Universal CubeSat Dispensing Device and Method

Abstract

This disclosure relates generally to a modular CubeSat dispenser with novel features that enable universal compatibility within a single CubeSat dispenser system. The apparatus of the invention is particularly useful for 10 CubeSat dispensers and other standardized deployment devices.

Claims

1. A universal CubeSat dispensing device, comprising: a clamshell structure; a removable conversion element; a preloading mechanism; and a spacer system, wherein said clamshell structure, said removable conversion element, said preloading mechanism, and said spacer system allow to load a one or more satellites into said universal CubeSat dispensing device in multiple ways and access at least three whole sides of said one or more satellites, and wherein said clamshell structure, said removable conversion element, said preloading mechanism, and said spacer system allow said universal CubeSat dispensing device to convert between various widths and lengths of said one or more satellites in a single system.

2. (canceled)

3. The universal CubeSat dispensing device of claim 1, wherein said clamshell structure comprises two clamshell halves, and wherein said clamshell halves are held together with the help of first fasteners to form said clamshell structure.

4. The universal CubeSat dispensing device of claim 1, wherein said spacer system comprises a pusher plate.

5. The universal CubeSat dispensing device of claim 4, wherein said spacer system fastens to said preloading mechanism with second fasteners causing said pusher plate to extend said universal CubeSat dispensing device further to accommodate a shorter satellite of said one or more satellites.

6. The universal CubeSat dispensing device of claim 1, further comprises a second universal CubeSat dispensing device, wherein said second universal CubeSat dispensing device is fastened to said universal CubeSat dispensing device in a quad pack configuration.

7. The universal CubeSat dispensing device of claim 6, wherein said universal CubeSat dispensing device and said second universal CubeSat dispensing device are fastened using joiner plates.

8. The universal CubeSat dispensing device of claim 1, further comprises doors configured for placing said one or more satellites into said universal CubeSat dispensing device.

9. The universal CubeSat dispensing device of claim 8, wherein said doors comprise an actuator, and wherein said actuator operates said doors.

10. The universal CubeSat dispensing device of claim 8, wherein said clamshell structure comprises clamshell halves held together to form said clamshell structure by first fasteners in a locked state, and wherein said first fasteners are removed to allow said clamshell halves to separate, said doors to open, such that said conversion element is removed.

11. The universal CubeSat dispensing device of claim 10, wherein said doors are held closed with said universal CubeSat dispensing device by tools, constraining said one or more satellites in said universal CubeSat dispensing device while removing said clamshell structure.

12. A universal CubeSat dispensing device, comprising: a clamshell structure; a removable conversion element; a preloading mechanism; a spacer system; doors, wherein said clamshell structure, said removable conversion element, said preloading mechanism, and said spacer system allow to load one or more satellites into said universal CubeSat dispensing device in multiple ways and access at least three whole sides of said one or more satellites, wherein said clamshell structure, said removable conversion element, said preloading mechanism, and said spacer system allow said universal CubeSat dispensing device to convert between various widths and lengths of said one or more satellites to fit in a single system; and wherein said doors are configured for placing said one or more satellites into said universal CubeSat dispensing device.

13. The universal CubeSat dispensing device of claim 12, wherein said clamshell structure comprises clamshell halves held together to form said clamshell structure by first fasteners in a locked state, and wherein said first fasteners are removed to allow said clamshell halves to separate, said doors to open, such that said conversion element is removed.

14. The universal CubeSat dispensing device of claim 13, wherein said doors are held closed with said universal CubeSat dispensing device by tools, constraining said one or more satellites in said universal CubeSat dispensing device while removing said clamshell structure.

15. The universal CubeSat dispensing device of claim 12, wherein said clamshell structure comprises clamshell halves, and wherein said clamshell halves are held together with the help of first fasteners to form said clamshell structure.

16. The universal CubeSat dispensing device of claim 12, wherein said spacer system comprises a pusher plate.

17. The universal CubeSat dispensing device of claim 16, wherein said spacer system fastens to said preloading mechanism with second fasteners causing said pusher plate to extend said universal CubeSat dispensing device further to accommodate a shorter satellite of said one or more satellites.

18. The universal CubeSat dispensing device of claim 12, further comprises a second universal CubeSat dispensing device, wherein said second universal CubeSat dispensing device is fastened to said universal CubeSat dispensing device in a quad pack configuration.

19. The universal CubeSat dispensing device of claim 18, wherein said universal CubeSat dispensing device and said second universal CubeSat dispensing device are fastened using joiner plates.

20. The universal CubeSat dispensing device of claim 12, wherein said doors comprise an actuator, and wherein said actuator operates said doors.

21. A method of providing a universal CubeSat dispensing device, said method comprising steps of: providing a clamshell structure; providing a removable conversion element; providing a preloading mechanism; providing a spacer system; accommodating various lengths and widths of one or more satellites with said spacer system, said preloading mechanism and said removable conversion element; and allowing access to said one or more satellites through said clamshell structure.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] A more complete understanding of the invention and the many attendant advantages thereof will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0026] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the first embodiment prior to conversion.

[0027] FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing the first embodiment in its convertible state.

[0028] FIG. 3 is an exploded view showing the first embodiment after removal of the conversion elements, but with the addition of the spacer system.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a rear isometric view showing the first embodiment after conversion.

[0030] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the first embodiment in a quad pack configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0031] In FIG. 1 the inventive device utilizes a fasteners 103 to fasten clamshell halves 101 and 102 together capturing doors 104 in their locked state.

[0032] In FIG. 2 the inventive device has been separate into its constituent subsystems for conversion through removal of fasteners 103 and 203 to allow clamshell halves 101 and 102 to separate, doors 104 to open, such that conversion element 201 may be removed. Threaded preloading mechanism 202 can be seen threaded into the back of clamshell half 102.

[0033] In FIG. 3 spacer 301 has been fastened to preloading mechanism 202 with fasteners 303, causing pusher plate 302 to extend into the body of the dispenser further to accommodate a shorter satellite.

[0034] In FIG. 4 the inventive device has been closed back up with a satellite inside (not shown) by fastening clamshell halves 101 and 102 together with fasteners 103. Preloading mechanism 202 has been turned with a spanner wrench (not shown) to apply a preload to the satellite inside the dispenser.

[0035] In FIG. 5 the inventive device has been configured in a quad pack configuration by fastening two dispensers together by the addition of joiner plates 501 and fasteners 502.

[0036] The inventive device enables users of CubeSat dispensers to only need a single system to fly multiple widths and lengths of satellites through the use of clamshell structure 101 and 102 to gain access to the inside of said CubeSat dispenser, a removable conversion element 201 to allow different width satellites to be accommodated, preloading mechanism 202 to preload the satellite(s) from a single point, and spacer 301 to accommodate different length satellites.

[0037] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. Other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosure disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims.