Microarchitecture Space Studies Report - Technische Universität ...

© 1999 all copyrights of the shown projects are with the designers 

and the departement for design and architecture at tu münchen 

micro architectural space studies 

summary␣ report 

after Performing Parabolic Flight Experiments on 

KC135 (NASA), Houston Texas 10/26 – 10/29/1999 

lehrstuhl␣ für␣ entwerfen 

u n d ␣ g e b ä u d e l e h r e 

univ.␣ prof.␣ richard␣ horden 

t u ␣ m ü n c h e n 

fakultät␣ für␣ architektur

Technische Universität München 

Microarchitecture Space Studies 



Summary Report 

Date: 12/06/1999 

the Munich Space Design Group in front of NASA‘S KC-135 at Ellington 

Field, Houston Texas 

ltr: Hans Huber, Andreas Vogler, Thomas Dirlich, Claudia Hertrich, Arne Laub, Brigitte Borst, Björn 

Bertheau, Bianca Artopé, Ralf Kichner, Julia Habel




after Performing Parabolic Flight Experiments on KC135 (NASA) 

10/26 – 10/29/1999 

Experiments: A. FLOW Flexible Onorbit Workstation 

B. PHA Personal Hygiene Assistant 

C. Space Bed Sleep Restraint System 

D. BOCS Built-in Onorbit Container System 

E. NET Non Effusing Trash receptacle 

Prepared by: Munich Space Design Group 


Lehrstuhl für Entwerfen und Gebäudelehre 

Prof. Richard Horden 

Checked by: Andreas Vogler, dipl. Arch. ETH 

Copyright: Copyright of the designs and there test evaluation is with the Munich 

Space Design Group, Technical University Munich and specifically with 

the named Principal Investigators. Munich 1999 




Date: 12/06/1999



Project: A. FLOW 

Title of Investigation: Flexible On-orbit Workstation (flow) 

Flight Dates: 27, 28 (unscheduled), 29 Oct 1999 

Principal Investigators: Björn Bertheau, Claudia Hertrich, Arne Laub 

Goal: Verify the restraining principle and the geometry of the workstation concept 

Objective: Test adjustment concepts and mechanisms, 

test interface concepts in micro-g environment, 

test additional features 

Astronaut Mary Ellen Weber testing model a Arne Laub handling model b floating 



Postflight Report 

Date: 12/06/1999 

Page: A 01




Introduction: 




Date: 12/06/1999 

Page: A 02 

The flow unit is a foldable table with an integrated restraint system designed to be used in a micro gravity 

environment. It can be attached to the front of an international standard payload rack (a standardised 

modular rack system used for outfitting spacecraft’s and space stations by most space organisations) and 

used as an individual workstation to support astronauts in their daily routine at their notebooks, with 

handheld experiments and small maintenance tasks. Two flow units can be attached in front of a rack to 

extend the working surface. Several units can be paired along a rail to form a wardroom table across the 

aisle in a space station module. The basic intention of this design is the outfitting of both wardroom and 

working (laboratory) area in the current International Space Station concept. 

The flow is a system of connected hinges and the correct fit depends on all adjustable angles and lengths. It 

was a primary design goal to design the system as simple and intuitive as possible. 

The tilt of the tabletop and the distance of the user from the table as well as from the rack surface can be 

adjusted. 

The integrated immobility aid of the flow is designed to restrain a user in the neutral body posture in micro 

gravity. The user can adjust the workstation to his individual body size and use one of three different 

restraining actions: 

1. The user flexes his calf muscles and lifts his heels, the upper legs presses against the upper plate. The bottom 

rotates around the upper plate and is pushed onto the seat plate. The user may have a slight sliding up feeling. 

2. The user restrains himself between the two plates by a lift-leg action. With this action, one can be 

restrained very forcefully. A forward-rotation force has to be counteracted. 

3. The user restrains himself lightly with a lift heel action. He flexes his back muscles; his pelvic bone 

rotates and pushes against the seat plate. As a reaction, the upper leg is pressed against the upper 

plate. 

A self-retracting bungee system helps restrain larger items on the table surface. 

