Recent Patents for Space Docking Mechanism

Background: Space docking technology and space docking mechanism are indispensable parts of modern complex spacecraft and important means to expand satellite functions in the future. However, there is still some technology to be broken through in the research of their buffer and locking, so that the docking mechanism can be better used in the future. Objective: Through the introduction and discussion of the characteristics of space docking mechanism patents in recent years, some valuable conclusions are summarized, and the future research and development of space docking mechanisms are anticipated. Methods: This paper studied the patents of various docking mechanisms, and summarized the patents and research progress of the docking mechanism in space. Results: With the development of the space industry, docking mechanism has become more and more important. So the docking mechanisms are needed to achieve the replenishment for long-term spacecraft in orbit, personnel exchange, spacecraft maintenance, and so on. Conclusion: By elaborating on the structural characteristics of the docking mechanism, the importance of the docking mechanism is consulted for investigation. Through the comparison of these patents, it is concluded that weak impact docking mechanism and electromagnetic docking mechanism are the main development trends of docking institutions in the future.