WO2017031482A1 - Câble d'ancrage spatial modulaire - Google Patents

Câble d'ancrage spatial modulaire Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017031482A1
WO2017031482A1 PCT/US2016/047932 US2016047932W WO2017031482A1 WO 2017031482 A1 WO2017031482 A1 WO 2017031482A1 US 2016047932 W US2016047932 W US 2016047932W WO 2017031482 A1 WO2017031482 A1 WO 2017031482A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tether
modular
modules
junctions
cable
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Application number
PCT/US2016/047932
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English (en)
Inventor
Michael Fitzgerald
Nigel E. SHARP
Annemarie HEIJNA
Philip Chow
Christopher MALEK
Original Assignee
Michael Fitzgerald
Sharp Nigel E
Heijna Annemarie
Philip Chow
Malek Christopher
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Michael Fitzgerald, Sharp Nigel E, Heijna Annemarie, Philip Chow, Malek Christopher filed Critical Michael Fitzgerald
Priority to US15/753,793 priority Critical patent/US10538857B2/en
Publication of WO2017031482A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017031482A1/fr

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64G—COSMONAUTICS; VEHICLES OR EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
    • B64G1/00—Cosmonautic vehicles
    • B64G1/22—Parts of, or equipment specially adapted for fitting in or to, cosmonautic vehicles
    • B64G1/24—Guiding or controlling apparatus, e.g. for attitude control
    • B64G1/36—Guiding or controlling apparatus, e.g. for attitude control using sensors, e.g. sun-sensors, horizon sensors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64G—COSMONAUTICS; VEHICLES OR EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
    • B64G1/00—Cosmonautic vehicles
    • B64G1/22—Parts of, or equipment specially adapted for fitting in or to, cosmonautic vehicles
    • B64G1/223—Modular spacecraft systems
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64G—COSMONAUTICS; VEHICLES OR EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
    • B64G1/00—Cosmonautic vehicles
    • B64G1/22—Parts of, or equipment specially adapted for fitting in or to, cosmonautic vehicles
    • B64G1/64—Systems for coupling or separating cosmonautic vehicles or parts thereof, e.g. docking arrangements
    • B64G1/648—Tethers

Definitions

  • the invention relates to tethers. More particularly, the invention relates to modular tethers employable in space.
  • a tether is a cord that anchors something movable to a reference point which may be fixed or moving.
  • tethers e.g., balloons, kites, anchors, and towing.
  • Tethers employable in space share the same general functionality as terrestrial tethers, i.e., they both anchor a movable object to a reference point, but, due to the space environment, tethers employable in space often include special design features.
  • An exemplary space tether was developed by Professors Yoshiki Yamagiwa and Masahiro Nomi of Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu, Japan as part of a "space tethered autonomous robotic satellite-cube" (STARS-C).
  • STARS-C employs a tether measuring 100 meters long to connect two 10- centimeter cubes in low Earth orbit.
  • the tether has a diameter of 0.4 millimeters and is made of Kevlar.
  • a tether having a fully modular design and employing modular components can be transported piecemeal into space and assembled in situ.
  • the modular components are interchangeable with one another.
  • the modular components are designed to facilitate robotic assembly in situ for constructing the entire tether while in orbit.
  • the fully modular design also enables the replacement and removal of individual components, in situ, in the event of component damage or wear, and the reconfiguration of components, in situ, in the event a tether redesign or upgrade are desired.
  • the replacement, removal, and reconfiguration are achieved robotically.
  • the interchangeability of components facilitates the storage of redundant components and/or the cannibalization of assembled components, as needed.
  • Figures 1 -5 illustrate a segment of a modular tether.
  • the segment includes one full tether module in the center and two fragmentary tether modules, i.e., one above and one below the central tether module.
  • the full modular tether has many tether modules connected end to end with one another and extends far beyond the modular tether segment illustrated in Figures 1 -5.
