group
What campus are you from?
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Roy Su, Diego Luna, Sophomore Junior Tangou, Freshman Leo Herrin, Freshman Omar Marquez, Freshman Sabina Sinchuri, Sophomore Diego Luna, 2694896, Sophomore Nathan Scalf, Sophomore
Lead Presenter's Name
Roy Su, Diego Luna
Faculty Mentor Name
Sathya Gangadharan
Abstract
The servicing of spacecraft and other structures in microgravity requires the use of many tools. Current systems require repetitive action to install the tool to the dock, which can be cumbersome and quickly fatigue astronauts. The servicing of spacecraft and other systems in microgravity necessitates a robust device to mount tools to a tool dock. The 2026 NASA Micro-g NExT Challenge calls for a device to fit this need. Our tool mount proposal uses a spring-loaded snap-fit mechanism to securely attach tools to a tool dock. The docking system is made with aluminum 7075-T6 to balance weight, strength, and the reduction of wear. The tool mount is designed to be ergonomic, with paddles on each side of the barrel. When both paddles are pressed at the same time, the mount is unlocked and the tool is able to be removed from the mount. The tool can be installed into the tool dock by holding the tool and inserting the tool attachment into the belt attachment and rotating the tool until it cannot rotate. Our belt attachment was inspired by the pistol tool grip.
Did this research project receive funding support from the Office of Undergraduate Research.
No
Paddle Mount and Orientation Dock
The servicing of spacecraft and other structures in microgravity requires the use of many tools. Current systems require repetitive action to install the tool to the dock, which can be cumbersome and quickly fatigue astronauts. The servicing of spacecraft and other systems in microgravity necessitates a robust device to mount tools to a tool dock. The 2026 NASA Micro-g NExT Challenge calls for a device to fit this need. Our tool mount proposal uses a spring-loaded snap-fit mechanism to securely attach tools to a tool dock. The docking system is made with aluminum 7075-T6 to balance weight, strength, and the reduction of wear. The tool mount is designed to be ergonomic, with paddles on each side of the barrel. When both paddles are pressed at the same time, the mount is unlocked and the tool is able to be removed from the mount. The tool can be installed into the tool dock by holding the tool and inserting the tool attachment into the belt attachment and rotating the tool until it cannot rotate. Our belt attachment was inspired by the pistol tool grip.