Spacecraft Capture Assembly with Deployable Fingers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spacecraft docking technologies are complex and prone to mechanical failures, making it difficult to service spacecraft without dedicated docking features, leading to early retirement and high replacement costs.
Innovation Solution
A capture assembly for spacecraft, comprising a probe with a compliant extension assembly and a finger assembly, allows for docking with liquid apogee engines and launch vehicle separation rings, using two motors for reduced mechanical complexity and improved reliability, with a deployable assembly for engagement with the engine's combustion chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mechanical docking implements are used, then docking capability is achieved, but mechanical complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The docking system is divided into two independent parts: a passive target assembly on the client spacecraft and an active capture assembly on the servicing spacecraft. This segmentation allows each part to be simpler and more reliable, eliminating the need for complex coordinated mechanisms while achieving secure docking through the interaction of these separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having both spacecraft equipped with complex active docking mechanisms that must coordinate and synchronize, the invention inverts the approach by making one spacecraft passive with simple target features and the other active with the capture assembly. This inversion dramatically reduces overall system complexity and improves reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If docking features are added to spacecraft, then dedicated docking capability is achieved, but spacecraft design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The passive target assembly with its simple features (nozzle, separation ring, or flat surface) can serve multiple purposes: it enables docking for various spacecraft types without requiring type-specific complex features. The active capture assembly can accommodate different passive target configurations, making the system universally applicable to satellites, rockets, and other spacecraft.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows spacecraft to dock using their existing structural features (engine nozzles, separation rings, or flat surfaces) without requiring them to provide active docking services or complex mechanisms. The servicing spacecraft carries the active capture capability, while the client spacecraft simply provides passive geometric features that already exist as part of its normal structure.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If spacecraft are retired early due to lack of docking features, then replacement is avoided, but replacement costs are extremely high
Solution Approach 1:
The passive target assembly is pre-installed on the client spacecraft during its original manufacturing, providing latent docking capability that remains dormant until needed. When servicing is required, the active capture assembly from the servicing spacecraft can immediately engage these pre-existing features, enabling rapid life extension without requiring modifications to the client spacecraft.
Data Source
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AI summary
Capture assemblies and compliant extension assemblies may be utilized for insertion into a nozzle of a liquid engine of a spacecraft. The capture assembly may include an apparatus such as a probe for insertion into the nozzle and an assembly at least partially enclosed in a forward portion of the probe. The assembly may include a plurality of actuated fingers for deploying outwardly from the probe when the probe is inserted into the nozzle. The compliant extension assembly may be at least partially enclosed in a housing connected to the capture assembly for axial movement of the probe. The compliant extension assembly may facilitate axial movement of the probe between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the probe is extended forwardly, relative to the housing.