Canfield joint
Encyclopedia
The Canfield joint is a mechanism that allows for full hemispherical motion from whatever connects to it. Invented by Dr. Stephen Canfield of the Tennessee Tech University, this joint was developed specifically for spacecraft thrusters
and solar panel
s. Its gimbal
mount simplifies the roll manoeuvre performed when the space shuttle
launches and allows for greater overall manoeuvrability from the Reaction control system
.Unlike other joints,which can only transmit rotational motion up to a constant 70° (not 0 ° to 70°), this joint can transmit rotary motion from 0° and in increments one 1° to 90°. Also this joint has higher stability due to its unique cage-like design.By making use of appropriate actuators (hydraulic/pneumatic),the joint can be moved with surprising speed and accuracy.
When applied to solar panels, the Canfield joint tracks the Sun
more of the time and will not tangle the power cords attached to them. This is especially valuable to space flight when the spacecraft is performing complicated manoeuvres. Its applications will be incorporated into the Constellation Program as a key element.
Spacecraft propulsion
Spacecraft propulsion is any method used to accelerate spacecraft and artificial satellites. There are many different methods. Each method has drawbacks and advantages, and spacecraft propulsion is an active area of research. However, most spacecraft today are propelled by forcing a gas from the...
and solar panel
Photovoltaic module
A solar panel is a packaged, connected assembly of solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells...
s. Its gimbal
Gimbal
A gimbal is a pivoted support that allows the rotation of an object about a single axis. A set of two gimbals, one mounted on the other with pivot axes orthogonal, may be used to allow an object mounted on the innermost gimbal to remain immobile regardless of the motion of its support...
mount simplifies the roll manoeuvre performed when the space shuttle
Space Shuttle
The Space Shuttle was a manned orbital rocket and spacecraft system operated by NASA on 135 missions from 1981 to 2011. The system combined rocket launch, orbital spacecraft, and re-entry spaceplane with modular add-ons...
launches and allows for greater overall manoeuvrability from the Reaction control system
Reaction control system
A reaction control system is a subsystem of a spacecraft whose purpose is attitude control and steering by the use of thrusters. An RCS system is capable of providing small amounts of thrust in any desired direction or combination of directions. An RCS is also capable of providing torque to allow...
.Unlike other joints,which can only transmit rotational motion up to a constant 70° (not 0 ° to 70°), this joint can transmit rotary motion from 0° and in increments one 1° to 90°. Also this joint has higher stability due to its unique cage-like design.By making use of appropriate actuators (hydraulic/pneumatic),the joint can be moved with surprising speed and accuracy.
When applied to solar panels, the Canfield joint tracks the Sun
Sun
The Sun is the star at the center of the Solar System. It is almost perfectly spherical and consists of hot plasma interwoven with magnetic fields...
more of the time and will not tangle the power cords attached to them. This is especially valuable to space flight when the spacecraft is performing complicated manoeuvres. Its applications will be incorporated into the Constellation Program as a key element.
Advantages Over Fixed Thrusters
- Fewer parts resulting in fewer mechanical failures and less weight
- Twelve fewer thrusters
- Simplifies movement for roll manoeuvre
- Allows greater manoeuvrability