In the past, NASA has developed various tool restraint systems to prevent equipment loss during extravehicular activities. However, many rely on active locking mechanisms, which can get complex in mic..
In the past, NASA has developed various tool restraint systems to prevent equipment loss during extravehicular activities. However, many rely on active locking mechanisms, which can get complex in microgravity. This project details the design, development, and evaluation of a Passive Capture Tool Dock (PCTD) featuring a push-to-lock clip mechanism. This prototype was designed for microgravity environments for NASA’s 2026 Micro-g NExT Challenge 2. The device is designed to passively secure Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA) tools to the astronauts' toolbelt for spacewalk use. To engage, tools are pushed through an elastic U-clip, which locks it in place. To disengage, the tool can slide upwards, promoting ease of access. The design prioritizes simplicity and ease of use while wearing hefty EVA gloves, minimizing unnecessary complexity and the risk of tool loss during extravehicular activity, making the design safe and reliable long-term. The design process consisted of CAD modeling, 3D-Printing, and neutral buoyancy simulations to test the tool dock’s performance under simulated space-like conditions. The resulting prototype demonstrates a lightweight, effective, and reliable solution for EVA tool stowage, contributing to safer and more efficient astronaut operations in future missions.
