Autonomous satellite docking system
US6742745B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 1, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jun 1, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 1, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/6464
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
This invention solves problems associated with prior-art soft-dock mechanisms by placing all active components of a soft-dock system on the chaser side of the mechanism, leaving the target side of the mechanism completely passive (i.e., requiring no power expenditure or self-actuated moving parts to operate). In particular, the active components are supported on the end of a flexible cable attached to the probe, or chaser, side of the device. These components act as a sort of spring-loaded “trap.” Once the end of the probe passes into a receptacle on the target side, the mechanism is triggered, engaging it in such a way that it can no longer be pulled out of the receptacle until it is reset.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.