Spacecraft capture mechanism
US9764478B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 25, 2016 |
| Grant date | Sep 19, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 25, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/6462
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides a capture mechanism for capturing and locking onto the Marman flange located on the exterior surfaces of spacecraft/satellites. The capture mechanism achieves its goal of quickly capturing a target spacecraft by splitting the two basic actions involved into two separate mechanisms. One mechanism performs the quick grasp of the target while the other mechanism rigidises that grasp to ensure that the target is held as firmly as desired. To achieve a speedy grasp, the grasping action is powered by springs and an over-centre mechanism triggered either mechanically by a plunger or electronically by sensors and a solenoid. This forces two sets of jaws, one on either side of the object to be grasped, to close quickly over the target object. The jaws can be set up to grasp gently, firmly, or even not close completely on the target. The key is that they must close tightly enough so that the protrusions on the target cannot escape from the jaws due to any possible motions of the target. Once the jaws have sprung shut, a second mechanism draws the jaws (and their closing mechanism) back into the body of the tool pulling the captured target onto two rigidisation …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.