US 10,207,827 B2 · Artificial gravity system having gravity chambers with rigid side walls that are extendible

Abstract

A habitation module that provides an artificial gravity environment. In one embodiment, the habitation module includes a rotating structure that rotates about an axis in relation to a stationary structure. The rotating structure includes a first gravity chamber that projects radially from the rotating structure, and a second gravity chamber that projects radially from the rotating structure in an opposite direction than the first gravity chamber. The first gravity chamber and the second gravity chamber are each comprised of a plurality of ring members that form side walls of the first gravity chamber and the second gravity chamber. The ring members are concentric so that the side walls of the first gravity chamber and the second gravity chamber radially extend and radially contract in upon themselves.

Claims22

Dependent claims

A habitation module comprising:

a rotating structure that is coupled to a stationary structure and rotates a bout an axis in relation to the stationary structure;
wherein the rotating structure includes:
a first gravity chamber that projects radially from the rotating structure;
and
a second gravity chamber that projects radially from the rotating structure in an opposite direction than the first gravity chamber;
wherein the first gravity chamber and the second gravity chamber are each comprised of a plurality of ring members that form side walls of the first gravity chamber and the second gravity chamber;
wherein the ring members are concentric so that the side walls of the first gravity chamber and the second gravity chamber radially extend and radially contract in upon themselves.

4 more elements

A habitation module comprising:

a stationary structure comprising a first cylindrical body member and a second cylindrical body member that are spaced apart and aligned co-axially via a support structure;
a rotating structure that attaches to the stationary structure through rotatable attachment members, and rotates a bout an axis in relation to the stationary structure, wherein the rotating structure includes:
a hub member comprising a hollow cylinder with transverse openings that are coaxially aligned on opposing sides of the hub member along the axis to slide onto the stationary structure;
a first gravity chamber that projects radially from a first end of the hub member;
and
a second gravity chamber that projects radially from a second end of the hub member in an opposite direction than the first gravity chamber;
wherein the first gravity chamber and the second gravity chamber are each comprised of a plurality of ring members that form side walls of the first gravity chamber and the second gravity chamber;
wherein the ring members are concentric so that the side walls of the first gravity chamber and the second gravity chamber radially extend and contract;
a first radial pressure seal mounted on the first cylindrical body member that spans a first gap between the first cylindrical body member and the hub member;
a second radial pressure seal mounted on the second cylindrical body member that spans a second gap between the second cylindrical body member and the hub member;
a first seal element that extends through an interior of the first gravity chamber to create an air-tight cavity within the interior of the first gravity chamber;
and
a second seal element that extends through an interior of the second gravity chamber to create an air-tight cavity within the interior of the second gravity chamber.

10 more elements

A habitation module comprising:

a stationary structure;
a rotating structure that rotates a bout an axis in relation to the stationary structure, wherein the rotating structure includes:
a hub member comprising a hollow cylinder with transverse openings that are coaxially aligned on opposing sides of the hub member along the axis to slide onto the stationary structure and attach to the stationary structure through rotatable attachment members;
a first gravity chamber that projects radially from a first end of the hub member;
and
a second gravity chamber that projects radially from a second end of the hub member in an opposite direction than the first gravity chamber;
wherein each of the first gravity chamber and the second gravity chamber is comprised of:
a base member that is affixed to the hub member;
an end member that serves as a floor;
and
a plurality of ring members that connect between the base member and the end member to form a side wall;
wherein the ring members are concentric so that the side wall radially extends and contracts.

9 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Artificial gravity system having gravity chambers with rigid side walls that are extendible

Life of this patent

Artificial gravity system having gravity chambers with rigid side walls that are extendible

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims22