Modular Autonomous Docking System| Let's Connect

Let's Connect

For bigger spacecraft capable of executing bigger missions, some of the assembly may be done in space. Your challenge is to design a simple approach that enables components to be assembled in space.

Modular Autonomous Docking System

Summary

The project consists in examining the possible use of electromagnets in coupling systems in space, more precisely in the approach of the coupled modules, in order to reduce the risk of errors and complications in the process. the engineering after the approach is also raised

How We Addressed This Challenge

The proyect we create uses an electromagnet to develop a boat / module coupler. In the passive position, six electromagnets can be found, which will function as a ladder to carry the active to its coupler. These electromagnets will generate an electromagnetic field that will pull the ship to dock. At the same time, it will have electromagnets of opposite polarity. In this way, the modules will attract each other. This will direct the module towards its final coupler. To make sure we don't have friction, the asset will have some bearings that will work as a slider. It will be useful because it will also avoid collisions. Once the module has arrived, the hooks on the coupler will release. These will aim to secure the capsule. The hooks will be actuated by a hydraulic system. Once the hooks are secure, you will proceed with connections such as hydraulics, electronic connections and pressurization of the coupler. These hooks are made of AISI 304 stainless steel chromed with Alodine 400, this will prevent corrosion. In the moving part of the shaft (bearing) there will be a thermal control to avoid damage (this thermal control will be used in all axes).


Decoupling system: This system works in reverse of the system coupler. The hooks will come loose, the magnetic poles will reverse. Therefore, the module will repel.

Safety system: If the automatic hook system fails, the safety system will remove the axle for them to release. This will have an external level that when activated will move the axes to one side and the hooks will be free.

 Advantage of this project: These modules will have the advantage of a better resistance in deformation such as bending and torsion, in addition they will have ease of coupling both in an automated and autonomous way, all this thanks to their conical shape and bearings.

How We Developed This Project

Most of the team members works or is interested in hardware development. We found it an entertaining challenge and where we could contribute, we used Blender, Autocad, and various 3d rendering programs. In a sense, our biggest complication was looking for something that was not done before or had been discarded due to technical implications. When we finally found it, the road was only downhill


How We Used Space Agency Data in This Project


Large amounts of online information were used to build the structure that we finally presented, but the news about 3d printing in aerospace projects provided by NASA was used as a point of support when deciding fundamental parts of the project

Data & Resources
-"Heterogeneous robotic systems for assembly and servicing"Ashley W. Stroupe, Terry Huntsberger, Brett Kennedy, Hrand Aghazarian, Eric T. Baumgartner,

Anthony Ganino, Michael Garrett, Avi Okon, Matthew Robinson, and Julie Anne Townsend (2005)

-"Sustainable cooperative robotic technologies for human and robotic outpost infrastructure construction and maintenance" Ashley Stroupe, Avi Okon, Matthew Robins en, TmiNueva York Huntsberger, Hrand Aghazarian, Eric Baumgartne (2006)
-"https://www.nasa.gov/centers/marshall/news/releases/2020/future-rocket-engines-may-include-large-scale-3d-printing.html"

-"https://www.nasa.gov/centers/marshall/news/releases/2020/nasa-looks-to-advance-3d-printing-construction-systems-for-the-moon.html"






-"On Robotic Impact Docking for On Orbit Servicing"







-"Acoplamiento de una Soyuz" Daniel MarĂ­n (2009)








Tags
#SpacecraftDocking #Hardware #Docking #Connect #Satelite
Judging
This project was submitted for consideration during the Space Apps Judging process.