Variable surface landing platform (VARSLAP)

• US 9,174,750 B2
• Filed: 02/23/2015
• Issued: 11/03/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 02/08/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Raymond George Carreker
• Original Assignee: Raymond George Carreker
• Inventors: Carreker, Raymond George
• Primary Examiner(s): Dinh, Tien
• Assistant Examiner(s): Green, Richard R
• Application Number:
  US14/629,119
• Publication Number:
  US 20150166201A1
• Time in Patent Office: 253 Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B64G 1/1071 Planetary landers intended for the exploration of the surface of planets, moons or comets
• CPC Class Codes: B64G 1/22 Parts of, or equipment specially adapted for fitting in or to, cosmonautic vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B64G 1/62 Systems for re-entry into the earth's atmosphere; Retarding or landing devices

Abstract

In one embodiment, a variable surface landing platform (VARSLAP) includes a base for contacting a landing surface; at least 3 adjustable struts interconnected with the base, wherein each strut is bisected by a strut actuator-housing, and wherein the at least 3 adjustable struts are interconnected to a main body aerospace craft (MAC); a sensor array on the base; and an attitude determination and control system (ADCS).

Claims

1. A method of positioning a load on a surface, the method comprising:

(a) contacting the surface with a landing body;

(b) initiating a disjunctive planar dynamic between the surface and the load by maintaining the plane of the load independently of the plane of the surface, wherein the load is interconnected with the landing body, whereby said interconnection impose a counter-gravitational force against the plane of contact of the load with the interconnection and the plan of contact of the landing body with the interconnection thereby disassociating the relative motions of said planes; and

(c) bringing the load to rest.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the load is interconnected with the landing body via at least 3 adjustable struts.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising

(d) sensing the contacting of (a) with a sensor corresponding to a first one or two of the at least 3 adjustable struts;

and

(e) contracting the first one or two of the at least 3 adjustable struts, whereby said sensor initiates the function of (b).

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising:

(f) maintaining the load perpendicular to a gravitational vector by adjusting the at least three adjustable struts until the load is at rest.

5. A method of positioning a load on a surface, the method comprising:

(a) contacting the surface with a landing body;

(b) initiating a disjunctive planar dynamic between the surface and the load by maintaining the plane of the load independently of the plane of the surface, wherein the load is interconnected with the landing body; and

(c) bringing the load to rest.

6. The method of claim 5 further comprising:

(d) contacting a load with a dynamically unstable surface;

(e) initiating a disjunctive planar dynamic between the surface and the load, wherein the load is interconnected with the surface; and

(f) maintaining the load at a level attitude.