Grapple-Fixture Deployment Device
A grapple-fixture deployment device allows for an easy, quick, and safe disposal of an unnecessary payload from a space station. The grapple-fixture deployment device includes a space station remote manipulator system (SSRMS)-securing module, a separation system, a payload-securing module, a first attachment mechanism, and a second attachment mechanism. The SSRMS-securing module allows the grapple-fixture deployment device to be attached to the robotic arm apparatus of a mobile servicing system (MSS). The separation system is a spacecraft deployment system that is used to eject the payload-securing mechanism from the rest of the grapple-fixture deployment device. The payload-securing module allows the grapple-fixture deployment device to be attached to a payload. The first attachment mechanism is used to attach the SSRMS-securing module to the robotic arm apparatus of a MSS. The second attachment mechanism is used to attach the payload-securing module to the payload.
1 . A grapple-fixture deployment device comprises:
a space station remote manipulator system (SSRMS)-securing module;
a separation system;
a payload-securing module;
a first attachment mechanism;
a second attachment mechanism;
the SSRMS-securing module comprises a first module body, a proximal module face, and a distal module face;
the proximal module face and the distal module face being positioned opposite to each other about the first module body;
the payload-securing module comprises a second module body, a proximal module end, and a distal module end;
the proximal module end and the distal module end being positioned opposite to each other about the second module body;
the first attachment mechanism being mounted onto the distal module face;
the second attachment mechanism being integrated into the second module body from the distal module end;
the proximal module face being attached onto the proximal module end by the separation system; and
the SSRMS-securing module being electronically connected to the separation system and the first attachment mechanism.
2 . The modular grapple apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises:
an intermediate adapter; and
the intermediate adapter being connected in between the separation system and the proximal module face.
3 . The grapple-fixture deployment device as claimed in claim 2 comprises:
at least one camera assembly;
the at least one camera assembly being positioned in between the separation system and the proximal module face;
the at least one camera assembly being mounted adjacent to the intermediate adapter; and
the SSRMS-securing module being electronically connected to the at least one camera assembly.
4 . The grapple-fixture deployment device as claimed in claim 2 comprises:
the separation system comprises a first interlocking portion and a second interlocking portion;
the first interlocking portion being connected adjacent to the intermediate adapter, opposite the proximal module face; and
the second interlocking portion being connected adjacent to the proximal module end.
5 . The grapple-fixture deployment device as claimed in claim 1 comprises:
the separation system being a mechanically-actuated separation system.
6 . The grapple-fixture deployment device as claimed in claim 5 comprises:
the separation system being a Lightband separation system.
7 . The grapple-fixture deployment device as claimed in claim 1 comprises:
the first attachment mechanism being a power and video grapple fixture (PVGF).
8 . The grapple-fixture deployment device as claimed in claim 1 comprises:
a plurality of SSRMS interfaces;
the plurality of SSRMS interfaces being integrated into the first attachment mechanism.
9 . The grapple-fixture deployment device as claimed in claim 1 comprises:
the second attachment mechanism being a flight releasable grapple fixture (FRGF).
10 . A grapple-fixture deployment device comprises:
a space station remote manipulator system (SSRMS)-securing module;
a separation system;
a payload-securing module;
a first attachment mechanism;
a second attachment mechanism;
an intermediate adapter;
a plurality of SSRMS interfaces;
the SSRMS-securing module comprises a first module body, a proximal module face, and a distal module face;
the proximal module face and the distal module face being positioned opposite to each other about the first module body;
the payload-securing module comprises a second module body, a proximal module end, and a distal module end;
the proximal module end and the distal module end being positioned opposite to each other about the second module body;
the first attachment mechanism being mounted onto the distal module face;
the second attachment mechanism being integrated into the second module body from the distal module end;
the proximal module face being attached onto the proximal module end by the separation system;
the SSRMS-securing module being electronically connected to the separation system and the first attachment mechanism;
the intermediate adapter being connected in between the separation system and the proximal module face; and
the plurality of SSRMS interfaces being integrated into the first attachment mechanism.
11 . The grapple-fixture deployment device as claimed in claim 10 comprises:
at least one camera assembly;
the at least one camera assembly being positioned in between the separation system and the proximal module face;
the at least one camera assembly being mounted adjacent to the intermediate adapter; and
the SSRMS-securing module being electronically connected to the at least one camera assembly.
12 . The grapple-fixture deployment device as claimed in claim 10 comprises:
the separation system comprises a first interlocking portion and a second interlocking portion;
the first interlocking portion being connected adjacent to the intermediate adapter, opposite the proximal module face; and
the second interlocking portion being connected adjacent to the proximal module end.
13 . The grapple-fixture deployment device as claimed in claim 10 comprises:
the separation system being a mechanically-actuated separation system.
14 . The grapple-fixture deployment device as claimed in claim 13 comprises:
the separation system being a Lightband separation system.
15 . The grapple-fixture deployment device as claimed in claim 10 comprises:
the first attachment mechanism being a power and video grapple fixture (PVGF).
16 . The grapple-fixture deployment device as claimed in claim 10 comprises:
the second attachment mechanism being a flight releasable grapple fixture (FRGF).