Non-sealing berthing system for spacecraft
US11702230B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 17, 2019 |
| Grant date | Jul 18, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 29, 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 non-sealing berthing system includes a tunnel having an interface surface that mates with a docking system of a target spacecraft. The berthing system further includes sliding hooks disposed circumferentially on the interface surface of the tunnel, preload members disposed circumferentially at the interface surface of the tunnel and configured to extend and retract from the interface surface in an axial direction, guide petals spaced around an inner peripheral surface of the tunnel, and soft capture petals spaced around the inner peripheral surface of the tunnel. The soft capture petals include capture latches configured to engage mechanical latch strikers on the docking system of the target spacecraft.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.