Macdonald, Dettwiler and Associates Corporation

Salflex Polymers Limited

Paul Roberts

Jason White

Gavin Hay

Giuseppe Rago

Stephen Bratsberg

Geoffrey Sprawson

Changize Sadr

Steve Fisher

Richard Rembala

Laurent Dubois

Joe Rago

Herein is disclosed a multifunctional tool with replaceable tool tips. The disclosed multifunctional tool may be used as an end-effector on a robotic arm in space. Each tool tip, when in the tool holder, is driven by a common motor. The same motor can also be used to control the orientation of the tool tip about an axis. The tool tips are replaceable in the tool holder by simple and robust means, resulting in a lighter and cheaper multifunctional tool. The tool tips can be variously adapted to perform a variety of functions, including cutting, grasping, drilling, driving, etc. Since the tool may be driven by only one actuator, and the single actuator may be used to drive both the tool and rotation of the tool, mass can be saved. Use of such a multifunctional tool also reduces overall system power requirements, and system complexity.

Robotic servicing multifunctional tool

The present invention provides a capture mechanism for capturing and locking onto the Marman flange located on the exterior surfaces of spacecraft/satellites. The capture mechanism achieves its goal of quickly capturing a target spacecraft by splitting the two basic actions involved into two separate mechanisms. One mechanism performs the quick grasp of the target while the other mechanism rigidises that grasp to ensure that the target is held as firmly as desired. To achieve a speedy grasp, the grasping action is powered by springs and an over-centre mechanism triggered either mechanically by a plunger or electronically by sensors and a solenoid. This forces two sets of jaws, one on either side of the object to be grasped, to close quickly over the target object. The jaws can be set up to grasp gently, firmly, or even not close completely on the target. The key is that they must close tightly enough so that the protrusions on the target cannot escape from the jaws due to any possible motions of the target. Once the jaws have sprung shut, a second mechanism draws the jaws (and their closing mechanism) back into the body of the tool pulling the captured target onto two rigidisation surfaces. The mechanism keeps pulling backwards until a pre-established preload is reached at which point the target is considered suitably rigidised to the capture mechanism.

Spacecraft capture mechanism

Herein is disclosed a tool, system and method for refueling on-orbit spacecraft. The tool and system are configured to allow for resupply of spacecraft configured to be propelled by either a bipropellant (oxidizer and fuel) or a monopropellant (typically hydrazine). The refueling tool is particularly suited for resupply of satellites not originally prepared for refueling but the system may also be used for satellites specifically designed for refueling.

System and tool for accessing satellite fill/drain valves during propellant resupply

The present invention provides a capture mechanism for capturing and locking onto the Marman flange located on the exterior surfaces of spacecraft/satellites. The capture mechanism achieves its goal of quickly capturing a target spacecraft by splitting the two basic actions involved into two separate mechanisms. One mechanism performs the quick grasp of the target while the other mechanism rigidizes that grasp to ensure that the target is held as firmly as desired. The jaws can be set up to grasp gently, firmly, or even not close completely on the target. Once the jaws have sprung shut, a second mechanism draws the jaws (and their closing mechanism) back into the body of the tool pulling the captured target onto two rigidization surfaces. The mechanism keeps pulling backwards until a pre-established preload is reached at which point the target is considered suitably rigidized to the capture mechanism.

Tool for accessing satellite fill/drain valves during propellant resupply

Cooler handle

Pull cart and container

Growing community of inventors

Brampton, Canada

Paul Roberts