A Novel Deployable Capture Mechanism Based on Bennett Networks for Active Debris Removal

To stabilize the space debris problem, it's of great significance to perform Active Debris Removal (ADR) missions. The capturing phase plays a crucial role in the entire ADR mission. One of the greatest challenges is to capture the target in a simple manner. In this paper, a set of principal requirements are firstly established to guide the design of the capture mechanism. A malfunctioned satellite is chosen as the target due to increased collisions it may pose. Based on spatial overconstrained Bennett linkages that are linked by scissor elements, two types of 1-DOF linkage networks are built by tessellations. Both of the networks fold into bundles and deploy into “grippers”, which also enables the deployment to be reversible with only one actuator. Without the need for latching devices, a novel concept of deployable capture mechanisms is proposed according to the networks. Besides, self-locking screw transmission and linkage mechanisms are compactly designed to drive the networks. Finally, simulations of the capturing operation are conducted to verify the compliance to the requirements, and the two types of mechanisms are compared to find their respective application occasions.