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The capture device employs a dynamic parallelogram mechanism where the second arm can pivot relative to the first arm, allowing the gripper to adapt its position and orientation dynamically. This dynamic structure enables the device to compensate for positioning errors and adjust to different satellite geometries without requiring extremely precise initial positioning, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining capture reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The capture device is divided into multiple segmented arms (first arm and second arm) connected by pivot joints. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function - the first arm provides structural support while the second arm enables fine positioning adjustments. By dividing the system into functional segments, the overall complexity is managed through modular design while achieving the required positioning precision for reliable capture.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise positioning is implemented to avoid satellite damage, then the positioning accuracy improves, but the control complexity and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The capture device performs preliminary positioning using the first arm to bring the gripper into the general vicinity of the target satellite element. Once in proximity, the second arm executes fine positioning adjustments to achieve precise alignment for gripping. This two-stage preliminary action approach reduces the total time required compared to attempting single-step precise positioning, while still ensuring accurate placement to avoid satellite damage.
3Ease of operation
If internal areas of the satellite are accessed for gripping, then the capture can be achieved, but the risk of damaging sensitive materials increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic parallelogram mechanism with its pivotable second arm enables the gripper to reach external surfaces of the satellite that would be accessible without penetrating internal areas. The adaptive positioning capability allows the device to grasp external structures like payload adapter rings from the outside, eliminating the need to access sensitive internal components while maintaining capture feasibility.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A capture device (10, 10') for capturing satellites in space is disclosed. The capture device comprises two legs (11, 12), each with a first end (11a, 12a) and a second end (11b, 12b). A connecting bracket (13) joins the respective first ends of the two legs. A gripping device (14) for grasping a satellite to be captured is arranged on the connecting bracket. By means of a common or individual mounting foot (15, 16) at the respective second end of each leg, the respective leg can be attached to a capturing spacecraft (1). The legs are pivotably connected to the connecting bracket and to the mounting foot(s), with the respective (pivoting) axes (A1, A2, A3, A4) all being parallel to each other.Also disclosed are a spacecraft (1) with at least one, but preferably three, capture device(s) (10, 10') and a capture method for capturing a satellite in space.