The Boeing Company

Patrick A Swartzell

Raju Dharmaraj

James Michael Engle

Karl David Heiman

Thomas L Hoffman

Travis Andrew Moseman

Darby Grant Cooper

Craig Stanton

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.

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

A habitation module with a gravity chamber that provides an artificial gravity environment. In one embodiment, the gravity chamber is annular and includes an outer cylindrical wall, an inner cylindrical structure, and opposing side walls that connect the outer cylindrical wall and the inner cylindrical structure. The gravity chamber attaches to a cylindrical core member of the habitation module with support bearings. The support bearing includes an inner race attached to the cylindrical core member, and an outer race attached to the gravity chamber. A drive mechanism drives the outer race of the support bearing to rotate the gravity chamber about an axis to simulate a gravitational force within the gravity chamber.

Gravity chamber for a habitation module that rotates on support bearings

A habitation module with a gravity chamber that provides an artificial gravity environment. In one embodiment, the gravity chamber is annular and includes an outer cylindrical wall, an inner cylindrical structure, and opposing side walls that connect the outer cylindrical wall and the inner cylindrical structure. The gravity chamber attaches to an outer surface of a hull of the habitation module with support bearings. The support bearing includes an inner race attached to the outer surface of the hull, and an outer race attached to the gravity chamber. A drive mechanism drives the outer race of the support bearing to rotate the gravity chamber about an axis to simulate a gravitational force within the gravity chamber.

Gravity chamber that rotates on support bearings mounted on an outer surface of a hull of a habitation module

A habitation module with a gravity chamber that provides an artificial gravity environment. In one embodiment, the gravity chamber includes an outer cylindrical wall and opposing side walls. The gravity chamber attaches to a hull of the habitation module with support bearings. The support bearing includes an outer race attached to an inner surface of the hull, and an inner race attached to the gravity chamber. A drive mechanism drives the inner race of the support bearing to rotate the gravity chamber about an axis to simulate a gravitational force within the gravity chamber.

Gravity chamber that rotates on support bearings mounted on an inner surface of a hull of a habitation module

A habitation module with a gravity chamber that provides an artificial gravity environment. In one embodiment, the gravity chamber includes an inner cylindrical structure, outer wall segments that are attachable to one another to form an outer cylindrical wall, and opposing side walls having support members that are extendable. The gravity chamber has a first diameter when the support members are contracted, and has a larger second diameter when the support members are extended. The gravity chamber connects to the habitation module with rotating attachment members so that the gravity chamber rotates about an axis. The habitation module also includes an inflatable shell that encompasses the gravity chamber.

Growing community of inventors

Pearland, TX, United States of America

Patrick A Swartzell