SPACECRAFT DOCKING CONNECTOR

摘要

An interface connector is provided for connecting homogenous spacecraft cells. The interface connector includes at least one male valve assembly and at least one female valve assembly. The male valve assembly includes an extendable and retractable piston having a central conduit. The female valve assembly has a central bore closed by a ball valve. Preferably, the male and female valves are positioned so that extension of the piston engages the ball valve so as to create a fluid pathway. Various components in the male and female valve assemblies are electrically conductive to allow the transmission of power and data. Further, the male valve assembly is constructed to function as a propulsion thruster when not mated to a female valve assembly.

主权项

1. A docking connector interface comprising:
a first frame; a first fluid source; first and second male valve assemblies, each of said male valve assemblies having a hollow housing forming a central bore having a proximal end connected said fluid source and a distal end, each of said first male valves having a piston positioned within each of said central bores with being retractable and extendable from said central bores distal ends, each of said pistons having a central conduit having a proximal end in fluid communication with said central bores for receiving fluid from said central bores and a distal end projecting from said central bores' distal ends; each of said first and second male valve assemblies including a controllable valve to control the flow of fluid through each of said central bores and piston conduits; said first and second male valve assemblies mounted to said first frame in outwardly facing coaxially aligned relation to one another wherein each housing's central bore and each pistons'central conduit define the same axis, and said first and second male valve assemblies mounted to said first frame in opposing relation to one another such that extension of both of said pistons causes said pistons to move axially outward and away from each other, and retraction of said pistons causes said pistons to move axially inward and toward each other; a second frame; a second fluid source; first and second female valve assemblies, each of said female valve assemblies having a hollow housing forming a central bore having a proximal end connected to said second fluid source and a distal end forming a receptacle sized for receipt and a substantially fluid tight seal with a male valve assembly piston; said first and second female valve assemblies mounted to said second frame in an inwardly facing coaxially aligned relation to one another wherein said female valve assemblies' central bores define the same axis, and said first and second female valve assemblies are mounted to said second frame in an inwardly facing relation and spacing so as to accept said male valve assemblies between said female valve assemblies when said male valve assembly pistons are retracted and said male valve assemblies locking to said female valve assemblies with said male valve assembly pistons projecting into said female valve assembly receptacles when said pistons are extended; one or more controllers for controlling the retraction and extension of said male valve assembly pistons, for controlling the flow of fluid between said first and second fluid sources when said male valve assemblies are connected to said female valve assemblies, and for controlling the expulsion of fluid from said male valve assembly piston distal ends to provide propulsion when said male valve assemblies are not connected to said female valve assemblies.