NeaVolis| Let's Connect
Let's Connect
Ma.S.C. (Magnetic Spider Connection)
Summary
The main idea evolves around phenomena of electromagnetic nature, trying to solve this challenge in the most natural and simple way.The mechanism involves the development of two tipes of connectors: a female, mounted on big pieces, and a male added to smaller components. This is because through a mechanism of launchers and ropes the male will be approached to the female until fully connects. It is important to specify that our project involves the passage of people and goods through hatches which are located in the central part of the connectors.
How We Addressed This Challenge
--> The two models of connectors have different structural features, which allow the correct docking mode:
"MJ" ANALYSIS (female connector)
The female connector is central hollow: in fact, this cavity allows both the connection and the passage of people and goods. Around that access are arranged, symmetrically in the center, 8 ferromagnets important to easure the docking to the ropes of the male. To protect everything there is an insulating hacth that allows to the mechanism to remain intact throughout the journey until the time of unione when it will be opened.
"PETER" ANALYSIS (male connector)
The male connector is structured similarly to the female: in the central area the component dedicated to the passage of people and goods escapes while, in its interior, are arranged launchers in which steel ropes are stored whose end is characterized by a magnetic disk. At launch, these ropes will come in contact with their ferromagnet counterparts to re-establish the first docking step. There is also an insulating hatct for this component.
--> The functioning of the mechanism works in this way:
From the 8 ‘spidergrip’ launchers positioned simmetrically at the center of the docking vent, the 8 ropes are fired. The female gate opens, which keeping the connection and the ferromagnets closed. Then the process of polarizing of the ferromagnets situated around the vent begins.
The ferromagnets attract female couterparts, weldig a basic connection between the connectors. The first pistons lock the ropes, while springs set up behind the ferromagnets cushion the docking process.
Once the ropes are mechanically attached, the current of the female circuit is deactivated and the male connector is ready to tow. Motors arranged in the vicnity of each hook pull the rope towards a special box so as to pull the piece to itself.
Finished docking, the final closure whit secondary mechanical pistons and connector depressurization.
How We Developed This Project
The birth of the team was very casual, as each of us found himself wanting to participate in this event without having a precise idea of what it was. Through social media we created our team and, after a careful analysis of the various challenges, we turned to the one that most excited and inspired us.
The work was well divided between us, as we come from different backgrounds of engineering studies, even if we are still in the early years of study. In fact, working in small groups, we were able to cover several different areas of our project. Among the various software used there are: Autocad, which allowed us to better visualize the functioning and structure of the connectors; Microsoft Teams, through which we have meetings every week.
This event turned out to be extremely useful as it allowed us to develop many new knowledge of the scientific field, in relation to our newly started study paths.
How We Used Space Agency Data in This Project
Our project was mainly influenced by NASA's data resources to understand how they currently work and, later, to study an innovative but at the same time simple and effective method.
The data was especially useful in the initial stages to observe and discover how many projects and mechanisms worked and were conceived, so as to encourage our ideas to overcome the problems of:
§ high costs
§ simplicity of operation
§ safety
Project Demo
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fx-fd-RagHZC2d_it4U2DUMDpNIirC-K/view?usp=sharing
(open with Google Presentation for better resolution)
Data & Resources
https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/technology/in-space-assembly
(to understand what were the problems to be solved)
https://asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/open-data/access-the-data.asp
(Swarm = to better understand how magnetic fields works)
https://blogs.nasa.gov/stationreport/author/wkeeter/page/1221/
(to study how semiconductors can be useful within the mechanism circuit)