초록 ▼

A payload retention device (10) for grappling and retaining a payload (14) in docked position on a supporting structure (18) in the cargo bay of a space vehicle. The device comprises a two-fault tolerant electromagnetic grappling system comprising electromagnets (30A,30B) for attracting and grapplin

A payload retention device (10) for grappling and retaining a payload (14) in docked position on a supporting structure (18) in the cargo bay of a space vehicle. The device comprises a two-fault tolerant electromagnetic grappling system comprising electromagnets (30A,30B) for attracting and grappling a grapple strike plate (20) affixed to the payload when in proximity thereto and an electromechanical latching assembly comprising a pair of independent latching subassemblies. Each subassembly comprises a set of latching pawls (29) which are driven into latching and unlatching positions relative to a grappled payload by a pair of gearmotors (40), each equipped with a ratchet clutch drive mechanism (75, 76) which is two-fault tolerant with respect to latching such that only one gearmotor of the four needs to be operational to effect a latch of the payload but is single fault tolerant with respect to release of a latched payload. Sensors (72,92,96) are included for automatically sensing the magnetic grappling of a payload and for automatically de-energizing the gearmotors (40) of the latching subassemblies when a latch condition is achieved.

대표청구항 ▼

A payload retention device for grappling and retaining a payload in a docked position on a support structure mounted in the cargo bay of a space vehicle, and wherein said payload is provided with a grapple strike plate, said device comprising: a base plate mounted on said support structure; at least

A payload retention device for grappling and retaining a payload in a docked position on a support structure mounted in the cargo bay of a space vehicle, and wherein said payload is provided with a grapple strike plate, said device comprising: a base plate mounted on said support structure; at least one electromagnet mounted to said base plate, said electromagnet comprising a U-shaped magnetic core with pole pieces at the ends thereof and a plurality of coils wound about said magnetic core between said pole pieces, said base plate having openings therethrough which receive and accommodate said pole pieces therein; means for energizing said coils whereby said electromagnet exerts an attractive force on the grapple strike plate affixed to said payload when the payload is moved in proximity thereto and causes said pole pieces to contact and grapple said strike plate; contact sensor means for detecting the contact of said pole pieces with said strike plate and the grappling of the payload to said base plate and generating an electrical output signal indicative thereof; an electromechanical latching assembly comprising a pair of independent latching subsystems, each said latching subsystem comprising a cam ring gear mounted to said base plate and journalled for axial rotation thereon with said base plate being in substantially concentric parallel relation to both cam ring gears; a plurality of camming surfaces provided on each said cam ring gear at equiangularly spaced locations about the periphery thereof; a first set of latching pawls mounted to said base plate at equiangularly spaced locations relative to said base plate and cam ring gear of a first of said latching subsystems; a second set of latching pawls mounted to said base plate at equiangularly spaced locations relative to said base plate and cam ring gear of a second of said latching subsystems with the latching pawls of each of said sets being mounted adjacent a peripheral edge of the base plate at locations intermediate the locations of the other set of latching pawls, each said pawl having a cam follower surface adapted to engage with a peripheral surface of the associated cam ring gear of its latching subsystem and each said pawl having a latch hook formed adjacent one end of the pawl; means for mounting each said latching pawl for pivotal movement whereby the latch hook of each said pawl is movable towards and away from the center of its associated cam gear ring; means for biasing each said latching pawl in pivotal movement towards the center of the associated cam ring gear of its latching subassembly such that the cam follower surface of the pawl is continually engaged with the peripheral surface of its associated cam gear ring and whereby the cam follower surface of each said latching pawl is engaged by a different one of said camming surfaces upon a predetermined amount of axial rotation of its associated cam ring gear to induce pivotal movement of the pawls to a latching position wherein the latch hook of each said pawl is at an innermost position relative to the center of its associated cam ring gear and is adapted to engage a latching surface provided on the strike plate of a target payload when the payload is seated on said base plate; each said latching assembly including motor means which are selectively energizeable for driving the cam ring gear of the latching subassembly in unidirectional rotation about its central axis in concert with the axial rotation of the other of said cam gears and further including switch means responsive to the axial rotation of the cam ring gear to de-energize said motor means and halt the rotation of the cam ring gear when the latching pawls are in the latching position; and spring means mounted on said base plate for biasing a grappled payload into firm latching engagement with the latch hooks of each said latching pawl when all the coils of the electromagnets are de-energized.