Abstract:
This paper presents the design of a new type of docking mechanism, with advantages of simple structure, capability of end speed control, simultaneous reduction of the impact forces of two satellites during their adsorption union. First, the principle of the docking mechanism is discussed. And then, a three-dimension model is established by using the CATIA software and it is analyzed using the ADAMS software to obtain the motion pattern and the dynamic curve. At last, the force with the flexible shaft in the catching mechanism is analyzed using the ABAQUS finite element software. Simulation results show that the angle allowance of the new capture mechanism is better than the ASDS-Ⅱ, thus the satellite docking may be implemented more easily.