Aeronautics and astronautics – Spacecraft – Attitude control
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-04
2001-10-09
Jordan, Charles T. (Department: 3644)
Aeronautics and astronautics
Spacecraft
Attitude control
Reexamination Certificate
active
06299107
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention generally relates to apparatus for docking an active craft in motion relative to a passive craft, and more particularly, to a spacecraft capture and docking system.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
Conventional spacecraft docking mechanisms have generally relied upon precise control of inertial propulsion systems such as small thruster jets to position an active craft in motion relative to a passive craft for docking. Such inertial propulsion systems have been very difficult to control and present a constant risk of misalignment and possible collision and damage to the spacecraft.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The purpose of this invention is to provide a robust, fail-safe and reliable automated capture and docking system for unmanned (or manned) spacecrafts. A principal object is that the capture mechanism be fail-safe and does not require complicated guidance and maneuverability controls on the part of the active spacecraft.
In accordance with the invention, a system for capturing and docking an active craft to a passive craft comprises: a first docking assembly arranged at an exposed portion of the active craft having a first contact member, and a spike member fixed in a central position with a capture end projecting outwardly from said first contact member; a second docking assembly arranged at an exposed portion of the passive craft having a second contact member for mating with said first contact member of the active craft, a flexible net having an open-mesh capture area deployed over a target area of said second contact member, and a motorized net drive for reeling in the capture area of said net into a recessed portion of the passive craft's docking assembly, said spike member having means on its capture end for engaging said flexible net; and means for actuating said motorized net drive when said spike member has become engaged with said flexible net so as to reel in said spike member and guide said first contact member of the active craft into mating contact with said second contact member of the passive craft.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the active craft's contact member is composed of a rotary ring or table and an actuator drive for rotating the rotary table to a predetermined alignment position relative to the passive craft's contact member. The spike member is extendable from a telescope-type housing and has extendable capture tabs on its capture end to allow it to become engaged with the net. The passive craft's docking assembly includes a plurality of preload wedges spaced circumferentially around its contact member, and a motorized drive for driving the wedges to locking positions against the circumferential edge of the active craft's rotary table after it has been mated and aligned with the passive craft's contact member.
The net's outer edges are coupled by belts entrained around rollers to spring-loaded windup reels. The center point of the capture area of the net is coupled by a belt to a net spool located in a recessed portion of the passive craft's docking assembly. An alignment funnel is provided with inclined walls tapering from an inner annulus of the passive craft's contact member inwardly to guide the net with the captured end of the spike member towards the net spool in the recessed portion of the docking assembly. Mating connectors are provided on the active craft and passive craft to be engaged with each other once the docking assemblies have been mated, aligned, and locked to each other. To release the active craft from the passive craft, a reverse sequence is performed of disengaging the connectors, releasing the preload wedges, reeling out the net, and retracting the capture tabs to release the spike member and the active craft from engagement with the net.
In the docking system of the invention, the capture, mating, pre-loading, and locking functions of the active spacecraft to the passive craft are accomplished by the combination of the spike member and net capture and by sensor-controlled drive mechanisms. The invention system avoids the need for the complicated flight controls and maneuvers associated with the use of jet thrusters. By first making soft contact with the net then reeling in and locking down the active craft, the invention system also greatly reduces the risk of collision and damage to the spacecraft.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be explained in the following detailed description of the invention having reference to the appended drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4177964 (1979-12-01), Hujsak et al.
patent: 4588150 (1986-05-01), Bock et al.
Kong Kinyuen
Myrick Thomas
Rafeek Shaheed
Chong Leighton K.
Honeybee Robotics Ltd.
Jordan Charles T.
Palo Francis T.
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