First, the main computer requests 2 capsules to connect. Then, the 2nd capsule's position beacons light up. After that, the first capsule triangulates the 2nd capsule's position using it's 360 degree cameras and the 2nd capsule's position beacons located around the capsule and object recognition using OpenCV or a similar program. Then, the reaction wheels align the capsules together. The 1st capsule pressurizes itself using liquid CO2 tubes similar to what's used in a common airsoft gun, then it releases it's grabbing unit, which gets launched by the pressure in the capsule. The gas evacuating the capsule will also launch the capsule backwards but RCS thrusters will stabilize the capsule. The grabber has powerful electromagnets which lock on to the 2nd capsule. If the unit fails to lock on to the 2nd capsule the winch will pull the unit back then it will repressurize and launch again. If it does manage to lock then the wich will pull the 2nd capsule back. Then the electromagnets located at the end of both capsules will align both capsules for the mechanical interlocks. Finally the mechanical interlocks will connect both capsules.
We used Blender to model and animate the demo animation.
We used data on previous docking mechanisms.
https://youtu.be/Nq_gPp5cv3c
We used data on previous docking mechanisms.