  • Figures 1 -5 also illustrate a process for installing a new or replacement cable within modular tether, while the tether remains under tension.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a segment of a modular tether, showing a central tether module with two scaffold type junctions, i.e., an upper junction and a lower junction, connected to one another by five cables, two climbers, i.e., an upper climber and a lower climber, each engaged to respectively to one of the cables, and two taxis, one taxi being engaged to the scaffold of the upper junction and the other taxi being engaged to the scaffold of the lower junction.
  • two climbers i.e., an upper climber and a lower climber
  • Figure 1A illustrates an enlarged view of a detail of the modular tether of Fig. 1 , showing the upper climber of Fig. 1 engaged to and travelling along one of the cables. The climber is carrying a spooled replacement cable.
  • Figure 1 B illustrates an enlarged view of a detail of the modular tether of Fig. 1 , showing the upper climber of Fig. 1A after it has travelled down the cable from its position in Fig. 1A to a new position adjacent to the upper scaffold type junction.
  • Figure 1 B also illustrates an enlarged view of the taxi engaged to the scaffold of the upper junction.
  • Figure 1 B also illustrates a process for coupling the taxi to the climber.
  • Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the same segment of modular tether illustrated in Fig. 1 , showing the upper climber of Fig. 1 B after it has descended to a position adjacent to the upper junction.
  • Fig. 2 also shows the beginning of a process whereby the lower climber couples to the spooled cable held by the upper climber.
  • Fig. 2 also shows the movement of the taxi along the scaffold of the lower junction as it travels from one anchor position to another.
  • Figure 2A illustrates an enlarged view of a detail of the modular tether of Fig. 2, showing in detail the process whereby the lower climber couples to the spooled cable held by the upper climber.
  • Figure 2B illustrates an enlarged view of a detail of the modular tether of Fig. 2, showing the lower climber of Fig. 2A after it has coupled to the spooled cable held by the upper climber.
  • Figure 2B also illustrates a process whereby the lower climber starts to descend down the cable to which it is engaged, for unspooling the spooled cable held by the upper climber.
  • Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the same segment of modular tether illustrated in Fig. 2, showing the lower climber of Fig. 2B after it has traveled down the cable from the upper junction to the lower junction.
  • Figure 3A illustrates an enlarged view of a detail of the modular tether of Fig. 3, showing the process whereby the upper climber decouples from the cable, in preparation for being transported by the taxi along the scaffold of the upper junction from one anchor position to another.
  • Figure 3B illustrates an enlarged view of a detail of the modular tether of Fig. 3, showing in detail the process whereby the lower climber decouples from the cable, in preparation for being transported by the taxi along the scaffold of the lower junction from one anchor position to another.
  • Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the same segment of modular tether illustrated in Fig. 3, showing a process whereby the taxis engaged to the scaffolds of the upper and lower junctions travel from one anchor position to another, carrying the unspooled replacement cable in the process.
  • Figure 4A illustrates an enlarged view of a detail of the modular tether of Fig. 4, showing in detail the upper climber after it has decoupled from the cable, prior to being carried along the upper junction from one anchor position to another by the taxi to which it is coupled.
  • Figure 4B illustrates an enlarged view of a detail of the modular tether of Fig. 4, showing the lower climber after it has decoupled from the cable, prior to being carried along the lower junction from one anchor position to another by the taxi to which it is coupled.
  • Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the same segment of modular tether illustrated in Fig. 4, showing a process whereby the unspooled replacement cable decouples from the upper and lower climbers and couples to anchors on the upper and lower junctions while under tension.
  • Figure 5A illustrates an enlarged view of a detail of the modular tether of Fig. 5, schematically showing a winch type anchor attached to the upper junction and a process whereby the unspooled replacement cable becomes coupled to the anchor on the upper junction while under tension.
  • the winch may serve to adjust the tension of the cable attached to it.
  • Figure 5B illustrates an enlarged view of a detail of the modular tether of Fig. 5, schematically showing a winch type anchor attached to the lower junction and a process whereby the unspooled replacement cable becomes coupled to the anchor on the lower junction while under tension.
  • the winch may serve to adjust the tension of the cable attached to it.
  • Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of a larger segment of the modular tether shown in Figure 5 and shows tether nodules having different tensile strengths.
