Design and Analysis of a Large Tolerance Docking Mechanism

Abstract

On-Orbit Servicing is increasingly crucial with the growing number of spacecraft. The foundation for On-orbit servicing is space docking mechanisms. As On-Orbit Servicing tasks become more complex, the demands for docking capture mechanisms increase in both function and performance. Therefore, it is crucial to design a docking mechanism with a large tolerance. Among various docking capture mechanisms, the multi-claw capture mechanism has the advantages of low impact and reliable capture. This paper analyzes the Common Berthing Mechanism and a docking mechanism with an underactuated two-degree-of-freedom claw-type capture mechanism as its core is proposed. Subsequently, this paper provided a detailed design of the mechanism based on the principle of underactuated capture. Furthermore, this article conducts numerical analyses of key mechanisms such as the capture mechanism and guide mechanism in the design process, verifying the functionality of the mechanisms. After completing the analysis of capturing dynamics, the tolerance ability of the mechanism was also verified, various key parameters were determined, and the parameters of components such as the torsion spring were also determined. Finally, the prototype of the proposed docking mechanism is developed, and the experiment is completed to validate its functional principle and tolerance capability.