Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
The invention's field of application is framed within the aerospace industry, focusing particularly on the area of the industry dedicated to the manufacturing of heavy structures and spaces or pressurized habitats.
Currently the space habitats that have been designed are formed by space modules. The space modules are limited by the volume of the fairing of the rockets in the launches.
The habitable volume that is achieved is that which is sent to space, that is to say, only that which is within each module.
To date the space modules are only joined or connected by passages and in no case are they stackable nor do they generate pressurized and habitable volumes between the modules.
Some companies such as Bigelow construct inflatable modules but the way of connecting the modules is the same.
The objective of this invention is, then, to develop an improved construction system of space habitats that allows incrementing the available space in them without being limited to that which each rocket, launching module or aerospace craft can transport.
Furthermore, and in reference to the current state of the art, it can be pointed out that the existence of any other hollow structure for creating pressurized space habitats is unknown, at least by the applicant, or any other invention of similar application which presents equal or similar technical, structural and constitutive characteristics to those that are claimed herein.
The invention, refers to a hollow structure for creating pressurized space habitats, contributing advantages and characteristics to the function to which they are dedicated, which are described in detail below and which signify a noteworthy novelty to the current state of the art.
More specifically, the purpose of the invention is focused on a hollow structure applicable for creating pressurized space habitats, which are distinguished by being configured by the union of multiple space modules that are joined together and that allow assembling this structure in situ in space, thus occupying much less volume for their launching into space than that which it provides as useable once assembled.
To complement the description that is made herein and for the purpose of aiding a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, this descriptive report is accompanied, as an integral part thereof, by a set of drawings in which items have been shown which include but are not limited to the following:
And
The hollow structure for creating pressurized space habitats that the invention proposes is configured, then, as a novelty within its field of application, since according to its implementation and in a restrictive manner, it satisfactorily fulfils the objectives indicated earlier, with the characterizing details that make it possible and that distinguish it appropriately included in the final claims that accompany this description.
More specifically, what the invention proposes, as noted above, is a specially designed structure with the end purpose of creating pressurized space habitats, for different uses that may be required in space. It is distinguished by being configured from the union of multiple modules, which at least in part are habitable and pressurized living quarters in space, but that, in any case, present a geometrically variable configuration, apt for being coupled together. They comprise a larger hollow structure, in such a way that they allow mounting this structure in situ in space, thus occupying much less volume for their launching into space than that which it provides as useable once it is assembled, since in the launching, the modules are unassembled and each one is an independent module, and, once assembled, in addition to the space of each module, it obtains the structure's interior hollow space whose perimeter is created by these modules.
Therefore, and more specifically, the acclaimed hollow structure consists of a pressurized space habitat created from a set of modules connected together in such a way that they define a body larger than the sum of the volume occupied by these modules, which are transported unassembled when launched, either the entire set, or else by parts or individually, for example, by an aerospace craft in the form of a tug.
In turn, these modules, preferably most of them, are pressurized space modules that define in themselves space habitats that, by being coupled together, in addition to the perimeter of the structure that they create, allow defining a common space habitat that is added to the general space of this structure, and the rest, where applicable, can consist simply of structural modules that, either, used alone, make up part of the perimeter of the pressurized habitat that the hollow structure defines once it is assembled, or else they serve to connect its parts.
In any event, the modules are defined by volumetric bodies of a variable geometric layout, according to the configuration, which is also variable, of the hollow structure to which they are dedicated and the position they occupy. Thus, for example, if the hollow structure is a parallelepiped body where the modules are prismatic bodies that, at least, define its edges and, optionally, also intermediate sections that connect these edges and/or the bases and the sides of this body together. Or, for example, if the hollow structure is a hollow cylinder, the modules will consist of bodies with the shape of cylinder sectors that form successive circular rings that define the circular walls of said cylinder, including, optionally, modules in the shape of circular sectors and circular modules that shape the bases that close both ends of the cylinder. Or, for example, if the hollow structure is a sphere, the modules will be formed by bodies in the shape of segments of the sphere.
In any case, preferably, the modules of the same hollow structure, at least most of them, are standardized modules, that is, having the same shape and configuration, in order to facilitate and economize their manufacture.
For its part, in order to achieve the mentioned connection between the modules, they are provided, on one, several or all its faces, depending on the configuration and the position they occupy in the structure, in any case in those flat faces that are abutted to the contiguous module, with door-like openings with an extractable pressurized cover whose shape and dimensions coincide in order to adapt together upon confronting the respective faces of the modules to connect, as well as the connection and sealing means in order to join them without compromising the pressurized interior of the structure, with the modules communicating internally together. In addition, some or all of the modules have this door on its side that is oriented towards the interior space of the structure, once formed, to allow passing towards said space.
Moreover, in order to facilitate this connection, an approach and buffering device is considered based on a pneumatic piston and electromagnets that, in addition, is advantageously detachable to allow its reuse in each connection, avoiding the need to incorporate it as a fixed element in each door, with which besides gaining the space that it occupies, the manufacturing costs are reduced.
The principal advantages that this structure provides are, among others, the following:
The fact that the modules can be serial produced is advantageous since a cylinder or other hollow figures can be constructed with standard modules, lowering the manufacturing cost and simplifying the assembly. When producing the modules, standard pre-installations can be taken into account, such as slots or handles of easy assembly for solar panels, connectors, outlets or to connect other accessories, depending on the needs both inside the modules and outside, avoiding have to drill or modify the structure once it is finished in order to place, for example, a sensor, a solar panel or an antenna, etc.
