Team SNAPUR- Space Non-Actuating Portable Utility Receptacle
Faculty Mentor Name
Kaela Martin, Dawn Armfield
Format Preference
Poster
Abstract
The Space Non-Actuating Portable Utility Receptacle (SNAPUR) is an Extravehicular Activity (EVA) tool receptacle that is composed of two parts bolted to the astronaut’s suit swingarms and the astronaut’s tools. SNAPUR improves astronauts' ease of access to necessary tools during EVA repairs while also reducing mission time and preventing tool loss. The current method of storing tools utilizes the Mini Workstation (MWS), which requires two hands and dedicated actuation to detach and reattach tools. Requiring two-handed dedicated actuation quickly becomes cumbersome because astronauts often find themselves unable to use both hands, in unusual body positions, or in both situations. SNAPUR allows one-handed installation and removes the need for dedicated actuation, thus reducing EVA time. SNAPUR requires only 2.8 lbf applied constantly over 2 seconds to linearly actuate; the user simply needs to grab their tool and pull. SNAPUR has undergone dynamic and stress analysis testing to ensure reliable use, and the design itself keeps serviceability in mind, with removable side panels on the outer casing to allow maintenance.
Team SNAPUR- Space Non-Actuating Portable Utility Receptacle
The Space Non-Actuating Portable Utility Receptacle (SNAPUR) is an Extravehicular Activity (EVA) tool receptacle that is composed of two parts bolted to the astronaut’s suit swingarms and the astronaut’s tools. SNAPUR improves astronauts' ease of access to necessary tools during EVA repairs while also reducing mission time and preventing tool loss. The current method of storing tools utilizes the Mini Workstation (MWS), which requires two hands and dedicated actuation to detach and reattach tools. Requiring two-handed dedicated actuation quickly becomes cumbersome because astronauts often find themselves unable to use both hands, in unusual body positions, or in both situations. SNAPUR allows one-handed installation and removes the need for dedicated actuation, thus reducing EVA time. SNAPUR requires only 2.8 lbf applied constantly over 2 seconds to linearly actuate; the user simply needs to grab their tool and pull. SNAPUR has undergone dynamic and stress analysis testing to ensure reliable use, and the design itself keeps serviceability in mind, with removable side panels on the outer casing to allow maintenance.