Sri International

Brian Foster

Thomas P Low

Brian K Mccoy

Multi-segment manipulator arms are provided that exhibit improved performance in space applications, include reduced weight, reduced cost, reduced size, reduced rotational inertia, reduced vibration, improved heat dissipation characteristics, and increased reliability and on-station reparability. These manipulator arms transmit torque from a single motor at the base of the arm to each of the inter-segment joints via serial belts, rotationally linked via pulleys that are coaxial with the inter-segment joints. Brake(s) at each joint allow all but a selected joint to be fixed, allowing motor torque to be transmitted to the un-fixed joint, applying torque and/or rotation to the un-fixed joint. Placing the motor at the base facilitates heat management, reduces overall weight, and reduces total rotational inertia and weight of the arm segments.

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San Carlos, CA, United States of America

Brian Foster