Patent Application
20230192382
The present invention relates to containers for holding sensitive equipment, and more specifically to containers for holding equipment during transport into space, especially for transport in low-gravity environments.
It is generally known in the prior art to provide climate-controlled containers for satellites and other large space equipment for terrestrial transport. For example, companies such as RUAG manufacture terrestrial transport vessels used to move satellites from production facilities to spaceports. Commonly, terrestrial transport vessels load equipment onto flat beds that are slid inside a cargo vessel for transport. Some examples of terrestrial transport vehicles are able to rotate the equipment during transport, which is most notably used for installation at the launch point.
It is also known to provide containers for transporting objects, such as satellites, into space. For example, D-Orbit's ION Satellite Carrier has been used to transport multiple satellites into space.
Prior art patent documents include the following:
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020/0191522 for Composite firearm case by inventors Searle et al., filed Nov. 27, 2019 and published Jun. 18, 2020, discloses a protective carrying case for a firearm is disclosed, wherein the protective carrying case includes a top component, a bottom component, and semi-hexagonal ends, wherein the top component and the bottom component are constructed from carbon fiber. The protective carrying case additionally includes a retaining element with vacuum split functionality to retain elements within the case.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,955,763 for Secure portable encasement system by inventors McLean et al., filed Feb. 10, 2017 and issued May 1, 2018, discloses a system for providing securement of a plurality of secure portable encasements including one or more encasements each configured to engage, and subsequently disengage, inseparable interaction with a common docking unit; and one or more common docking units.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,803,956 for Electronic tablet case and firearm holder by inventor Ellingson, filed Jun. 24, 2015 and issued Oct. 31, 2017, discloses an electronic tablet case capable of concealing a firearm. The case is formed from a housing having closeable panels that are hingedly connected, defining an interior and exterior. The exterior of one of the panels includes mounting elements for securing to an electronic tablet. The interior of one panel includes at least one support element for holding a firearm in position. The panels can be secured together by use of a zipper, hook & loop or the like fastener.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,303,950 for Lockable cut-resistant case by inventor Fuller, filed May 11, 2011 and issued Apr. 5, 2016, discloses a light-weight case is provided that is cut-resistant, fire-resistant and/or water-proof and that can be easily locked and fasten to stationary objects. The exterior of the case is substantially cut-resistant, while the interior layers can be layers that are fire-resistant, water-proof, any type of padding or nylon for protecting the objects stored in the case. To protect the case from being stolen, a steel cable is threaded through a hole formed by two concentrically aligned grommets and locked to or around a stationary object. The cases include a Global Positioning System (GPS) transmitter that is able to track the location of the case if the case happens to be lost or stolen. The case can be sized and shaped to hold any type of valuable objects, such as guns, jewelry and money.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,429,389 for Multifunctional cases with locking mechanisms by inventor Brewer, filed Jul. 29, 2015 and issued Aug. 30, 2016, discloses a multifunctional case that can be used for protecting and preventing unauthorized use of different types and sizes of objects, weapons, firearms, or other items. In one embodiment, the multifunctional case includes a first shell and a second shell that is coupled to the first shell. A locking mechanism is coupled to the first shell. An external handle (e.g., handle that is external to the multifunctional case) is coupled to the locking mechanism and causes the locking mechanism to lock and unlock the first and second shells of the multifunctional case based on movement of the handle. The multifunctional case is securely locked and unlocked with no external clips or latches.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,277 for Vacuum resealable display/storage case by inventor Armstrong, filed Apr. 10, 1998 and issued Oct. 24, 2000, discloses a portable airtight inner case including a receptacle for having an item stored therein, for example a guitar, a hingedly mounted cover and a perimetric seal to form a fluid seal between the cover and receptacle when the cover is closed. The inner case cover and receptacle are made of a clear rigid plastic. A suction valve or pump opens to the inner case interior to evacuate fluid while a vacuum gauge is provided for measuring the pressure. The inner case bottom wall has a plurality of pockets for having hangers extended therein to hang the case on a wall and stand pockets to have stand parts of a foldable stand extended therein or a stand pivoted to the bottom wall to support the inner case in an inclined condition. A portable outer case has a compartment for containing the inner case.
The present invention relates to containers for holding sensitive equipment, and more specifically to containers for holding equipment during transport into space, especially for transport in low-gravity environments.
It is an object of this invention to provide a means for transporting large equipment into low-orbit and beyond.
In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a container for transporting equipment, including a composite shell, wherein an inner surface of the composite shell is lined with a plurality of vacuum rigidizing structures, wherein the plurality of vacuum rigidizing structures each contain a plurality of microbeads.
