Modular spacecraft construction requiring no tools for assembly and disassembly

A modular spacecraft construction having a simple spacecraft core structure (10) of cylindrical shape, spacecraft equipment modules (12) in the form of generally flat panels that are attached in a radial configuration about the core structure, and electronic sub-modules (16) secured to the faces of...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors RENKEN RAYMOND H, ANDERSON JOSEPH F
Format Patent
LanguageEnglish
Published 22.05.2001
Edition7
Subjects
AIRCRAFT
AVIATION
COSMONAUTICS
PERFORMING OPERATIONS
TRANSPORTING
VEHICLES OR EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
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Summary:A modular spacecraft construction having a simple spacecraft core structure (10) of cylindrical shape, spacecraft equipment modules (12) in the form of generally flat panels that are attached in a radial configuration about the core structure, and electronic sub-modules (16) secured to the faces of the spacecraft equipment modules. Hand-operated fasteners (14, 18) facilitate assembly of the modules (12) to the core structure (10) and of the electronic sub-modules (16) to the modules. Each spacecraft equipment module (12) is secured to the core structure (10) using multiple hook-type latches (14) that are hand-operated to secure the module to the core structure. Each sub-module (16) is secured to an equipment module (12) by fasteners (18) of a different type that are also hand-operated. These fasteners (18) have a one-way ratchet a mechanism that prevents their deliberate or inadvertent loosening.
Bibliography:Application Number: US19980204775