Space Debris Capture Device Using Passive Mechanical Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing space debris capture devices face challenges due to high costs, complexity, and limited versatility, often requiring multiple devices for specific types of objects and conditions, with many incorporating sophisticated electronic and electromechanical components that reduce reliability.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical capture device with a pressure element and reclosable elements that move passively between open and closed positions via mechanical transmission, utilizing a support bar, connecting rods, and hinges, without complex electrical or electromechanical components, allowing for a wide range of space object capture with low mass and high reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sophisticated electronic and electromechanical components are used in capture devices, then the capture capability and precision are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase, and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes electronic and electromechanical components from the capture device, extracting only the essential mechanical elements (pressure element, reclosable elements, mechanical transmission means) needed for capture functionality. This simplification reduces complexity and cost while maintaining capture capability through passive mechanical operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The capture device operates autonomously using the kinetic energy of the incoming space object to drive the mechanical transmission means, which automatically actuates the reclosable elements to close and secure the object. No external power sources, sensors, or control systems are needed, eliminating complex electronics while preserving capture precision.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated capture devices for specific object types are used, then the capture precision for that specific type is improved, but the number of devices required increases, leading to higher overall cost
Solution Approach 1:
The capture device is designed with a universal pressure element and adjustable mechanical transmission means that can accommodate various space object geometries and sizes. The reclosable elements can adapt to different object shapes, allowing a single device design to capture multiple types of space debris without requiring specialized configurations for each object type.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical transmission means incorporates movable and adjustable components that can dynamically adapt to different capture scenarios. The reclosable elements can pivot and position themselves based on the object's geometry, providing versatility across different space object types while maintaining capture precision through passive mechanical response.
3Reliability
If the reclosable elements move passively and independently, then the device complexity is reduced and reliability improved, but the control precision over the closing action decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical transmission means provides inherent feedback through its passive mechanical linkage. As the pressure element contacts the space object and experiences force, this force is automatically transmitted through the connecting rods and hinges to actuate the reclosable elements. The system self-regulates based on the applied force, ensuring reliable closing action without requiring external control systems while maintaining sufficient precision through the mechanical feedback loop.
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 device achieves reliable and cost-effective capture of various space objects with low precision requirements, capable of multiple capture attempts and adaptable to different geometries, utilizing mechanical energy from the space object for operation and incorporating a blocking mechanism for secure retention.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure element configured to come into direct mechanical contact with the space object to be captured
Implementation Method 2
energy released by mechanical contact of the capture device with the space object is sufficient or almost sufficient to capture the space object
Implementation Method 3
at least one connecting rod mechanically connecting the pressure element to one of the reclosable elements; at least one hinge located between the support and the reclosable element, the connecting rod making the reclosable element pivot about the hinge during the translation displacement
Data Source
AI summary
A device for capturing a space object, the device comprising a pressure element configured to come into direct mechanical contact with the space object to be captured. The device comprises at least two reclosable elements movable between an open position for capturing the space object and a closed position for retaining the space object. The device also comprises an apparatus to mechanically transmit movement from the pressure element to each reclosable element, the mechanical transmission apparatus being configured to entrain each reclosable element in displacement between the open position and the closed position by pressure of the space object on the pressure element.