System and apparatus for deploying a satellite
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
InventorsLuis H. Santos, John D. Hudeck
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A frictionless satellite constraint system is provided. The constraint system includes at least one clamp bar configured to restrain a satellite within the constraint system in an axial direction. The constraint system also includes a plurality of pins configured to restrain the satellite within the constraint system in a lateral direction.
Claims17
An apparatus for use with a satellite to be deployed in space, the apparatus comprising:
- a satellite to be deployed in space;
- at least one clamp bar configured to restrain the satellite to be deployed in space within the apparatus in an axial direction;
- and
- a plurality of pins configured to restrain the satellite within the apparatus in a lateral direction, wherein the plurality of pins comprises a set of upper satellite pins configured to protrude through a shear plate, the shear plate being connected to a door of the apparatus, the shear plate configured to connect the satellite to the apparatus, and a set of lower satellite pins configured to protrude through a lower plate of the apparatus to connect the apparatus with the satellite.
An apparatus for use with a satellite to be deployed in space, the apparatus comprising:
- a satellite to be deployed in space;
- a plurality of clamp bars with a preload configured to constrain the satellite to be deployed in space within the apparatus in an axial direction;
- a plurality of upper and lower pins with a preload configured to constrain the satellite within the apparatus in a lateral direction;
- and
- a ratchet fitting configured to restrict a door from bouncing back as the door opens every predefined number of degrees.
An apparatus with a satellite to be deployed in space, the apparatus comprising:
- a satellite to be deployed in space;
- a door, the door comprising a first set of torsion springs and a second set of torsion springs;
- a compartment configured to hold the satellite to be deployed in space, wherein the first set of torsion springs is configured to open the door to a predefined angle and the second set of torsion springs is configured to slow down the door to allow the satellite to be deployed from the apparatus;
- and
- a ratchet fitting configured to restrict the door from bouncing back as the door opens every predefined number of degrees.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.