The computer method for choosing the parameters of the peripheral docking unit's latch mechanism

During development of the native peripheral docking unit in accordance with the International Docking System Standard, there was a problem of reducing the size of the latch mechanism that provides capture. The article describes the principle of the latch mechanism operation. The method allowing choosing such positions of joints, that links are in the given area, is considered. The uniform LPT-sequence is used for the generation various positions of joints. The estimation process of the maximum loads operating to links is described. It is shown what reducing the size of the existing latch mechanism is possible only with the increasing of permissible loads. The considered method is a part of the software tool for the latch mechanism automatic design.