Project Title:

A Cableless Joint for Space Robotic Manipulators

92-1-05.05-0661B                                                  NAS05-32423
A Cableless Joint for Space Robotic Manipulators
Honeybee Robotics
204 Elizabeth Street
New York, NY  10012
Thomas Myrick                                        (212-966-0661)

Abstract:

     This project concerns the development of a modified,
planetary, gear-based cableless joint capable of transferring
electrical signals and power across continuously rotating robotic
or mechanism joints similar to slip rings but without their many
limitations. In addition to surpassing the performance of general
slip rings, the electrical transfer elements will also transmit
torque, fostering a more compact design. The effort will determine
the feasibility of transmitting signal and power through the
cableless joint in a practical setting, investigate the torque
transmission potential of the joint, design in detail a first
iteration of the cableless joint, and fabricate and test a
comprehensive breadboard version of the design. The research
should lead to increased signal and power transfer capabilities of
NASA mechanisms currently employing slip rings and to the removal
of the main limitations of slip rings. The innovation will also
foster the development of new types of high-performance robotic
manipulators and other spacecraft mechanisms.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Cableless joints will find
direct application in the future design and construction of
improved automotive transmissions, commercial robot wrists, and
satellite solar array and antenna mechanisms. Many other
commercial mechanism designs could be generated by the advent of a
cableless joint.

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