In-space grasping system and method of operation
US12214912B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 18, 2021 |
| Grant date | Feb 4, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 23, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G2004/005
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A coupling system and a method of coupling two objects. The coupling system including a passive unit having a first side and an opposing second side, the first side having a recess with a lip. The coupling system further having an active unit that includes an actuator, a cam mechanism and a plurality of capture rollers. The cam mechanism is operably coupled to the actuator, the cam mechanism being movable from a stowed position to a deployed position. The plurality of capture rollers is operably coupled to the cam mechanism to move from a first position to a second position in response to the cam mechanism moving from the stowed position to the deployed position, the plurality of capture rollers engaging the lip in the second position when the passive unit is in contact with the active unit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.