Combination space station handrail clamp and pointing device

Details Combination space station handrail clamp and pointing device Combination space station handrail clamp and pointing device

1996-09-18

1999-04-13

Barefoot, Galen L.

Aeronautics and astronautics

Aircraft structure

Load accommodation

244158R, 269228, 269 75, B64G 400

Patent

active

058935339

ABSTRACT:
A device for attaching an experiment carrier to a space station handrail is provided. The device has two major components, a clamping mechanism for attachment to a space station handrail, and a pointing carrier on which an experiment package can be mounted and oriented. The handrail clamp uses an overcenter mechanism and the carrier mechanism uses an adjustable preload ball and socket for carrier positioning. The handrail clamp uses a stack of disk springs to provide a spring loaded button. This configuration provides consistent clamping force over a range of possible handrail thicknesses. Three load points are incorporated in the clamping mechanism thereby spreading the clamping load onto three separate points on the handrail. A four bar linkage is used to provide for a single actuation lever for all three load points. For additional safety, a secondary lock consisting of a capture plate and push lock keeps the clamp attached to the handrail in the event of main clamp failure. For the carrier positioning mechanism, a ball in a spring loaded socket uses friction to provide locking torque; however, the ball and socket are torque limited so that the ball can slip under kick loads (125 pounds or greater). A lead screw attached to disk spring stacks is used to provide an adjustable spring force on the socket. A locking knob is attached to the lead screw to allow for hand manipulation of the lead screw.

REFERENCES:
patent: 1981253 (1934-11-01), Schulz
patent: 2456182 (1948-12-01), Goble
patent: 2528053 (1950-10-01), Harris
patent: 2645144 (1953-07-01), Williams
patent: 2660079 (1953-11-01), Bellows
patent: 2673054 (1954-03-01), Slavik
patent: 4787613 (1988-11-01), Hayes

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