The system is open to further developments. A device can be integrated that restrains small objects in 

negative airflow on the tabletop. Sockets for power or the ISS common data bus can be incorporated as 

well.




Methods and Materials: 




Date: 12/06/1999 

Page: A 03 

The flow system consists of the workstation module and various interface to attach it to a seat track and to 

form a wardroom table configuration. Subject of this parabolic-flight campaign was just the module: the restraining 

principle, the geometry of the construction and additional design issues. 

To test a workstation model in the KC-135 parabolic-flight environment the construction had either to be 

braced or extremely tough. We chose the latter option of a free swinging construction for the parabolic flight 

test model A, because it is relatively close to an on-orbit configuration and the in-flight adjusting effort could 

be reduced. 

Another design test model B was constructed to try out the look and feel. 

Both models were attached to stands that were mounted on the floor of the plane. All interfaces were just 

functional mock-ups. 

Procedure: 

There are detailed test procedures. This is just a summary of the subject headers of repeated test actions: 

Day 1 

Ingress / egress model a 

Basic adjustment model a 

Quick test of adjustment 

Fine tuning model a 

Test of restraining modes 

Test of wrong adjustments model a 

Handling model b free floating 

Test model a by inexperienced user 

Attach model b to stand 

Perform tasks on model b (restrained in foot loops) 

Day 2 

Same as day 1 plus: 

Test bungees on model b restrained in foot loops 

Perform tasks on model a 

Perform tasks on model b (compare)




Results, Discussion: 




Date: 12/06/1999 

Page: A 04 

The flights prove our results from the underwater tests; the restraining principle does work. We got some 

insights into the problems users might have with the restraining mechanisms and discussed possible solutions. 

Despite the model unique adjustment difficulties (caused by the extreme mass and construction solutions 

that we had to choose to match the KC-135 safety criteria) the adjustment system and procedure 

prove to be viable. The flight hardware concept model B showed that the handling of the system in micro-g 

is no problem. We just found that the interface concept needs more work. Of course the whole engineering 

is still in the concept phase. 

Conclusion: 

We think that the system of the flow table is a solution for several important problems of living in a micro-g 

environment. The flight campaign prove the quality of the concept and we could verify our basic assumptions. 

Advancing from this, it is possible to develop actual flight hardware.




Evaluation of questionnaire 

All persons who tested the workstation were asked to rate their experience with the models on a 

scale from 1 (completely unacceptable) up to 7 (completely acceptable), where 4 was neutral. 

Listed is the mean of all the questions answered: 

Amount of restraint in general terms 6.44 

Amount of restraint while lifting heel 6.67 

Amount of restraint while flexing calf 6.2 

Amount of restraint while flexing back 6.25 

Amount of restraint as compared to foot loops 6.57 

Self-explanation of restraining principle 6.83 

Comfort of restraint in general terms 6.38 

Comfort of restraint regarding the surface of the plates 6.25 

Amount of restraint of bungees for restraining small items to tabletop 6.4 

Adjusting by an experienced user 6.33 

Adjusting by an inexperienced user 7 

Basic adjustments of the whole geometry 6.5 

Basic adjustments of the restraining system 6.33 

Fine tuning according to body size of the whole geometry 6.5 

Fine tuning according to body size of the restraining system 6.33 

Speed of ingress 7 

Speed of egress 7 

Ease of ingress 7 

Ease of egress 7 

Carrying the FLOW design model 6.67 

Passing the Flow to another person 7 

Use while writing 7 

Use while calculating 7 

Use while handling objects 7 

Use in folded position as a tabletop, restrained in foot loops 7 

Interference of the oscillation of the system with performing tasks 6.75 




Date: 12/06/1999 

Page: A



Project: personal hygiene assistant - 

pha 

Postflight report and evaluation of the 

performed Parabolic Flight Experiments on KC135 (NASA) 

with PHA Personal Hygiene Assistant 



Issue: 

