摘要:
A mounting apparatus and system and method for making the same are provided. The mounting apparatus allows an object to be mounted to a mounting surface via magnetic attractions between different planes of engagement. Through the movement of planes of magnets, an object that is brought in proximity to the mounting apparatus may engage one of the magnetic planes and then be moved further to engage the other magnetic plane, with the combined magnetic force being configured to support the particular object for which the mounting apparatus is designed. The engagement and/or disengagement of the object from the mounting apparatus can thus occur in stages, by degrees, and/or in a tiered manner.
摘要:
The invention relates to an androgynous coupling device (10) for connecting modules, in particular for constructing a spacecraft of modular design, wherein, in order to connect the modules, the coupling device (10) can be coupled to an identically constructed further androgynous coupling device and has a plurality of coupling elements (30, 32). It is provided that the androgynous coupling device (10) has a covering element (18) which covers the coupling elements (30, 32) in a passive state of the coupling device (10), wherein a first of the coupling elements (30) can be moved outwardly through the covering element (18) for active coupling to the identically constructed further coupling device. The invention furthermore relates to a module, in particular a module for constructing a spacecraft of modular design, having at least one such coupling device (10).
摘要:
La présente invention est relative à un dispositif (1) de maintien réutilisable et sécurisé d'au moins un objet (3) fragile contre une surface fonctionnelle solidement fixée à la structure d'un satellite ou engin spatial pendant au moins au moins une phase opérationnelle relative à ce satellite, facilitant l'accessibilité aux objets ainsi maintenus et des interventions sur ces objets, tout en évitant l'endommagement de ces objets sous l'effet d'accélérations brutales, aussi bien pendant cette (ces) phase(s) opérationnelle(s) que lors de la mise en maintien ou lors de la libération du maintien. Le dispositif (1) conforme à l'invention est caractérisé en ce qu 'il comporte une structure rigide (4,11) qui enserre partiellement cet (ces) objet(s) fragile(s) (2) et qui supporte au moins un mors fixe (5,19) et au moins un mors mobile (6,17A) faisant sensiblement face au(x) mors fixe(s), l'objet étant bloqué entre le mors fixe et le mors mobile pendant toute la durée du maintien rigide.
摘要:
A spacecraft (10) comprised of a plurality of functionally organized, fully independent modules (12,14,16,18). Selected ones of the modules are moveable foldably in a "clamshell"-like manner between assembled positions, wherein various components of the spacecraft are generally not readily accessible, to a service position in which virtually all of the components of the spacecraft are substantially readily accessible for service or testing. Logically organized and routed harnesses (46,47,46') comprised of numerous electrical and mechanical elements (24-38) enable the clamshell-like folding movement of selected modules. Conventional electrical and mechanical connectors (48) associated with the harnesses permit quick detachment and complete removal of selected modules from the spacecraft. The fully modular design significantly reduces the time required to gain access to the components on each of the modules and eliminates time consuming and extensive disassembly procedures that would ordinarily be required when performing service or test procedures on the spacecraft. The fully modular configuration also permits parallel manufacturing and testing of the independent modules, thus significantly reducing the design-to-market cycle time for the spacecraft. The modular design also facilitates replacement of selected modules with modified modules to produce derivative spacecraft or to tailor the performance of the spacecraft to better meet the needs of a particular mission.
摘要:
The drive unit for adjusting satellite components requiring orientation such as thrusters (2) comprises two linear drives (9, 10) on which steering rods (5, 6) are articulated via gimbals. The rods (5, 6), like the additional bracing struts (14), are connected via globe joints (3, 4 or 5) to the components requiring orientation such as the platform (1) of the thrusters (2). An alternative or additional articulation is provided via a globe joint (13) on the main satellite body.
摘要:
A spacecraft structure using functionally independent modules assembled around a lightweight core structure to provide a vehicle that is lighter, uses less volume, and is easier to design, manufacture and test than a conventional spacecraft. In the disclosed embodiments, the modules are formed on generally flat panels, which serve as thermal radiators. The modules extend radially from the core structure and are attached to the core structure either in coplanar rows that extend axially along the core structure or in a coplanar set that extends circumferentially around the core structure. Interconnection between modules is achieved through a backbone interface, through which the modules are connected to the core structure. A large number of variant configurations may be implemented using the modular approach, by selecting a core, components and modules of number and size to meet mission requirements. The modular spacecraft may be easily designed and adapted to operate with its radiating modules facing in north-south directions for maximum thermal radiation, or in other orientations as needed for specific missions. All of the configurations have the advantage that they occupy a relatively small volume and allow large components, such as antennas and solar arrays, to be stowed for launch in the ample spaces between rows of modules.
摘要:
La structure d'un engin spatial tel qu'un satellite est recouverte au moins partiellement d'une couverture thermiquement isolante obtenue en assemblant bord à bord plusieurs morceaux (14), au moyen de fermetures à glissières (16). Des fermetures à glissières (18) sont aussi utilisées pour fixer les morceaux (14) sur la structure du satellite.