Space station architecture, module, berthing hub, shell assembly, berthing mechanism and utility connection channel

US4728060A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US

Inventor

• Marc M. Cohen · Palo Alto, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 9, 1984
• Grant date: Mar 1, 1988
• Expiry date: Mar 9, 2004

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64G1/12
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A space station (20) includes a plurality of modules (24) and berthing hubs (22), joined by interconnections (26) which are sideways connectable. The modules (24) and hubs (22) are fastened together in a triangular configuration in three dimensions. The interconnections (26) include a pair of opposed, axially aligned, flanged ports (50) and a clamp latch (52) formed from a plurality of sections (54, 56 and 58) hinged along their length and extending circumferentially around the flanged ports (50). A hermetic seal (63) is formed between the ports (50). A utilities connection channel (68) extends between the ports (50). The channel (68) has a shell (70) with utilities connectors (74) movable between an extended position to mating connectors in the modules (24) and a withdrawn position. Assembly sequence and common module shell structure is detailed.