In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a system for transporting equipment, comprising a flexible containing device radially divided into a plurality of sections by a plurality of baffle lines, wherein the flexible containing device includes a cinch strap operable to tightly narrow a ring of the flexible containing device, and wherein the plurality of sections are each connected to one or more pump mechanisms operable to add air to or subtract air from the plurality of sections.
These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after a reading of the following description of the preferred embodiment when considered with the drawings, as they support the claimed invention.
The present invention is generally directed to containers for holding sensitive equipment, and more specifically to containers for holding equipment during transport into space, especially for transport in low-gravity environments.
In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a container for transporting equipment, including a composite shell, wherein an inner surface of the composite shell is lined with a plurality of vacuum rigidizing structures, wherein the plurality of vacuum rigidizing structures each contain a plurality of microbeads.
In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a system for transporting equipment, comprising a flexible containing device radially divided into a plurality of sections by a plurality of baffle lines, wherein the flexible containing device includes a cinch strap operable to tightly narrow a ring of the flexible containing device, and wherein the plurality of sections are each connected to one or more pump mechanisms operable to add air to or subtract air from the plurality of sections.
None of the prior art discloses secure space-destined cargo containers for transporting satellite equipment or other large, delicate equipment. While containers do exist for transporting satellite equipment on land, these containers, such as those developed by RUAG, most typically involve strapping the equipment to a flat transport bed and either sliding the equipment into a larger cargo container or bringing a cargo container down on top of the flat transport bed and sealing it. These containers are not meant to address the satellite equipment moving around substantially, as the satellite equipment is strapped to a single and typically transported very carefully. However, such a solution only is possible in terrestrial environments, with normal gravity.
Space transport containers offer great potential to increase efficiency and decrease cost for space-related activities. Traditionally, satellites are not repaired and are not built to be repaired. The assumption has been that the cost of sending a repair team and equip into orbit to repair the satellite would often be as costly or more costly than simply building a new satellite and launching it into orbit, while abandoning or scuttling the previous one. However, as the economics of rocket launches change, it has become more practical to repair satellites. This new opportunity brings the additional challenge of actually transporting the repair equipment into space. For example, during rocket launch, large vibrations propagate throughout the rocket, which are easily able to cause massive damage to even engine equipment for the rocket, let alone equipment being carried in the rocket. Unlike on land, low-orbit environments and deep space missions have very low gravity, causing objects within containers to freely float and potentially be damaged. Therefore, there is a growing need for a container that is able to safely contain equipment taken to space, such as for satellite repair.
Referring now to the drawings in general, the illustrations are for the purpose of describing one or more preferred embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention thereto.
One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the shape of the container 10 is not intended to be limited to a rectangular prism. The base of the container 10 is able to take on any number of shapes, including, but not limited to, a circle, a triangle, a rectangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, an octagon, a trapezoid, a rhombus, and/or any other shape. Similarly, the number of side walls of the container 10 and the shape of the side walls of the container are not intended to be limiting. The size of the container 10 is not intended to be limiting. In one embodiment, the container 10 is sized to match individual pieces of equipment. Therefore, smaller containers are able to be produced for smaller pieces of equipment, while larger containers are able to be created for larger pieces of equipment. Similarly, in one embodiment, the container 10 is shaped to match the shape of the equipment. In another embodiment, the shape of the container 10 is adapted to fit the shape of the hull of a spacecraft used to transport the container. Similar to how air cargo containers are adapted to fit the geometry of a cargo bay to limit movement of the containers, in one embodiment, the exterior of the container 10 is adapted to fit the geometry of the spacecraft.
The outer shell 12 is operable to be manufactured using any method known in the art, including but not limited to, vacuum molding, vacuum forming, infusion including vacuum infusion, and extrusion.
The one or more inner surfaces of the outer shell 12 are attached to and substantially covered by one or more vacuum rigidizing structures 14 (or VRS systems). The one or more vacuum rigidizing structures 14 are flexible containers containing a plurality of microbeads. Each vacuum rigidizing structure 14 includes at least one vacuum port 54, operable to connect to at least one pump. The at least one pump is able to add air into or withdraw air from the one or more vacuum rigidizing structures 14. When air is withdrawn from the vacuum rigidizing structures 14, the volume of the vacuum rigidizing structures 14 decrease and the microbeads within the vacuum rigidizing structures 14 become compactified to become better able to conform to any object applying pressure to the vacuum rigidizing structures 14. Once the beads are more compact, the equipment is prevented from easily moving around and potentially becoming damaged. Furthermore, the beads help to absorb and dampen vibrations, such as those vibrations that occur during launch.
