Vehicle Capture Assemblies for Passive Spacecraft Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spacecraft docking technologies are prone to mechanical and active control complexity, which increases the likelihood of component failure and complicates the docking and maintenance process.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle capture assembly with a probe assembly and an extendable lance, utilizing passive retention elements and biasing forces for engagement and disengagement, reduces mechanical complexity by eliminating the need for active components like motors or solenoids, allowing for secure and reliable docking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mechanical implements and active control systems are used for spacecraft docking, then the docking capability and control precision are improved, but the device complexity and likelihood of component failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes active control components (motors, solenoids, sensors) from the docking mechanism, retaining only the essential passive mechanical elements. This extraction eliminates the complexity and failure points associated with active systems while preserving the core docking function through purely mechanical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through passive mechanical principles. The capture arms and retention features automatically engage and secure the target spacecraft without requiring external power, control signals, or active actuation. The system serves itself through inherent mechanical geometry and force interactions.
2Device complexity
If passive retention elements are used for engagement, then the mechanical complexity is reduced, but the control precision and active control capability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The passive retention elements are pre-configured with specific geometries and orientations that automatically guide the docking process. The capture arms are pre-positioned and pre-oriented to engage with the target spacecraft's docking interface, ensuring precise alignment and engagement without requiring active control during the actual docking maneuver.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces active control systems (electrical, electronic, hydraulic) with passive mechanical systems that achieve precision through mechanical geometry, friction, and force interactions. The precision is achieved not through electronic control but through carefully designed mechanical features that inherently guide and constrain the docking motion.
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 passive engagement and disengagement mechanism enhances the reliability and safety of spacecraft docking by minimizing mechanical complexity and reducing the risk of component failure, while enabling secure and efficient transfer of resources and services between vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more retention elements may be configured to be moved toward a stowed position against a force of the biasing element
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicle capture assemblies and related devices, systems, and methods include one or more probe assemblies for passively engaging with and securing the target vehicle.