A new approach for design of a satellite modular reusable locking-release device

Aiming at the capturing difficulties for space satellites caused by pose error of the manipulator, a design method of modular reusable locking-release devices based on error field analysis is proposed in this paper. Firstly, error field of the captured trunnion at the bottom of the satellite is analyzed based on the pose error of manipulator terminal and the trajectory of the trapping component is planned. Then the parameterized model of locking-release mechanism selected is established and optimized to conform to the trajectory requirements of captured component. The reusable locking-release unit designed with tolerance ability can change the structure parameters and layouts according to the size of the satellite, which is conducive to the modular promotion. Finally, tolerance margin of the device is analyzed, which indicates that with the assistant of the manipulator, the device designed has a high reliable capturing ability.