What the invention provides, therefore, is a structure that defines a habitable and expandable volume, being created from space modules, so that they generate a hollow structure that, in turn, houses a pressurized habitat. The modules can have different functions, such as that of working as treatment systems, air purifiers, greenhouses and even completely functional space modules.
A single module can be habitable and, by connecting it to others, a pressurized volume is created much larger than the sum of all.
The described hollow structure to create pressurized space habitats represents, then, an innovation of structural and constitutive characteristics unknown until now, reasons that together with its practical utility, giving it sufficient grounds for obtaining the privilege of exclusivity that is requested.
In view of the mentioned figures, and in accordance with the numeration adopted, one can observe in them unlimited examples of realization of the hollow structure for creating pressurized space habitats of the invention, which include the parts and elements that are indicated and described in detail below.
Thus, as observed in
Preferably, the structure is comprised only of space modules (2) that are, in turn, pressurized modules, that is, that they define in themselves pressurized space habitats, as shown in the examples of
In the example of
In
Preferably, for the connection between modules (2), in the flat connecting faces (20), they have, at least, one door (4) that, prior to said connection, especially when it deals with pressurized space modules (2), is closed with an extractable pressurized cover (5) and whose shape and dimensions coincide with all the modules (2) in order to adapt together by confronting the respective faces (20) of two adjacent modules (2) to be connected, and these doors (4) once confronted are fastened and pressurized along the perimeter to each other with the cited connecting means (6) and sealing means (7), with the two modules (2) communicating inside with each other.
In addition, preferably, these sealing means (7) are also incorporated in the interior connecting areas between modules (2), as shown in
Preferably, these connecting means (6) are mechanical connecting means that consist, for example, of thru-axles (60) that, crossing the partition of the flat face (20) of both modules (2) are fastened at their respective threaded ends by means of corresponding nuts, without ruling out other possibilities such as screws, tension cables or others.
And the sealing means (7), preferably, consist of a joint (70) in the form of a band with perforations (73) for their fastening by means of bolts embracing the edge of each door, as shown in
In any case, it is important to point out that the sealing joints (70) allow pressurizing the connections between modules (2) right on the interior border that remains inside the hollow structure (1) and also when there is a door that communicates two modules (2), since thanks to them multiple faces can be pressurized at the same time. The pressure of the habitat or hollow interior space (1a) of the structure (1) once assembled and pressurized, as observed in the arrows of
The joints (70) are manufactured in an appropriate way so that they remain protected from space conditions such as micro-meteorites, cosmic radiation, solar radiation, extreme temperatures (−180° C. in the shadow and 122° C. on the side lighted by the sun), space debris, etc. The joint protection is important in keeping the pressurization from being compromised.
The joints (70) are not subject to structural forces, since they are on the edge that connects the modules (2) and not between the modules. The structural forces are buffered by the mechanical connection means (6), which avoids breakage of the joint due to mechanical fatigue and it even protects it from small tremors.
Alternatively, the sealing means (7) may consist of cold welds, fabric seam connections, rubber with covers, glue or others.
In any case, preferably, some or all of the modules (2) also have the door (4) with extractable pressurized cover (5) on one of its internal faces (21), that is, which is oriented towards the interior hollow space (1a) of the structure (1) once assembled, allowing access to it when the structure (1) is assembled and pressurized.
In addition, in order to facilitate the connection between the two doors (4) of the flat faces (2) of two adjacent modules (2) to be joined, the invention's structure (1) has an approach and buffering device (8) by means of a pneumatic piston (82) and electromagnets (81, 84) that, preferably, is dismountable and reusable in other connections in assembling the same structure (1) by means of incorporating it on the respective doors (4) of the modules (2) to connect, after removing the cover (5) that closes them.
Observing
With it, in order to carry out the connection, principally what is done is tow a module (2) to the structure (1) until it is very near and then the final approach is controlled, adjusting the pressure of the doors of air entry of the pneumatic piston (82) and the intensity of the electromagnets (81, 84) and the modules (2) are aligned alone thanks to the magnetic fields. In
Once the connection is finalized, the modules (2) are fastened with the mechanical connection means (6) and, afterwards, the approach and buffering device (8) is dismantled, which can be used again in another connection. Next, the sealing means (7) are applied.
The complementary conical shape of the electromagnets (81, 84) increases the contact surface between them and, consequently, increases the retention force to facilitate the placement of the connection means (6).
In the example of the preferred realization shown in
Finally,
Specifically,
In
And from this configuration, this structure (1) can be enlarged in two different ways:
Therefore, in the first option, in order to enlarge the cylinder that makes up the structure (1) on the right without compromising its pressurization, you would proceed as follows:
In
In the second option, shown in
Logically, each time that a module (2) is placed in its location the connection means (6) and the sealing means (7) described earlier are applied, so that, in the entire process of enlarging the habitat the astronauts work from within the hollow structure (1), from within the modules (2) or from within the tug of the modules, being protected from solar storms, solar radiations, cosmic radiations, space debris, micro-meteorites, etc.
Having described sufficiently the nature of this invention, as well as the way to put it into practice, it is not considered necessary to extend the explanation further as any expert in the subject may understand its scope and the advantages that are derived from it, stating that, within its essentiality, it can be carried out in other forms of realization that may differ in details from that indicated as an example, and to which the protection that is sought would also extend, as long as it does not alter, change or modify its fundamental principle.