Date: 12/02/1999 

Page: B 01 

Prepared by: Bianca Artopé Date: 12/02/1999 

Brigitte Borst 

Project Manager: Bianca Artopé 

Brigitte Borst




pha 

Table of Contents 

1. Goal 

2. Objectives 

3. Introduction 

4. Methods and Materials 

4.1. Subjects 

4.2. Instruments 

4.3. Procedure 

5. Results 

6. Discussion 

7. Conclusion 

8. Reference 

9. Evaluation of questionnaires 



Issue: 

Date: 12/02/1999 

Page: B 02 

page 

03 

03 

04 

04 

04 

04 

05 

05 

05 

06 

06 

07 

08




pha 

Title: PHA - personal hygiene assistant 

Flight Dates: Oct. 26. - Oct. 29.1999 

Principal Investigators: Bianca Artopé, Brigitte Borst 

Co-Investigators: Andreas Vogler, Constance Adams, Nigel Packham, Hubert 

Brasseaux, Ketan S. Chhipwadia, Mary Ellen Weber, Julia Habel, Claudia Hertrich, Ralf 

Kircher 

1. Goal 

Proof the function of PHA in microgravity 

2. Objective 

Subject of testing is a new full-body cleansing device for astronauts in micro gravity. 

It is a well known problem that the three methods of body hygiene - washing, bathing, showering 

- are almost not practicable in micro gravity. Right now astronauts use prepacked damp towels 

as a substitute for taking a shower. 

Since November 1998 we were, in collaboration with JSC, developing the „personal hygiene 

assistant“ , short: PHA. This device was tested in a KC135 flight as a new, easy and effective 

alternative for full body cleansing. 

The device itself - similar to a shower head - is small enough to suit a palm and allows 

easy handling, as former tests already proofed. The body of the device holds a sponge in 

the middle . The water is injected into the sponge. A cellulose cover on top of the sponge 

will be touching the skin during the cleansing process and is able to take off greasy parts 

from the skin. This cover will be exchanged more often than the sponge. Like a ring on 

the outer edge of the device the suction channels are located. Therefore no water can 

escape and the water flow will be controlled. Another advantage is the minimization of 

the water consumption. Former tests with the device on the ground show that the principle 

functions very well. 

KC135 gave us a very important possibility to proof this principle in micro gravity and gain comparable 

test data. 



Issue: 

Date: 12/02/1999 

Page: B 03




pha 

3. Introduction 

Goal of the experiments aboard the KC135 was mainly to proof that the personal hygiene assistant 

functions well under microgravity. 

Besides that we gained experience about the characteristics of the system in reduced gravity. 

This data should help for further developement of the device. 

The capillary effect of the sponge is an important factor of the well function of the PHA. If the 1-g 

force (on the ground) is stronger than the force of the suction, water starts to run down. The 

KC135 tests gave us an idea how the capillary effect of the sponge could be used more effectively 

in micro gravity. 

The goal was to reduce the energy consumption of the water suction in relation to the amount of 

injected water. The suction has to be at least strong enough to prevent water from floating away 

from the device. 

To get an evaluative feedback we were very interested to have many different people test the pha. 

Besides the initiators Bianca Artopé and Brigitte Borst we had eight other people from NASA, 

TUM and JE test the device in microgravity. 

4. Methods and Materials 

4.1. Subjects 

Subjects of testing were as following: 

Basic function 

Washing and cleaning effectiveness 

Relation between water supply and suction 

Usability and Ergonomics 

Subjective assessment of washing procedure 

4.2. Instruments 

Experimental flight hardware aboard the KC135 contained four major components: 

- Water supply system 

- PHA - the device itself 

- Air-Water vacuum system 

- Power conditioning 

Different types of suction systems on the device were tested. 

There was no heating system supplied for the water; besides warm water was filled into the 

tanks. 

In order to make the water better visible on the video it was mixed with red food color. 



Issue: 

Date: 12/02/1999 

Page: B 04




pha 

4.3. Procedure 

Day 1, October 26.1999 

Test of basic function (Bianca Artopé) 

Free floating experiments 

Test of washing procedure 

Other experimenters (Astronaut, Ralf) 

Day 2, October 27.1999 (initially not scheduled) 


Figuring out best relation between water and suction 

Other experimenters (Constance Adams, Claudia Hertrich) 

Day 3, October 28.1999 

Test of basic function (Brigitte Borst) 



Other experimenters (Andreas Vogler, Hubert Brasseaux, K.) 