  • the tether module in the center has 8 cables connecting adjacent junctions.
  • the two tether modules connected to the central tether module have only 6 cables connecting the adjacent junctions.
  • Fragmentary views of further tether modules are shown on either end. These outer fragmentary tether modules have only 4 cables each.
  • the outer tether modules have a lesser tensile strength than the intermediate and central tether modules, because of their fewer number of connecting cables.
  • the invention relates to tethers employable in space for joining objects to one another by centripetal force.
  • the invention discloses that, if such tethers are very long and are non-modular, they can be difficult to deploy due to their large mass.
  • the invention teaches that the solution to that problem is to provide a modular tether that may be assembled, repaired, modified, and/or disassembled in situ, i.e, in space.
  • the invention also teaches that, for space applications, it is preferred to assemble, repair, modify, and/or disassemble the modular tether while the modular tether remains under tension, i.e., while the modular tether continue to be in use for joining two or more objects with centripetal force.
  • the invention includes mechanisms and methods for achieving this assembly, repair, modification, and/or disassembly while the tether is under tension.
  • a key aspect of the fully modular tether is its modularity.
  • the modularity of the tether facilitates its transport into space and its in situ assembly there.
  • the modularity of the tether further facilitates its in situ repair in space, the replacement of damaged parts, and its safety.
  • the modularity of the tether may also facilitate the adaptability of the tether, with respect to the addition or reduction of length and/or variation of its tensile strength to adapt to changing loads or other conditions.
  • Modularity is the property of an object made by combining component parts, wherein the component parts are produced prior to assembly, the component parts are interchangeable with one another, and the component parts are separable from one another. Modularity enables a larger system to be constructed by combining multiple smaller subsystems.
  • a system is considered to have "modularity" if it can be decomposed into a number of components that may be mixed and matched in a variety of configurations.
  • Modularity employs the use of exchangeable parts and enabled the object to be constructed using different options.
  • the modular components are able to connect, interact, or exchange resources, by adhering to one or more standardized interfaces.
  • the modularity of the components imparts systemic equivalence to the tether, i.e., individual modular components can be substituted for one another.
  • the modularity of the components makes them recombinable and enables the tether to have an indeterminate form, i.e., it can be redesigned by rearranging the component parts in different ways.
  • the modularity of the components and their recombinability enables the components to have an indeterminate use, i.e., they can be reconfigured for new uses.
  • the fully modular tether is decomposable, i.e., the modular components can be separated from one another.
  • the modularity of the components enables the tether to be expandable by adding more modules.
  • the modular components are hierarchically nested throughout the tether, i.e., components within a given module interact more with one another than with components from different modules.
  • Each modular component within the fully modular tether has domain specificity, i.e., each modular component performs only specific specialized functions, but these functions span the entire tether and may be employed throughout.
  • the modular design of the tether enables the tether to be functionally partitioned into discrete scalable, reusable modules, characterized by the rigorous use of well-defined modular interfaces.
  • the modular tether comprises a plurality of tether modules and a plurality of junctions for coupling the tether modules to one another end to end for forming the modular tether.
  • the tether modules are attachable and detachable to and from the junctions while the modular tether applies centripetal tension.
  • each of the tether modules includes a cable bundle having a plurality of parallel cables (2).
  • each of the junctions includes a scaffold (4) with a plurality of anchors (6) attached thereto for reversibly fastening and unfastening the cables (2) of the cable bundles to and from the junction for assembling, disassembling, repairing, or modifying the modular tether in situ.
  • one or more of the anchors (6) includes a power winch (8) for reversibly fastening and unfastening the cable (2) to and from the anchor (6) and for winding and unwinding the cable (2) to and from the junction for adjusting the tension or length of the cable (2) within the tether module.
  • the modular tether further comprises a taxi (10) having roller coaster type wheels (12) for coupling to one of the junctions and a motive force for propelling the taxi (10) along the junction from one anchor (6) to another.
