Space Technologies – Enduralock

Satellite Docking System

Mechanically Self-Aligning and Locking

Data Connections

Fluid Transfer

Sensor Feedback on Structural Integrity

Docking Mechanism Concept

Enduraock is developing a small satellite system that offers mechanical, electrical, and fluid connections for ISAM (In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing). The design also incorporates mechanical mialignment error correction for autonomous RPO (Rendezvous and Proximity Operations) docking.

Docking Mechanism Design Specifications

Current Configuration: 10cm X 10cm X 15cm (Design Goal: 1U- 10cm X 10cm X 10cm)

Electrical Interfaces: Type of signal – Ethernet (faster) or Micro-USB protocol – Number of ports for power transfer: 4

Active-2 Spares-2: Number of ports for data transfer- 16

Active-8 Spares-8: Additional contact ports available- 4 – Power required: 12-30 VDC

Permissible Radial Misalignment: +/- 4 mm axially (estimated)

Permissible Yaw Misalignment: +/- 5 degree (estimated)

Permissible Roll Misalignment: +/- 4 degree (between electrical contacts) (estimated)

Mass of Satellite A Connector: 3.75 lb. (estimated) (excludes mass of actuators)

Mass of Satellite B Connector: 2.20 lb. (estimated) (excludes mass of actuators)

Maximum Permissible Tensile Load between the ball and groove: 1100 lb. (estimated)

Maximum Permissible Compressive Load between the ball and groove: 2100 lb. (estimated

Maximum Static Bending Load on axial plane (male cone): 3000 lb.

Maximum Torsional Load: 825 lb.-in (for two pins) (estimated)

Axial Separation Force (Spring Loaded): 80 lb. (estimated)

Robotic End Effector for ISAM

During a previous Phase II SBIR effort through the Department of the Air Force (DAF), Enduralock designed and built a custom end effector for automating the installation of its mechanically locking, high-vibration resistant fasteners. This end effector was designed with ISAM in mind and features a mechanism to lock under the bolt head, retaining the fastener without relying on friction. The end effector’s functionality was demonstrated in a laboratory environment attached to a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) Yaskawa robotic manipulator. Through an ongoing Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) contract, Enduralock took the demonstration one step further by developing and incorporating a magazine for storage of the fasteners prior to installation or after removal. Our goal is to adapt our end-effector to a vision- based system to provide for autonomous assembly of structures in space.

To be the global leader of innovative fastener and connector technologies in markets spanning from defense, aerospace, and energy.

14847 W 95th St

Lenexa, KS 66215

1-913-214-9911