Roccor, LLC — National Aeronautics and Space Administration SBIR Phase I: Z4

Description

<p>In response to NASA&rsquo;s need for long-duration, low-mass in-space modular construction components, Roccor proposes to develop structural joints designed for rapid in-space assembly (iSA) and structural modularity. Trusses built of repeating unit-cell/modular elements can be assembled by connecting multiple modules to interconnecting joints.&nbsp; Implemented with embedded conductors for connection verification, power and data transmission, the proposed invention utilizes near zero CTE composite tubes with snap-fit connectors and a flexible joint for quick, repeatable construction and reconfiguration of trusses in space.&nbsp; The concenpt, <u>F</u>lexible <u>I</u>nterconnecting <u>N</u>od<u>E</u>s for in-<u>S</u>pace <u>S</u>tructural Assembly (FINESS), will advance iSA opportunities through innovative features such as: 1) assembly connections at low-weight, low cost, and minimal part-count, 2) developing rigid plug-and-play joints for connecting modules in various arrangements, 3) integrating conductive elements for a fully connected structure with joint connection verification, and 4) near zero thermal expansion in carbon fiber tubes and connecting fixtures.&nbsp; The principal objective for the Phase I project is to conduct a preliminary design-analysis-fabrication-test loop for an electrically integrated modular truss joint.&nbsp; The project will clearly identify engineering risks that must be addressed to ensure acceptable performance on-orbit and in gravity loaded environments.&nbsp; Detailed mechanical and electrical design will be performed including investigation of attainable truss geometries, repeatable plug-and-play fastening mechanisms, material selection and conductive routing.&nbsp; The design efforts will be followed by local and global strength, stability and thermal analyses to describe the capacity of the modular joints.&nbsp; Furthermore, elements of the concept will be prototyped to test areas such as modular assembly and electrical continuity across joints.</p>