Day 4, October 29.1999 (initially not scheduled) 



Other experimenters (Constance Adams, Julia Habel) 

5. Results 



Issue: 

Date: 12/02/1999 

Page: B 05 

The personal hygiene assistant works well under microgravity conditions. 

No water drops escape from the device except too much water is injected into the pha (more than 6 

Volts - ...l/min) and the PHA is used on the arm and not a plain body surface. 

See Questionnaire evaluation 

6. Discussion 

The desired water consumption of different experimenters varied from 1.5 V to 4.5 V. 

One hairy experimenter complained that the water sticks too much to the hair and is hard to be 

removed.




pha 

Most of the experimenters would have liked to have a stronger suction. Eventually it should be 

possible to regulate the power of the suction. 

To evaluate properly the cleaning effectiveness on the skin, long term studies with the cellulose 

fibre should be prosecuted. 

7. Conclusion 

The dimensions of the device and the apertures of the suction ring should be optimized as well as 

the diameter of the suction tube. 

The suction should be stronger. Eventually it should be possible to regulate the power of the 

suction as well as the water temperature. 

The optimal relation between water supply and suction has to be found and evaluated for ISS 

application. 

Long term studies of the cellulose fibre cover should proof the cleaning effectiveness. 

If a water/suction system will be developed the option for other devices which will be attached to 

it with a quick connector is given. There is a great potential for other hygiene devices based on 

PHA-technology. 

8. Reference 

See pictures on page 9. 



Issue: 

Date: 12/02/1999 

Page: B 06




pha 

9. Evaluation of questionnaires 

Washing Effectiveness 

1. Adjusted water/suction balance 

2. Is the water flow sufficient? 

3. PHA holds the water - non escapes 

4. Cleaning effect 

Usability 

5. Washing while restrained in foot 

loops 

6. Ability to reach all body parts 

7. Comfort, easy handling of PHA 

Subjective assessment 

8. Feeling of water flow on the skin 

9. Feeling of negative air flow on the 

skin 

10. Feeling of refreshment and 

relaxation 

11. Massage effect on the skin 

m 

5/6 



6 

5 

6 

N/A 

6 

6 

7 

7 

7 

6 

f 

6 

7 

6 

6 

7 

7 

7 

5 

5 

7 

4 

f 

3 

7 

3 

6 

5 

7 

7 

7 

4 

7 

4 

m 

5 

6 

4 

6 

6 

6 

6 

6 

6 

6 

6 

m 

2 

7 

7 

N/A 

7 

5 

7 

5 

2 

N/A 

6 

f 

7 

7 

5 

7 

N/A 

7 

7 

7 

6 

7 

7 

m 

6 

7 

5 

6 

7 

N/A 

N/A 

6 

6 

7 

7 

Issue: 

Date: 12/02/1999 

Page: B 07 

Comments: 

to 1: need much more suction 

to 2: too much, less water, very much so 

to 3: a few drops escaped, too much water, more suction was needed, lower water flow helped, the hair on my 

body held the water through surface tention. in 2 G´s, the excess water would all form larger drops and run 

down my body 

to 4: need more time to evaluate this, we need to test this in 1-g for long periods of time. 

to 6: need smaller surface area for pad, to reach your back maybe add a detachable arm? 

