Integrated translation tube assembly for a space module
AssigneeBigelow Development Aerospace Division, Limited Liability Company
InventorRobert T. Bigelow
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention provides an improved integrated translation tube for the movement of equipment and personnel through space modules, particularly for non-rigid type space modules such as the NASA Transhab module. In addition, the present invention provides an internal framework for the structural support of the space module itself, and the equipment installed internally to the space module. The present invention's arched shaped translation tube provides sufficient strength and rigidity to provide the required structural support, while simultaneously maximizing the uninterrupted interior volume of the space module.
Claims23
An integrated translation tube, for use in a space module having two end walls connected by a side wall comprising:
- a. a left distal housing having a passage therethrough, said distal housing connected to the space module left end wall;
- b. a right distal housing having a passage therethrough, said right distal housing connected to the space module right end wall, said right distal housing substantially opposite to said left distal housing;
- c. an offset housing having a passage therethrough, said offset housing extending substantially between the left end and right end of the space module, said offset housing interior to, and closely spaced to the space module side wall;
- d. a left connecting housing having a passage therethrough, said left connecting housing obliquely connecting said offset housing and said left distal housing to form a passage therethrough;
- and
- e. a right connecting housing having a passage therethrough, said right connecting housing obliquely connecting said offset housing and said right distal housing to form a passage therethrough.
An integrated translation tube, for use in a substantially cylindrical shaped, space module comprising:
- a. an offset housing having a passage therethrough, said offset housing having a left end and a right end, said offset housing extending substantially the principal axial length of the space module, said offset housing interior to and offset from the space module's principal axis;
- b. a left distal housing having a passage therethrough, said left distal housing connected at the left end of the space module and located substantially coaxially with the space module;
- c. a right distal housing having a passage therethrough, said right distal housing connected at the right end of the space module and located substantially coaxially with the space module;
- d. a left connecting housing having a passage therethrough, said left connecting housing obliquely connecting said offset housing and said left distal housing to form a passage therethrough;
- and
- e. a right connecting housing having a passage therethrough, said right connecting housing obliquely connecting said offset housing and said right distal housing to form a passage therethrough.
A translation tube comprising:
- a. a space module having a left and a right end wall connected by a side wall;
- b. a left distal housing having a passage therethrough, said left distal housing connected to said space module left end wall;
- c. a right distal housing having a passage therethrough, said right distal housing connected to said space module right end wall, said right distal housing substantially opposite to said left distal housing;
- d. an offset housing having a passage therethrough, said offset housing having an arch like shape, said offset housing extending substantially between the left and right end of the space module, said offset housing connecting said left and said right distal housings to form a passageway therethrough, wherein said offset housing has a side panel, said side panel is selectively detachable from at least one edge of said offset housing to create an opening in the offset housing;
- and
- e. a first detent, said first detent locking said side panel in a predetermined position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.