Automatic compliant capture and docking mechanism for spacecraft
US5364046A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 24, 1992 |
| Grant date | Nov 15, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 24, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T292/14
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
This invention is an automatic capture and docking mechanism for a pair of spacecraft. A largely passive capture mechanism disposed on a first spacecraft includes a concave cone section with the narrower interior end to admit a ball of a predetermined diameter. When tripped, a capture device restricts the diameter of passage for capture of the ball. In the release position passage for the ball is unrestricted. The capture device is preferably reset by the other spacecraft to release the ball. A docking mechanism disposed on the second spacecraft includes a convex cone section constructed to mate with the concave cone section, ball at the end of a cable and a boom. The cable may be extended from or retracted to the apex of the convex cone section. A rotary drive coupled to the convex cone section permits relative rotation of the spacecraft. The boom may be extended from or retracted into the second spacecraft. The spacecraft dock by directing the extended ball into the cylinder, where it is captured. The cable and boom retract to dock. The active docking mechanism releases and resets the capture device to undock. A pyrotechnic cutter disposed inside the boom can cut the cable for em…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.