to 8: too cold, 

to 9: not enough, didn’t feel much 

to 10: need more time to evaluate this 

m 

6 

7 

6 

7 

7 

7 

7 

6 

7 

7 

6 

f 

5/6 

7 

7 

6 

5 

5 

6 

6 

6 

5 

N/A 

f 

6 

7 

7 

6 

7 

7 

7 

7 

7 

7 

6 

f 

7 

N/A 

6 

7 

N/A 

N/A 

7 

7 

7 

7 

6




pha 

Washing Effectiveness 

1. Adjusted water/suction balance 

2. Is the water flow sufficient? 

3. PHA holds the water - non escapes 

4. Cleaning effect 

Usability 

5. Washing while restrained in foot 

loops 

6. Ability to reach all body parts 

7. Comfort, easy handling of PHA 

Subjective assessment 

8. Feeling of water flow on the skin 

9. Feeling of negative air flow on the 

skin 

10. Feeling of refreshment and 

relaxation 

11. Massage effect on the skin 

female 

5,75 _______ 

7 _______ 

5,6 _______ 

6,3 _______ 

6 _______ 

6,6 _______ 

6,8 _______ 

6,3 _______ 

5,8 _______ 

6,6 _______ 

5,4 _______ 



male 

4,9 _______ 

6,6 _______ 

5,4 _______ 

6,25 _______ 

6,75 _______ 

6 _______ 

6,5 _______ 

6 _______ 

5,6 _______ 

6,75 _______ 

6,2 _______ 

Issue: 

Date: 12/02/1999 

Page: B 08 

general 

5,4 _______ 

6,8 _______ 

5,6 _______ 

6,3 _______ 

6,4 _______ 

6,3 _______ 

6,7 _______ 

6,3 _______ 

5,7 _______ 

6,7 _______ 

5,8 _______




pha 



Issue: 

Date: 12/02/1999 

Page: B 09

Technische Universität München Summary Report 


Date: 12/06/99 

Project: C. SpaceBed 

Page: C 01 

KC-135 Postflight Report Contents 

TITLE (of Investigation): SpaceBed, Schlafkomfort in Schwerelosigkeit (sleep restraint) 

FLIGHT DATES: October 27th, 28th, and 29th 1999 

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS (titles, etc..): 

Technische Universität München, Thomas Dirlich 

CO-INVESTIGATORS (titles, ect.): 

Institut für Schlafmedizin und interdiziplinäre Schlafforschung Münster, Dr. Gerd Rosenberg 

GOAL: 

To test the usability of the SpaceBed in microgravity. In special the in/egress procedures, different sleeping 

positions, the tolerance of the one prototype to use by persons of different size, and the dynamics of the 

Sleepliner in mircogravity. In addition a preliminary test for the „Instiut für Schlafmedizin und interdiziplinäre 

Schlafforschung“ (ISIS) with the BIA device on body impedance measurement, which in combination with 

others is used to evaluate regeneration effectiveness in one-g. 

OBJECTIVE: 

To provide the crews of space vessels, such as the ISS, with a sleeping system which is on the one hand 

easy to use, hygienic, provides maximum comfort and optimal regeneration and on the other hand is 

minimal in weight and volume, optimizing storability and thus transport costs. 

INTRODUCTION: 

How one performs ones daily work and responsibilities depends mainly on how effective one is able to rest 

and regenerate. Considering the specific physiological and psychological conditions during a long term 

mission in space, the importance of privacy and the possibility for effective regeneration become eminent. 

The SpaceBed not only deals with the ergonomic and design issues of sleep and sleep restraints, but also 

takes into account newest knowledge and results of modern sleep science, provided by the ISIS Institute, 

Muenster, Germany. 

Using an inflatable system for the sleep restraints minimizes mass and volume. The materials used have 

been designed for use in the production of modern top quality sleep and bed systems. Harmlessness for 

the user, maximum reliability, and hygiene were crucial in their development. 


and the departement for design and architecture at tu münchen



Date: 12/06/99 


Page: C 02 

METHODS AND MATERIALS: 

Procedure: 

The SpaceBed platform was mounted at the back end of the plane next to the PHA setup. Data was 

gathered by a mounted camera, handheld cameras, the BIA device and questionnaires. The experiment 

was scheduled to be tested on the 27th and 29th, although tests were conducted on all four days. 

Main points of interest for the experiment were easy use, comfort issues, and the adjustability to persons of 

different size. 

Various test person conducted the following tests: 

1. in/egress into/out of the strapped, legs restrained, position without a sleepliner (pict 01) 

2. in/egrees into/out of the strapped position with sleepliner attached (pict 02) 

3. in/egrees into/out of the zero-g, legs free, position without sleepliner (pict 03) 

4. in/egrees into/out of the zero-g position with sleepliner attached (pict 04) 

5. comfort adjustments and use of SpaceBed during several parabolas 

6. In addition Thomas Schielke and Thomas Dirlich gathered some data on the 27th and 29th with the BIA 

device (pict 05). 