Importantly, the container 10 does not only include a vacuum rigidizing structure 14 covering an inner surface of the base of the container 10. Instead, the container 10 includes at least one vacuum rigidizing structure 14 substantially covering an inner surface of each side wall of the container 10 in addition to substantially covering an inner surface of the base of the container 10. For equipment that is not substantially flat, it is important that the side walls of the container 10 are also able to apply pressure and conform to the equipment, such that the equipment does not roll around during transport, potentially damaging the equipment. Furthermore, if covering the equipment from a greater number of sides helps to reduce vibration of the equipment that often causes damage during transport.
In one embodiment, the inner surfaces of the side walls and base of the container 10 are covered with a single vacuum rigidizing structure, which has a single, unbroken inner chamber containing microbeads. In another embodiment, the inner surface of the side walls and base of the container 10 are covered with a plurality of vacuum rigidizing structures (e.g., one vacuum rigidizing structure on each inner surface of the container 10). In one embodiment, each of the plurality of vacuum rigidizing structures have its own vacuum port 54 able to a connected with a pump 50 via tubing 52, such that the amount of air contained in each vacuum rigidizing structure 14 is able to be adjusted independently. In one embodiment, the vacuum port 54 for each vacuum rigidizing structure is located adjacent to a corresponding port in the outer shell 12, allowing pumps 50 to connected to each vacuum rigidizing structure 14 through the outside of the container 10. This allows the vacuum rigidizing structures 14 to be inflated or deflated even when the container 10 is closed. In another embodiment, a multiplicity of the plurality of vacuum rigidizing structures are connected to a single vacuum port, which is therefore capable of evacuating air from multiple components at once.
In one embodiment, the vacuum rigidizing structures 14 are attached to the outer shell 12 via an adhesive material. In another embodiment, the vacuum rigidizing structures 14 are attached to the outer shell 12 via a plurality of hook and loop materials. In yet another embodiment, the inner surface of the outer shell 12 includes at least one footman loop. Straps (e.g., nylon straps) attached to the outer surface of the vacuum rigidizing structures 14 are threaded through the at least one footman loop attached to the inner surface of the outer shell 12 in order to attach the outer shell 12 to the vacuum rigidizing structures 14. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the means of attaching the vacuum rigidizing structures 14 to the outer shell 12 are not intended to be limiting according to the present invention.
As shown in
The retractable retention system 40 shown in
In one embodiment, a cinch wire 44 extends around a perimeter of the vacuum rigidizing structure. Activating the cinch wire 44 causes radius of the cinch wire to be reduced, causing a change in the geometry of the retractable retention system 40, as shown in
In one embodiment, the retractable retention system 40 includes a common vacuum port 46 connected to each of the plurality of sections 42. The common vacuum port 46 is operable to connect to a pump to inflate or deflate each of the plurality of sections 42. In one embodiment, when air is delivered through the common vacuum port 46, air is distributed approximately evenly between each of the plurality of sections 42. In one embodiment, the common vacuum port 46 includes a single intake port that distributes air to a plurality of exhaust ports open to each of the plurality of sections 42. In another embodiment, each of the plurality of sections 42 of the retractable retention system 40 includes an individual vacuum port in addition to or in lieu of the common vacuum port 46. In one embodiment, the common vacuum 46 and/or the individual vacuum port are able to be connected to at least one extension tubing for connection to at least one pump.
Therefore, the process for transporting equipment involves placing the equipment on the retractable retention system 40, activating the cinch wire 44, such that sections 42 of the retractable retention system 40 are able to contact the base, the sides, and the top of the equipment, adjust the air in each section 42 of the retractable retention system 40 through the common vacuum port 46, and then sealing the top of the retractable retention system 40. Methods of sealing the retractable retention system 40 according to the present invention are not intended to be limiting and include attaching a clip to the retractable retention system 40 proximate to the cinch wire 44 and applying an adhesive substance to the retractable retention system 40 proximate to the cinch wire 44. In one embodiment, the retractable retention system 40 is sealed via heat welding after the cinch wire 44 has been tightened. In another embodiment, an outside surface of a plurality of sections of the retractable retention system 40 include at least one hook and loop fastening strip and/or at least one zipper strip, which are operable to connect to at least one hook and loop fastening strip and/or at least one zipper strip attached to an outside surface of another of the plurality of sections, such that the retractable retention system 40 is able to be sealed. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that any of the above sealing mechanisms are able to be used alone or in combination with another sealing mechanism.
Certain modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the foregoing description. The above-mentioned examples are provided to serve the purpose of clarifying the aspects of the invention and it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that they do not serve to limit the scope of the invention. All modifications and improvements have been deleted herein for the sake of conciseness and readability but are properly within the scope of the present invention.
This application is related to and claims priority from the following U.S. patent application. This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/292,183, filed Dec. 21, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63292183 | Dec 2021 | US |
