ANDROGYNOUS PERIPHERAL MATING UNIT AND DAMPER OF SHOCK-ABSORBING AND ACTUATING SYSTEM FOR THIS UNIT Russian patent published in 1999 - IPC

FIELD: space engineering; mating devices for space vehicles and shock absorbers. SUBSTANCE: mating unit includes fixed body, movable bumper and shock-absorbing actuating system. Bumper is provided with additional controllable dampers kinematically linked with screws of ball-and-screw converters of this system. Damper of this system includes electromagnetic brake, braking clutch and differential gear whose one input is connected with input shaft of damper and other input is connected with output of braking clutch and output is kinematically linked with input of electromagnetic brake. Differential gear may be made in form of planetary gear train engageable with input shaft of damper, clutch and brake; clutch is made in form of body where coil with control winding, armature and revolving disk coaxial relative to input shaft and engageable with carrier of differential gear by means of splined joint are arranged. EFFECT: enhanced reliability; reduced loads, extended range of speeds in mating; smooth engagement/disengagement of damper; reduced power requirements; simplified procedure of mating. 5 cl, 4 dwg