Hard-Soft Electronic Connection Method
for The Spacesuit Antenna
I had been tasked with developing a hard-soft connection for the next iteration of the xEMU spacesuit antenna. I researched current radio frequencies connection methods, difficulties, and fastening methods. I prototyped various connection methods and tested for tensile strength. I developed 10 connection methods, including process documentation, diagrams, and testing (as available via remote work). Shown below are the best outcomes; the rest of the information/images remain classified.
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No Other Materials Required
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Wearable
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Flexible
Full Extension
of Antenna
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No Other Materials Required
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Wearable
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Flexible
Full Extension
of Antenna
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Strong
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Reusable
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Stress is Spread Out
Double Crimp
Connection
Full Extension
of Antenna
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Detachable
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Wearable
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Easy to Extend
Screw Fastener Connection
Project Brief
Challenge
Textile antenna is being used for the new space suit to reduce mass and volume.
Needs to interface with rigid components to receive power.
The current design is robust, but bulky.
Explore alternatives to reduce profile.
Create a robust rigid to soft connection method for textile antennas.
Objectives
Simplify connection methods.
Create repeatable/manufacturable process.
Curate relevant standards.
Develop process that can be applied to other connections.
Goal
Process
Fastener Research
Ideation
Preliminary Testing
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Additional Deliverables
Developing Standards
I curated a set of standards for texting as one didn't exist for this project. This combined electrical and textile standards.
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Mechanical
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Pull Force
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Breaking/Cracking Force
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Flexibility
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Effect on electronics
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Electronics
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Impedance
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VSWR
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Return Loss
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Insertion Loss
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Tangential Standards
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Testing Conditions
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Moisture
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Flammability
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Material Choice
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Future: Placement on Body
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Body Area Network
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Effect on Movement
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Unobtrusive Placement
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Comparisons
Presentation
Many thanks to my mentors Ami Yang and Nick Schleif.
To the internship coordinators Annalise R Giuliani, Jennifer
Becerra, Hiba Akram.
And to The Minnesota
Space Grant for funding
my internship.
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Acknowledgments
Using the standards, I created a document to compare the various prototypes based on simple remote testing.