  • the modular tether further comprises a climber (14) having a traction coupling with one of the cables (2) and a motive force for propelling the climber (14) by way of the traction coupling with the cable (2) from one junction to another.
  • the traction coupling between the climber and the cables may be decoupled for detaching the climber from the cable.
  • the modular tether is of a type for transporting cargo up and down the tether module and the climber includes an extendable claw (16) for holding cargo (18).
  • the extendable claw is retractable.
  • the modular tether further comprises a taxi (10) having roller coaster type wheels (12) for coupling with one of the junctions and a motive force for propelling the taxi (10) along the junction from one anchor (6) to another and a first half of a fifth wheeler type coupler (20) and the climber includes a second half of the fifth wheeler type coupler (22) for coupling to the taxi (10).
  • the modular tether has a non-uniform tensile strength along its length in conformance with a tensile strength modality and each individual tether module has a tensile strength in conformance with the tensile strength modality of the modular tether.
  • the modular tether further comprises a plurality of tension gauges, wherein each tension gauge is juxtaposed between adjacent tether modules and coupled thereto for monitoring the tension therein.
  • the modular tether further comprises a plurality of repair state monitors. The repair state monitors are juxtaposed between adjacent tether modules and coupled both thereto and to a central computer for monitoring the repair state of the modular tether.
  • the modular tether further comprises a plurality of GPS sensors attached to the tether modules and/or junctions and/or climbers and coupled to a central computer for providing positional awareness.
  • the modular tether further comprises a plurality of radio transmitters attached to the tether modules and/or junctions and/or climbers for transmitting to ground based receivers for providing positional awareness.
  • the modular tether further comprises a plurality of inertial measurement units attached to the tether modules and/or junctions and/or climbers and coupled to a central computer for providing positional awareness.
  • the modular tether further comprises a plurality of heat sinks coupled to the tether modules and/or junctions for managing the temperature of the modular tether.
  • the modular tether further comprises a plurality of radiator panels and heat transfer units coupled to the tether modules and/or junctions for managing the temperature of the modular tether.
  • the modular tether has scalable length by adding or removing one or more tether modules to or from the modular tether.
  • the plurality of tether modules includes five or more of said tether modules and the plurality of junctions includes six or more of said junctions.
  • Another aspect of the invention is directed to a process for increasing the tensile strength of a modular tether.
  • the process comprises the following two steps.
  • centripetal tension is applied by a modular tether having a series of tether modules coupled to one another by junctions.
  • a cable within one of the tether modules is attached to the junction to which the tether module is coupled and is tensioned therewith for increasing the tensile strength of the tether module while the modular tether continues to apply the centripetal tension of the first step.
  • Another aspect of the invention is directed to a process for decreasing the tensile strength of a modular tether.
  • the process comprises the following two steps.
  • centripetal tension is applied by means of a modular tether having a series of tether modules coupled to one another by junctions.
  • a cable within one of the tether modules is detached from the junction to which the tether module is coupled and is de-tensioned therefrom for decreasing the tensile strength of the modular tether while the modular tether continues to apply the centripetal tension of the first step.
  • FIG. 1 -5 A process for installing a new or replacement cables within a modular tether under tension is illustrated in Figures 1 -5.
  • the disinstallation process is the reverse of the installation process illustrated in Figures 1 -5.
  • Processes for lengthening or shortening a modular tether employ the installation or disinstallation processes illustrated in Figures 1 -5 at either extremity of the tether. Assembly or disassembly of a modular tether is achieved by lengthening or shortening processes respectively. Repair processes may be achieved by replacement.
  • Figures 1 , 1A, and 1 B illustrate a process whereby a spool of new or replacement cable (2, 18) is delivered by a climber (14) for installation within a tether module, represented the cable bundle extending between and anchored to the upper and lower junctions (4) of Figure 1 .
  • Figure 1A illustrates an enlarged view of a spooled cable (2, 18) held by an extendable claw (16) carried by the climber (14), as the climber descends down one of the cables to which it is engaged of the tether module above the upper junction (4).
  • Figure 1 B illustrates an enlarged view of the climber (14) after it has arrived at the tether module below the upper junction (4).
