Space Debris Capture Tethering Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capturing devices for artificial space objects have complex structures due to the need for twisting a tape-shaped spring around the object, making them inefficient for simple and effective capture.
Innovation Solution
A capturing device with a tethering member, retaining members, a housing, driving mechanisms, a deformer, and a controller that spreads and retracts the tethering member to capture artificial space objects with a simple structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tape-shaped spring is deformed and twisted around an artificial space object to achieve capture, then the capture function is realized, but the device structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the twisting mechanism from the capture system by using a pre-formed loop-shaped tethering member that automatically surrounds and captures the artificial space object without requiring complex twisting operations. The loop shape is pre-configured to enable direct capture, eliminating the need for additional twisting mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The tethering member is pre-formed into a loop shape with specific dimensions before use. This preliminary configuration allows the tethering member to directly surround and capture the artificial space object when deployed, eliminating the need for on-site deformation and twisting operations.
2Reliability
If a complex twisting mechanism is used to wrap the spring around the artificial space object, then capture is achieved, but the device becomes less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the twisting mechanism entirely by using a pre-formed loop-shaped tethering member that directly surrounds and captures the artificial space object. This extraction of the twisting function simplifies the overall system and improves capture efficiency by eliminating unnecessary operational steps.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of deforming and twisting a flat tape-shaped spring around the object, the patent inverts the approach by using a pre-formed three-dimensional loop shape that naturally surrounds and captures the object. This inversion of the formation process eliminates the need for complex twisting operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A driving mechanism controller included in a capturing device causes one or more driving mechanisms to spread a tethering member having an elongated shape to the outside of a housing by a target spread length. The driving mechanism controller, when an artificial space object is located in the area surrounded by the tethering member, causes the one or more driving mechanisms to retract the tethering member to the inside of the housing until at least a part of the tethering member comes into contact with the artificial space object. The tethering member is stable in a first shape having a curved section orthogonal to a linear extending direction of the tethering member.