Autonomous satellite docking system

Details Autonomous satellite docking system Autonomous satellite docking system

2006-09-12

2006-09-12

Barefoot, Galen (Department: 3644)

Aeronautics and astronautics

Spacecraft

Attitude control

C244S115000

Reexamination Certificate

active

07104505

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. The soft-docking cable may be replaced with a rigid, semi-rigid or jointed post that is used to bring a capture mechanism into engagement with its corresponding receptacle or receiving structure. The magnetic end effector may also be implemented as an electro-magnet, which requires power to maintain the holding force, or a permanent magnet, which captures a target without power. The main target cone may be either a metallic cone: or a non-metallic cone constructed of fabric, plastic, or other flexible material.

REFERENCES:
patent: 2199588 (1940-05-01), Cobham et al.
patent: 2761636 (1956-09-01), Finlay
patent: 3009729 (1961-11-01), Eskin
patent: 3201065 (1965-08-01), Dunn
patent: 3389877 (1968-06-01), Huber et al.
patent: 3478986 (1969-11-01), Fogarty
patent: 3508723 (1970-04-01), Warren et al.
patent: 3737117 (1973-06-01), Belew
patent: 3753536 (1973-08-01), White
patent: 4083520 (1978-04-01), Rupp et al.
patent: 4119051 (1978-10-01), Orndorff, Jr.
patent: 4177964 (1979-12-01), Hujsak et al.
patent: 4195804 (1980-04-01), Hujsak et al.
patent: 4381092 (1983-04-01), Barker
patent: 4391423 (1983-07-01), Pruett et al.
patent: 4431333 (1984-02-01), Chandler
patent: 4500057 (1985-02-01), Duwelz
patent: 4573725 (1986-03-01), Griffiths
patent: 4588150 (1986-05-01), Bock et al.
patent: 4607815 (1986-08-01), Turci et al.
patent: 4709454 (1987-12-01), Barnes
patent: 4712753 (1987-12-01), Howard
patent: 4906123 (1990-03-01), Weskamp et al.
patent: 5364046 (1994-11-01), Dobbs et al.
patent: 5735488 (1998-04-01), Schneider
patent: 6299107 (2001-10-01), Kong et al.
P. Tchoryk Jr., M.E. Dobbs, D.J. Conrad, M.P. Frazer, D.K. Slayton, “Autonomous Rendevous and Docking Using an Expendable Launch Vehicle,”AIAA/Utah State University Conference on Small Satellites, Poster Paper, Logan, Utah, Aug. 27-29, 1991.
Quintero, Montgomery, Tchoryk, “Autonomous Rendevous and Docking Scenarios for Guidelines and Standards,”AIAA Space Programs Conference Proceedings, Huntsville, AL, Sep. 21-23, 1993.
P. Tchoryk, A. Hays, J. Pavlich, G. Ritter, G. Wassick, C. Nardell, G. Sypitkowski, “Autonomous Satellite Docking System,”AJAA Space 2001 Conference and Exhibition, Albuquerque, NM, Aug. 28-30, 2001.
P. Tchoryk, A. Hays, J. Pavlich, “Modeling and Simulation of a Autonomous Satellite Docking Systems,” AIAA 2001 Core Technologies for Space Systems Conference, Nov. 28-30, 2001, Colorado Springs, CO.
P. Tchoryk, Jr., Anthony B. Hays, Jane C. Pavlich; “A Docking Solution for On-Orbit Satellite Servicing: Part of the Responsive Space Equation,” AIAA-LA Section/SSTC 2003-2001 Responsive Space Conference Apr. 1-3, 2003.
J. Pavlich, P. Tchoryk, Jr., A. Hays, G. Wassick, “KC-135 Zero-G Testing of a Micro-Satellite Docking Mechanism,” SPIE AeroSense Symposium, Space Systems Technology and Operations Conference, Orlando, FL, Apr. 21-25, 2003.
A.B. Hays, P. Tchoryk, Jr., J. Pavlich, G. Wassick, “Dynamic Simulation and Validation of a Satellite Docking System,” SPIE AeroSense Symposium, Space Systems Technology and Operations Conference, Orlando, FL, Apr. 21-25, 2003.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Autonomous satellite docking system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Autonomous satellite docking system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Autonomous satellite docking system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3551238