Gravity chamber that rotates on support bearings mounted on an outer surface of a hull of a habitation module
US9994338B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 11, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jun 12, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 5, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/60
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A habitation module with a gravity chamber that provides an artificial gravity environment. In one embodiment, the gravity chamber is annular and includes an outer cylindrical wall, an inner cylindrical structure, and opposing side walls that connect the outer cylindrical wall and the inner cylindrical structure. The gravity chamber attaches to an outer surface of a hull of the habitation module with support bearings. The support bearing includes an inner race attached to the outer surface of the hull, and an outer race attached to the gravity chamber. A drive mechanism drives the outer race of the support bearing to rotate the gravity chamber about an axis to simulate a gravitational force within the gravity chamber.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.