  • Figure 1 B also illustrates the docking of the climber (14) with the taxi (10) on the upper junction (4). More particularly, the fifth wheeler type coupler (20) of the taxi (10) docks with the king pin of the fifth wheeler type coupler (22) of the climber (14).
  • Figures 2, 2A, and 2B illustrate a process whereby the spool of new or replacement cable (2, 18), recently delivered to the tether module below the upper junction (4), is coupled to a second climber (14), which is engaged to and travels along a cable within the cable bundle belonging to the tether module between the upper and lower junctions (4).
  • Figure 2A illustrates the process whereby the spool of cable (2) is coupled to the lower climber (14).
  • FIG. 2B illustrates a process whereby the lower climber (14) descends down the entire length of the tether module between the upper and lower junctions (4), so as to unspool the spool of new or replacement cable (2, 18) therebetween.
  • Figure 3A illustrates the process whereby the upper climber (14) disengages from the cable (2) to which it was engaged.
  • Figure 3B illustrates the process whereby the lower climber (14) first couples to the taxi (10) on the lower junction (4) and then disengages from the cable (2) to which it was engaged. Once both the upper and lower climbers are disengaged from their respective cables and coupled to the taxis (10) to which they are adjacent, the unspooled cable (2) is ready to be transported along the upper and lower junctions (4) to an unoccupied anchor position (6).
  • Figures 4, 4A, and 4B illustrate a process whereby the unspooled new or replacement cable (2), together with the upper and lower climbers (14) (disengaged from their respective cables) to which the unspooled cable is coupled, are simultaneously transported by the upper and lower taxis (10) along the upper and lower junctions (4) from an occupied anchor position (6) to an unoccupied anchor position (6).
  • Figures 5, 5A, and 5B illustrate a process whereby the unspooled new or replacement cable (2) is installed in the tether module between the upper and lower junctions (4). More particularly, the unspooled new or replacement cable (2) is coupled to the unoccupied anchors (6) on the the upper and lower junctions (4) and becomes a functioning cable within the cable bundle of that tether module.
  • Figure 5 illustrates a process whereby the upper and lower combinations of climbers and taxis, to which the new or replacement cable (2) is coupled, tension the cable (2) and anchor it to the unoccupied anchors (6) on the upper and lower junctions (4).
  • Figures 5A and 5B illustrate an alternative process for tensioning the cable (2).
  • the unoccupied anchors (6) include a power winch (8).
  • the new or replacement cable (2) is attached to the power winch (8) and the power winch (8) tensions the cable (2).
  • the upper and lower climbers prior to tensioning the cable, can engage cables above and below the tether module between the upper and lower junctions (4) and then disengage from the taxis (10) to which they are coupled.
  • the upper and lower climbers (14) can then tension the cable (2), prior to attachment to the unoccupied upper and lower anchors (6), by traveling on the cables to which they are engaged. Once the cable (2) is tensioned, it can then be coupled to the unoccupied upper and lower anchors (6).
  • Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of a larger segment of the modular tether shown in Figure 5 and shows tether modules having different tensile strengths.
  • the tether module in the center has 8 cables connecting the two junctions (4) of the central tether module.
  • the two outer tether modules have only 6 cables connecting the two junctions (4) of the outer tether modules. Due to their having fewer cables, the outer tether modules have a lesser tensile strength than the central tether module.
  • all of the anchors of a given tether module can include power winches.
  • the overall length of that particular tether module can be controlled by employing the winches to wind or unwind the cables to which they are attached, in unison. Winding the cables of a given tether module will cause both that particular tether module and the entire modular tether to shorten. In contrast, unwinding cables of a given tether module will cause both that particular tether module and the entire modular tether to lengthen.
  • the modularity of the tether facilitates its adaptability to new modalities, including modalities that require an alteration of the tether's tensile strength. If there is a change with respect to the function or purpose to which the tether will be applied, it may be useful to increase or decrease its tensile strength, e.g., if there is a need to increase or decrease the load born by the tether.
