CC20 Common Restraint and Mobility Aid System for Multiple Gravity Environments

Completed TRL 3 (started at 1, targeting 3)

Description

This challenge is in support of an ongoing offort to develop a common habitation platform, where the same habitat design can be used in space, on lunar/planetary surfaces, and in Earth-based crew training. The advantage is to use a single acquisition to cover all long duration human spaceflight needs. One area that needs particular attention is restraints and mobility aids. In microgravity, astronauts need hand holds, foot holds, and work area restraints. In gravity, astronauts may need steps or ladders, particularly for large, multi-deck habitats. A common solution is needed ? a system that will restrain crew members in microgravity, while being unobtrusive in gravity; that will enable astronauts to translate between decks on the Moon or Mars, but not be a passageway obstruction in microgravity. I am looking for a solution that can be applied to the interior of a habitat derived from the shell of the SLS Liquid Oxygen tank (approximately 8.4 meter diameter; 2.65 meter dome height; whether or not to use the full 10.3 meter length or a reduced barrel length is a trade currently in progress). This is a 3-deck habitat in a horizontal orientation and a 4-6-deck habitat in a vertical orientation (trade in progress). The solution should be modeled in CAD, preferably in Rhino, though compatible exports from other platforms are acceptable.
This problem is in support of the Common Habitat, a design study seeking to develop a single habitat architecture that functions on the Moon, Mars, in microgravity transit, and as an Earth trainer/analogue. The advantage of such a design is a single design and procurement activity can provide for all four needs. NASA funding levels may not allow the Agency to develop highly capable habitats for the Moon, Mars, and Mars transit all in parallel and spreading these out in series could increase the time required to prepare missions to Mars. This challenge addresses a key component of the Common Habitat. Properly designed and placed, restraints and mobility aids enable the crew to live and work effectively in space, on the Moon, and on Mars. It will also enable crews to train on Earth like they will operate on their missions. But improper design or placement can reduce work efficiency, cause crew injury, result in equipment damage, or even lead to loss of life. Thus, a common restraints and mobility aids solution that works in all gravity environments is a critical element to a truly Common Habitat.

Benefits

First Place Daedalus Project by abner.gomez-2 Daedalus Project Very innovative concept. Thank you for you the detailed info and well-thought out solutions across multiple scenario types. Excellent report deriving solution from functional requirements. Addresses restraint, mobility and stability in 0g and transition to gravity environment. Multifaceted solution set includes standing, walking, and inter-deck translation support. Second Place Restraint Chair and Folding Ladder. by aniruddha.nayak-1 Restraint Chair and Folding Ladder. This is a very well thought out system. The simplicity and adjustability of it is very innovative. Restraint seat that can work in all gravity and a folding ladder system that can be reconfigured to a closed hatch. Very nice description in the document. I appreciate that you addressed different aspects of the challenge, postural support and translation between decks. The rotating rungs on the folding ladder are a good innovation - will need to ensure they are geared such that they cannot open when the ladder is in the closed position. The open hatch position is very interesting, but not sure if it will ever be needed. Your report is clear and well written. Good job. Third Place gecko feet shoes by azer.tim-1 gecko feet shoes This is a very interesting concept. I can see this concept having potential in a very low or microgravity environment. The pneumatic control is an interesting enhancement to gecko-inspired adhesion. This would be a good solution, particularly given that it is most effective on smooth surfaces and smooth surfaces are preferred from a dust mitigation standpoint. Fun idea. Like the idea of using nature as inspiration for design challenges! Fourth Place Integrated Slot and Cleat RAM System by whit-3 Integrated Slot and Cleat RAM System This is a very interesting, and well thought out concept. Innovative solution. Excellent understanding of proper process of design that is based on identified use cases. I especially like the "embedded" handhold extrusion for mobility in microgravity. I imagine that this concept would work for lunar gravity as well for stability. I also like the fact that one can attach into the extrusion to anchor cargo, or to work at a longer duration stationary workstation. May consider same rail system for the ladder cage/elevator design, which currently stands as a separately designed system. This is a viable concept and it shows promise. The slots and cleats will enable motion in microgravity environments without being hindrances in gravity fields. Fifth Place Multipurpose Peg and Rail System by trevor.tietgen-1 Multipurpose Peg and Rail System Great idea! This is a well thought out and comprehensive system. It is mainly configured for gravity environments but won't interfere with use in a microgravity environment. One of the best submitted proposals for fall protection. Trolley is reasonably good for moving cargo but could be improved to address
Significantly Advanced Towards a Solution
Not Applicable
CAD/Mech Design

Details

Technology area	Human Health, Life Support, and Habitation Systems > Human Systems Integration > Human Factors Engineering
Program	Prizes, Challenges, and Crowdsourcing (PCC)
Lead organization	Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
Start date	2020-06-01
End date	2020-09-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Robert L Howard — robert.l.howard@nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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