Materials: 

The experiment consists of four parts: 

A. SpaceBed: the inflatable upper body restraint 

B. LegRestraint: a not fully developed functional mock-up of a leg restraint 

C. Sleepliner: the soft light sleeping sack which is attached to SpaceBed and LegRestraint 

D. Experiment platform: parabola flight specific attachment area with technical equipment 

RESULTS: 

SpaceBed was tested by 16 different persons during the four days of the flight campaign. The tests went 

very well and the questionnaire rating the project „highly acceptable“, a 6.2 on a scale of 7.0. The analysis of 

the video and photographic footage shows the simplicity of use and the tolerance of the SpaceBed to users 

of different size. The conceptional design ideas of the project were proved as being useful. The inflatable 

structure of SpaceBed not only minimizes the mass and volume, but also makes in/egress even with 

sleepliner easy. The support of the test persons back is very good and comfortable. The spine is held in it 

natural position, the fluids flow freely through the body and maximum regeneration can be achieved. 

DISCUSSION: 

SpaceBed also works with the restraints not inflated, even though comfort is higher and in/egress is much 

easier if they are inflated properly. 





Date: 12/06/99 


Page: C 03 

Almost all test persons emphasize the easiness of in/egress and the comfort of the restraint system. The 

inflated collar was a point of discussion. Some of the testers did not like to use it, others found it very 

helpful. 

Although not very much data was gathered by the BIA, it was proved that the method also works in 

microgravity. 

The LegRestraint will also be developed in the further process. It has proved that it is very useful to make in/ 

egress easy and to restrain the legs. 

CONCLUSION: 

The first parabola flight tests of SpaceBed have been very successful. The Sleepliner will be redesigned in a 

way that it closes and attaches using less velcro. The SpaceBed will have a separately de/inflatable collar 

included to accommodate changing needs of different users. 

The LegRestraint will be redesigned as an inflatable piece, which will be less cumbersome than the mockup 

used during this parabola flight campaign. The next version of SpaceBed will be made foldable and will 

fit into a double BOCS unit. A next series of tests would also deal with the folding behaviour of the inflatable 

unit. 

The SpaceBed works in zero-g and can be further developed into an on-orbit version. The ISIS and the BIA 

Tec are very interested to do further work on optimizing sleep and regeneration in microgravity. The 

SpaceBed team will continue to coordinating the work of its partners in order to accomplish „Schlafkomfort 

in Schwerelosigkeit“, sleeping comfort in microgravity. 

REFERENCES: 

All pictures used are from the photographic contingent „German Hardware“ provided by the Reduced 

Gravity Office at Johnson Space Center. 





Date: 12/06/99 


Page: C 04 

APPENDIX: 

pict 01 

pict 03 pict 04 



pict 02 

pict 05



Date: 12/06/99 


Page: C 05 

ingress procedure performed by 

Nigel Packham 





Project: 

D. BOCS 

KC-135 Postflight Report 

Title (of investigation) Built-in Onorbit Container System BOCS 

Flight Dates: October 26th, 28th and 29th 1999 

Principal Investigator: Julia Habel 

Goal 




Date: 12/06/1999 

Page: D 01 

The goal of the investigation is to see, how good the Built-in Onorbit Container System works in micro 

gravity and to find out how it could be improved. 

Objective 

The Built-in Onorbit Container System BOCS is part of a new crew quarter design. 

The idea is to have maximum space by storing all the needed utilities in storage units that are integrated in 

the walls of the rack. anything that is not in use can be stowed away. 

The system consists of storage units that can be joined together either in a rack wall or independently. No 

additional frame is needed, because the bocses form a stiff frame themselves when joined together. They 

can be put together in many different ways: on top of each other, next to one another or behind each other; 

they can simply be arranged as one desires, or joined together to form larger units and they can also be 

securely stored in a ctb bag. 

