Docking, Mating & Fastening
WAM/WAF — Worksite Attachment Mechanism & Fixture
Product Features
In collaboration with NASA GSFC, Honeybee developed a docking interface between a robot and a worksite fixture on the Space Station, providing mechanical and electrical connections. Engineering support included analysis, design, prototype fabrication and testing of the misalignment compensating Worksite Attachment Mechanism/ Worksite Attachment Fixture (WAM/WAF). The two halves engage using a kinematic clamp technique.
COMPREHENSIVE FASTENING STRATEGY
Work with NASA GSFC led to a misalignment compensation interface between a robot and a fixture on the Space Station truss work. For the Comprehensive Fastening Strategy (CFS), Honeybee provided analysis, design, fabrication and testing of Orbital Retrieval Unit (ORU) fasteners designed for robotic and extra-vehicular activity (EVA) astronaut use. The supplied mechanism, as in the WAM/ WAF effort, provides both mechanical and electrical connection from robot to ORU to platform. The key feature of the fastening system is its required ability to fully mate with the platform site before disengagement with the robotic arm. This provides fault tolerance for inadvertent release.