Deployable flexible airlock
US6499697B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 18, 2001 |
| Grant date | Dec 31, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 18, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/60
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The deployable flexible airlock and method for space vehicles, modules, and other structures has a flexible conduit attached between a vehicle frame member and a distal frame member. The airlock may be integrated into the hatch of a space vehicle. In the stowed configuration the airlock occupies a small volume to minimize the usable space impact to the space vehicle. The airlock is deployed by introducing vehicle cabin air into a number of support columns or tubes, which thereby inflate and cause the distal frame member to be pushed away from the vehicle frame member. When deployed, a chamber is formed for a user to transition through the airlock. The airlock is pressurized using cabin air and depressurized by evacuating the cabin air. Retraction of the airlock for stowage is accomplished by use of cables attached to the distal frame member, and controlled by actuator assemblies attached to the vehicle frame member.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.