Berthing system for spacecraft
US11702229B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 17, 2019 |
| Grant date | Jul 18, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 16, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16B7/0413
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Berthing systems for visiting spacecraft and associated methods. In one embodiment, a berthing system includes a tunnel having an interface surface that defines a hard capture mating plane for mating with a docking system of a target spacecraft. The berthing system further includes hooks disposed circumferentially on the interface surface, one or more pressure seals disposed on the interface surface, spring-loaded guide petals spaced around an inner peripheral surface of the tunnel that are configured to independently slide in the axial direction, and capture latches spaced around the inner peripheral surface that are configured to engage mechanical latch strikers on the docking system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.