Spacecraft Docking System Using Passive Elongate Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spacecraft docking systems are complex and heavy, leading to increased failure possibilities and weight that hinders efficient space operations, as they require complex control laws and load sensor systems.
Innovation Solution
A simplified docking system that uses elongate members and force management systems to move a capture ring towards a docking ring, allowing for passive alignment and attachment without the need for complex control systems, reducing weight and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex control laws and load sensor systems are used for spacecraft docking, then docking precision and reliability are improved, but system weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex control laws and load sensor systems from the docking mechanism, retaining only the essential mechanical components (capture ring, elongate members, force management system) that enable passive alignment and attachment through purely mechanical means
Solution Approach 2:
The docking system performs alignment and attachment automatically through its mechanical design, where the capture ring and elongate members self-align with the docking ring and attach through force management without requiring external control systems or sensors
2Manufacturing precision
If complex control laws and load sensor systems are used for spacecraft docking, then docking precision is improved, but system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes heavy components such as control laws, load sensor systems, and complex actuation mechanisms, replacing them with lightweight passive mechanical alignment features that achieve precise docking through geometry and force distribution alone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic control systems and sensor-based precision control with purely mechanical alignment features, where the capture ring and elongate members use geometric constraints and force management to achieve precise docking without electronic intervention
3Adaptability or versatility
If more subsystems and components are added to the docking system, then docking functionality is improved, but failure possibilities increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (alignment, capture, attachment, force management) into a single integrated passive mechanical system, eliminating the need for separate control subsystems and reducing the number of potential failure points while maintaining full docking functionality
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for docking a spacecraft. The apparatus comprises elongate members, movement systems, and force management systems. The elongate members are associated with a docking structure for a spacecraft. The movement systems are configured to move the elongate members axially such that the docking structure for the spacecraft moves. Each of the elongate members is configured to move independently. The force management systems connect the movement systems to the elongate members and are configured to limit a force applied by the each of the elongate members to a desired threshold during movement of the elongate members.