Interstellar| Let's Connect
Let's Connect
Interstellar Capture Contraption
Summary
The team developed a simplified androgynous system to connect two manoeuvrable objects in space. It employs two stages, first a cone that enables major adjustments, and then five T-shaped connectors with embedded electro-permanent magnets which rotate to lock the other object in place.
How We Addressed This Challenge
Our project addresses the "Let's connect " challenge by developing a simplified method to connect two large manoeuvrable objects androgynously.
We set out to design a simplified system, whilst retaining the benefits of the current NDS, including it being androgynous. We devised a two-stage mechanism that improves ease of docking.
The first stage is the outer capture system (OTC). This cone is used for the major alignment of the docking systems, and is retractable, so either one of the pair of objects can guide in the other.
Second is the inner capture system (INC), comprised of five T-shaped hooks. This hook system can extend and retract, allowing the object to act as either a female or male connector, and also rotate, enabling the pair of hooks to align and then slot together. Once in position, attached electro-permanent magnets are switched on, locking the system in place.
We hope to achieve a system that can be used in every space craft and allow successful docking at larger velocities and approach angles. Additionally, the simplified system means that it uses less mass than existing docking approaches, and also significantly reduces the probability of docking failures.
How We Developed This Project
Inspired by the NASA Docking System (NGS), we approached the challenge by reviewing existing docking system designs, including NDS and APAS. After observing that these tend to be rather complex, we decided to develop a simplified design, drawing on elements found during our research. For example, we took inspiration from the NDS hard capture system, basing our inner capture system on a similar hook design, adding magnets for security, and then reworking several times to achieve the most productive magnet alignment, and ensuring it was androgynous. This ultimately resulted in the magnetic T-shaped hook. Moving on to the outer capture system (OTC), we were faced with a problem of aligning the systems together to successfully dock. After discussing various approaches, we landed on the cone shaped structure.
For the CAD model we used fusion 360. We also used FEMM (finite element method magnetics) to explore how the magnetic parts of the system might work. However due to inexperience with the software, and aware of the time constraints, we decided we would be unable to produce accurate and reliable results for use in the design. Despite this, it was still a valuable experience, and aided our approach to the design.
How We Used Space Agency Data in This Project
As we mentioned above we used lots of space agency resources, mostly using reviewed sites such as NASA's NTRS website. We also studied the Boeing vehicle docking to the ISS with the help of the NDS. It was a very informative study and had a huge impact on our decisions and design. We also used CSA data for such similar information.
Project Demo
Data & Resources
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=20180004167
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20140009916
https://web.archive.org/web/20111015075220/http://dockingstandard.nasa.gov/Documents/AIAA_ATS_NDS-IDSS_Overview_Draft1.pdf
http://www.femm.info/wiki/HomePage
http://www.china-magnet.net/neodymium-magnet/Grade%20of%20neodymium%20magnet.pdf
https://punnagchatterjee.wordpress.ncsu.edu/project1/epmc/