Introduction 

The task when designing a storage system for space habitation is to provide the astronauts with a very 

simple modular and multifunctional system that can be used anywhere in the space station for the stowage 

of personal and other items. The system must be easy to handle (zero-g!) and has to provide fixation possibilities 

for the stowed items as they would escape from the units and float about. 

The Built-in Onorbit Container System is the design of such a system including a special fixation mechanism 

for different items.



Project: 

D. BOCS 

Methods and Materials 




Date: 12/06/1999 

Page: D 02 

The main elements of a BOCS are a light weight frame and a hardcover door. 

The door of a bocs opens by itself when released by a special press mechanism and opens 180°. It is 

opened and fixed in this position by a spring hinge. the astronauts can change the character (colors and 

surface) of their crew quarters by opening different storage doors and by hiding or showing different items. 

There are different fixation possibilities inside each bocs. items can either be fixed with adjustable rubber 

bands or with velcro. 

Procedure: 

Seven BOCSes were fixed to a frame in upright position to test the proposed arrangement in a crew quarter. 

Three of these BOCSes were working prototypes, the other four were mock-ups. The opening units could 

be moved around and tested in different positions. The frame was fixed to a static frame provided by project 

A (workstation). The workstation team provided two static frames of which one could be used for the threeday 

testing of the storage system. 

Handrails were fixed to the BOCS-frame and foot loops were provided in front of it. 

Test Objectives: 

Opening mechanism of the doors 

The doors open with a special “press mechanism” that needed to be tested in 0-g 

using foot loops 

using other restraints 

using handrails 

Fixation of the doors 

The doors open automatically and are held open by a specially developed spring mechanism at 180°. 

It was necessary to find out how strong this spring has to be. This was done by using different springs. 

Crew quarter design 

The arrangement of seven BOCSes in a crew quarter were tested in flight concerning: 

Accessibility of all BOCSes (foot loops/handrails) 

Opening the doors concerning the radius 

Using the BOCS 

Putting and fixing different items into the units 

Handling BOCSes 

concerning the size of the unit 

inserting a BOCS into a “rack wall” 

putting units together without a “rack wall”



Project: 

D. BOCS 

Results 

The results of the testing were extremely good and very pleasing. 




Date: 12/06/1999 

Page: D 03 

Opening mechanism of the doors: 

The press mechanism to open the doors was a lot easier than expected. It was even possible to open the 

doors without any kind of restraint, because the necessary force was very small and one could hold onto 

the door itself. Easiest of all was using foot loops (loose rope or bar). Using handrails was quite difficult, but 

this was presumably due to the inexperienced test person. 

Generally the press mechanisms was a great success. 

Fixation of the doors 

The spring hinge specially developed to hold open the doors at 180° did not only work perfectly, but also 

had the big advantage that it opened the doors automatically in zero-g. many test persons agreed that this 

was a great feature of the system. 

Each of the three opening BOCSes had a different number of spring hinges (one, two and three) 

Other than expected the BOCS with three spring hinges worked best of all. It seems to be better to have a 

door that opens quickly and to have a more powerful fixation of the door (180°). Even during disturbances of 

the parabolas the door stayed fixed in the opened position. 

Crew quarter design 

The arrangement of seven BOCSes on top of each other is fine. It is easier to reach the top and middle units 

but also possible to reach the lowest unit without any problems. Reaching units should not be a problem in 

zero-g anyway, because an astronaut can float and turn as he or she pleases. 

I found out that it was very easy to simply turn upside down and use the BOCSes the other way around. 

The opening radius of the doors was no problem at all. In every position the opening of the doors should 

not bother the astronaut in any way. 

Using a BOCS (interior) 

The system of adjustable bars to change the size of the bungies was extremely useful. It was possible to fix 

any kind and any number of items in a BOCS. A great advantage is the adjustability of the bungies., because 

the use of a BOCS can be changed any time and it will work for any kind of stowage. 

The only thing that needs improving is the adjustable bar itself. A better grip is necessary to loosen and 

tighten the small winding. The mechanism otherwise is fine. 

Fixing items to the door with velcro was also approved - the items did not get loose when the door was 

opened. 

