Systems and methods for latching and fastening objects for in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing
AssigneeEnduralock, LLC
InventorsHarold Hess, Deeptesh Selvaraj, Kishan Srinivas Indrani, Zoltan Szekely, Caleb Grabill, Jonathan Poulter
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A docking system for use with in-space structures includes a first connector attached to a first in-space structure and a second connector attached to a second in-space structure. The first connector includes a first housing that defines a recess. The second connector includes a second housing that is received within the recess of the first housing. The docking system also includes an engagement mechanism configured to secure the second housing in the recess.
Claims20
A docking system for use with in-space structures, the docking system comprising:
- a first connector attached to a first in-space structure, the first connector including a first housing, a sleeve, and an engagement mechanism;
- and
- a second connector attached to a second in-space structure, the second connector including a second housing and a connection member including a protrusion extending from the second housing and defining a groove, wherein the second housing is received within the first housing, wherein the sleeve defines a recess sized to receive the connection member, and wherein the engagement mechanism includes at least one inwardly projecting structure that is shaped to be received in the groove to engage the connection member when the connection member is in the recess.
A method of connecting in-space structures, the method comprising:
- moving a first in-space structure relative to a second in-space structure, the first in-space structure including a first connector including a first housing, a sleeve, and an engagement mechanism, the second in-space structure including a second connector including a second housing and a connection member, the connection member including a protrusion extending from the second housing and defining a groove;
- positioning the connection member in a recess defined by the sleeve;
- engaging with the engagement mechanism the connection member within the recess defined by the sleeve, wherein the engagement mechanism includes at least one inwardly projecting structure that is shaped to be received in the groove of the connection member when the connection member is engaged with the engagement mechanism;
- and
- positioning the second housing within a recess defined by the first housing.
A docking system for use with in-space structures, the docking system comprising:
- a first connector attached to a first in-space structure, the first connector including a first housing defining a recess;
- a second connector attached to a second in-space structure, the second connector including a second housing that is received within the recess of the first housing, the second connector further including a protrusion extending from the second housing and defining a groove;
- an engagement mechanism including at least one inwardly projecting structure that is shaped to be received in the groove of the second connector to secure the second housing in the recess;
- a fluid dispenser extending through one of the first connector or the second connector;
- and
- a fluid inlet extending through the other of the first connector or the second connector, wherein the fluid inlet is configured to engage with the fluid dispenser and receive fluid dispensed from the fluid dispenser when the second housing is secured in the recess.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.