  • the force e.g., centrifugal force, acting on the tether and the resultant tension therein may vary long its length. For example, multiple loads may be supported by the tether at different positions along its length. In such circumstances, a uniform tensile strength along the entire length of the tether is not necessary.
  • a tether having a tensile strength that varies along its length can be advantageous to construct a tether having a tensile strength that varies along its length to accommodate the anticipated load.
  • the modularity of the tether facilitates the construction of a tether having different tensile strengths within different modules of the tether, in conformance with the anticipated load configuration.
  • the modular tether can be assembled or modified with variable tensile strength while the tether is under tension. This can be useful during the initial assembly of the tether in situ .
  • the tensile strength of the modular tether may be modified while the tether continues to be in use.
  • the weight of the tether itself might be considered part of the load, with the midsection of the tether requiring a greater tensile strength than the two extremities.
  • the tether modules which comprise the midsection may have greater tensile strength than the tether modules at either extremity.
  • the modularity of the tether also facilitates a process of monitoring tether stretch and/or elasticity (if any) along its entire length of the tether. It is important for safety reasons to monitor tether stretch and/or elasticity while the tether is in use and to report this data to the tether operator.
  • the modular tether may employ strain gauges at the junction points between modules to monitor stretch and/or elasticity of each module.
  • strain gauges may be installed at tether module junctions to assess the strain between adjacent tether modules. The output of strain gauges are then reported to the tether operator, as needed.
  • breakage and/or tear sensors are installed between tether modules to alert the tether operator of critical faults.
  • these sensors are integrated with a positioning system so that the fault area could be easily identified.
  • Each modular component is uniquely addressable and, taken together, these sensors work as one larger "self aware" mesh system which translates the various tensile strain to a relatively precise resolution.
  • the tether itself is made of piezoelectric materials. A change in the tethers' length or orientation generates a measurable voltage. This change in voltage can be used to identify the tensile forces acting upon the tether at a given time. This property can be used to turn the entire tether into a sensor, rather than attaching individual sensors at points along the tether. This has the benefit of simplifying the system and reducing its mass and power requirements.
  • the modularity of the tether also facilitates its adaptability to a repair state modality. If the modular tether should require repair, the modular design of the tether facilitates the identification of failed modules and allows faulty or failed components, such as tethers, way stations, and climbers, to be easily repaired and replaced. The functional operation of the tether can be maintained by adding new, functional components before removing faulty components.
  • the modularity of the tether also facilitates its adaptability to a situational control and positional awareness modality.
  • the modular tether may operate effectively within a location regime that is predictable, and can be understood by the Tether operator. That is, the Tether can have movements and location adjustments, but shall return from those excursions to the nominal.
  • the tether will move, or be moved by the operator, for a whole set of operational and environmental reasons; cargo transport, repair activities, safety, and testing.
  • the Tether must know and report these activities to adjacent systems or modules. Active and passive reporting approaches can be utilized.
  • GPS receivers may be installed on the tether, e.g., at module junctions and/or on climbers, for monitoring their position.
  • GPS receivers are similarly employed on CubeSats for monitoring their position.
  • GPS units can be designed to have minimal power draw and cycling the GPS units so that they are not on constantly could help reduce power draw. For example, sampling may occur every 10 seconds, 30 seconds, or 1 minute. However, cycling cannot be done too infrequently because the unit must regain a lock on the GPA signals each time it cycles on.
  • ground station optical and radio measurements may be employed to track the position of tether modules and climbers equipped with units for transmitting radio signals at regular intervals.
  • a system of ground receivers may be employed to calculate their position.
  • stations along the tether it may be preferable to use way stations along the tether to relay the broadcasts to a central ground station.
  • inertial measurement units are installed on the modular tether and employed to measure changes in acceleration, both linear three-dimensional and rotational, and numerically integrate these values to calculate velocities and positions at a given point in time.
  • UAVs Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
  • UAVs Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
  • These units are readily available in miniature - most modern smart phones, for example, contain miniature accelerometers - and can be produced to resist the harsh space environment.
  • the modularity of the tether also facilitates its adaptability to a temperature control modality.
