초록 ▼

A docking mechanism for the docking of a space vehicle 11 to a space station 12 comprising a flexible tunnel frame structure which is deployable from the space station. The tunnel structure comprises a plurality of series connected frame sections 21, one end section of which is attached to the space

A docking mechanism for the docking of a space vehicle 11 to a space station 12 comprising a flexible tunnel frame structure which is deployable from the space station. The tunnel structure comprises a plurality of series connected frame sections 21, one end section of which is attached to the space station and the other end attached to a docking module 15 of a configuration adapted for docking in the payload bay of the space vehicle 11. The docking module is provided with trunnions 41, 42 adapted for latching engagement with latches 17 installed in the vehicle payload bay and with hatch means 44 connectable to a hatch of the crew cabin of the space vehicle. Each frame section 21 comprises a pair of spaced ring members 31a, 31b interconnected by actuator-attenuator devices 33 which are individually controllable by an automatic control means to impart relative movement of one ring member to the other in six degrees of freedom of motion. The control means includes computer logic responsive to sensor signals of range and attitude information, capture latch condition, structural loads, and actuator stroke for generating commands to the on-board flight control system and the individual actuator-attenuators to deploy the tunnel to effect a coupling with the space vehicle or to adjust the relative attitude of the space vehicle and space station after coupling. A tubular fluid-impervious liner, preferably fabric 51, is disposed through the frame sections 21 of a size sufficient to accommodate the passage of personnel and cargo.

대표청구항 ▼

A docking mechanism for the docking and undocking of a space vehicle with a space station or another space vehicle, said docking mechanism comprising: a deployable extensible tunnel structure mounted on said space station, said tunnel structure comprising a plurality of interconnected serially arran

A docking mechanism for the docking and undocking of a space vehicle with a space station or another space vehicle, said docking mechanism comprising: a deployable extensible tunnel structure mounted on said space station, said tunnel structure comprising a plurality of interconnected serially arranged frame sections with an end frame section of said series of frame sections being connected about an egress hatch of the space station, each said frame section including a pair of docking ring members interconnected in a normally coaxial spaced apart relationship defining an unobstructed central opening through said frame section; actuator control means connected to said docking ring members for imparting a relative motion between said docking ring members of each said frame section in six degrees of freedom of movement; a docking module attached to the other end section of said series of connected frame sections and provided with an opening communicating with the central opening of the adjacent frame section to which it is attached; a plurality of latch mechanisms mounted on the space vehicle; a plurality of trunnion members affixed to said docking module and adapted for interconnection with said latch mechanisms whereby said trunnion members are latchable thereto for coupling the space vehicle to the space station; a pressurizeable tubular member disposed to extend through the central openings defined by said series of interconnected frame sections and of a cross section diameter suitable for the passage of personnel and cargo therethrough, said tubular member being attached at one end about said egress hatch in sealing relationship with the space station; hatch means provided on said docking module adapted for interconnection in sealing relationship with the space vehicle for establishing communication therebetween when said docking module trunnions are latched to said space vehicle; and means interconnecting said tubular member with said docking module in sealing relationship therewith about said opening of the docking module when the docking module trunnions are latched to the space vehicle, said tunnel structure being controllable in movement with respect to its end attachment to the space station by the control by said actuator means of the individual frame sections in six degrees of freedom of movement.