  • the temperature control modality facilitates the operation of the modular tether within thermal variances of the Space Environment.
  • the Modular Tether may experience temperature well below -350°F and above 180°F. These temperature extremes will likely occur at the same time; cold on the "dark side” and warm on the sun lit side. Active and passive measures to control the thermal effects must be part of the Modular Tether.
  • the temperature of tether modules in need of temperature management is actively managed through the use of radiator panels paired with a thermally absorbent liquid.
  • the ISS for example, pumps ammonia throughout the structure to collect heat and vents it through several large panels.
  • the concept is simple and operates similarly to the cooling system on an air conditioning unit or refrigerator.
  • the temperature of tether modules in need of temperature management is actively managed by the use of heat sinks.
  • Heat sinks are structures that absorb heat from the surrounding structure, typically because of their material properties (for example, a metallic block in an otherwise plastic structure). In space, a heat sink may be employed to absorb heat from the surrounding structure while slowly dissipating it into the shadowed side of the structure. This method of thermal management is passive and can commonly be found on electronics.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Emergency Lowering Means (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un câble d'ancrage destiné à joindre des objets dans l'espace par une force centripète, et ayant une architecture modulaire. L'architecture modulaire facilite le déploiement du câble d'ancrage en simplifiant son transport dans l'espace sous forme de composants modulaires non assemblés et son assemblage in situ après que les composants ont été transportés. L'architecture modulaire facilite également la réparation, la modification et le démontage in situ. Plus particulièrement, le câble d'ancrage modulaire présente des caractéristiques de conception qui permettent son assemblage, sa réparation, sa modification et/ou son démontage in situ alors que le câble d'ancrage modulaire reste sous tension, c'est-à-dire lorsque le câble d'ancrage modulaire continue à assurer sa fonction de jonction de deux objets ou plus par l'application d'une force centripète. L'architecture modulaire apporte également de nouvelles modalités au câble d'ancrage, par exemple, une modalité de résistance à la traction, une modalité de treuil, une modalité de surveillance de la tension, une modalité d'état de réparation, une modalité de prise en compte de la situation et une modalité de commande de la température.
PCT/US2016/047932 2015-08-20 2016-08-20 Câble d'ancrage spatial modulaire WO2017031482A1 (fr)

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US15/753,793 US10538857B2 (en) 2015-08-20 2016-08-20 Modular space tether

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US201562207733P 2015-08-20 2015-08-20
US62/207,733 2015-08-20

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WO2017031482A1 true WO2017031482A1 (fr) 2017-02-23

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CN108382612A (zh) * 2018-02-05 2018-08-10 西北工业大学深圳研究院 一种针对空间旋转非合作目标的抓捕装置
CN110282563A (zh) * 2019-06-27 2019-09-27 浙江冠林机械有限公司 便于拆卸的电动葫芦
CN111776222A (zh) * 2020-04-17 2020-10-16 西安京东天鸿科技有限公司 无人机空投装置及无人机
DE102020103863A1 (de) 2020-02-14 2021-08-19 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Fremd gezündete Hubkolben-Brennkraftmaschine mit einem Vorkammerzündsystem

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN108382612A (zh) * 2018-02-05 2018-08-10 西北工业大学深圳研究院 一种针对空间旋转非合作目标的抓捕装置
CN108382612B (zh) * 2018-02-05 2021-02-02 西北工业大学深圳研究院 一种针对空间旋转非合作目标的抓捕装置
CN110282563A (zh) * 2019-06-27 2019-09-27 浙江冠林机械有限公司 便于拆卸的电动葫芦
DE102020103863A1 (de) 2020-02-14 2021-08-19 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Fremd gezündete Hubkolben-Brennkraftmaschine mit einem Vorkammerzündsystem
CN111776222A (zh) * 2020-04-17 2020-10-16 西安京东天鸿科技有限公司 无人机空投装置及无人机
CN111776222B (zh) * 2020-04-17 2022-07-05 西安京东天鸿科技有限公司 无人机空投装置及无人机

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