The idea to have a small volume but a large surface for fixing all the different items (door and back side) was 

very successful, because a lot of items could be stored in one BOCS and still easily found and reached. 

Handling BOCSes 

The small size of a unit was very handy and useful. It was possible to take out a BOCS and carry it about in 

zero-g (more units were also no problem). This could be useful for storing tools or other equipment,



Project: 

D. BOCS 




Date: 12/06/1999 

Page: D 04 

that need to be taken to different places in the space station, e.g.. 

Joining BOCSes together was easy in zero-g. It was even possible to join units together while floating 

around without being restrained. 

Inserting BOCSes was also easy, only the insertion of the last unit needed a little more force, but this was 

mainly due to the unprecise manufacturing of the joints (prototype!). The insertion of the last unit worked a 

lot easier in zero-g than in one-g, but it will still need improvement. 

Joining BOCSes on top of each other (to be stacked in a CTB-bag) was a little difficult. The joints used here 

were too long and tended to jam. But this should be a easy problem to solve. 

One thing that needs further development is the fixing mechanism of the joints. Several possibilities were 

tested during the flight but it will need a little more thinking about. 

Discussion 

A questionnaire was specially developed to discuss the BOCS. Eight test persons were available for the 

evaluation (Constance Adams, Nigel Packham, Hubert Brasseaux, Andreas Vogler, students and others). 

Here is the list of questions with the average score (1-7) 

1. Ease of opening door 6,6 

2. Opening doors within confines of rack volume 7,0 

3. Level of restraint required to open door 6,6 

4. Fixation of doors in opened position (spring hinge) 6,6 

5. Automatic opening of doors 6,4 

6. Accessing all units within confines of rack volume 7,0 (not always performed) 

7. Ease of putting items in the units 7,0 

8. Ease of fixing items into the units 6,0 (better grip!) 

9. Level of restraint required to put and fix items into the units 6,8 

10. General handling of an unrestrained unit in zero-g 7,0 (not always performed) 

11. Attaching units to each other without the use of a „rack wall“ 7,0 (not always performed) 

12. Inserting a unit into a rack 5,0 (not always performed) 

The results speak for themselves. The whole system had an average score of 6,6. 

The opening mechanism (press mechanism and spring hinge) were very much approved. Just as much the 

interior and the size of a unit. 

As seen before the grip of the adjustable bar and the insertion of units in the rack need further improvement.



Project: 

D. BOCS 

Conclusion 




Date: 12/06/1999 

Page: D 05 

Generally the Built-in Onorbit Container System works well in zero-g. The opening press mechanism and 

the spring hinge don’t need further testing, as they proved to be very useful and completely acceptable. 

The system of fixing items merely needs small adjustments to be made but was otherwise very successful. 

Further testing would be necessary to improve the joining mechanism of the units. The joints will have to be 

manufactured more precisely to make it easier to insert „the last“ BOCS. 

The Built-in Onorbit Container System proved to be multifunctional modular storage system in zero-g, that is 

exceptionally easy to use and very easy to handle. The KC-135 flights were very successful.



Project: 

D. BOCS 

References 

Adding BOCSes 

Joining mechanism 

Interior arrangement 




Date: 12/06/1999 

Page: D 06



Project: 

D. BOCS 

Automatic opening of a door 

inserting a BOCS 




Date: 12/06/1999 

Page: D 07



Project: 

D. BOCS 

Inserting BOCSes upside down 

joining and opening while floating 




Date: 12/06/1999 

Page: D 08



Project: 

E. NET 

TITLE (of Investigation): NET(non effusing trash receptacle) 

FLIGHT DATES: October 26. and 29. 1999 




Date: 12/06/1999 

Page: E 01 

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS (titles, etc.).: Technische Universität München, Dipl. Ing. Hans Huber 

Co-Investigators (titles, etc.): Andreas Vogler, dipl. Arch ETH 

GOAL: 

To test whether the NET works in microgravity and to find out what improvements of the prototypes can be 

made. 

OBJECTIVE: 

To provide the crews of space stations and other space vehicles with a device to enable them to collect 

trash in an easy and timesaving manner. 

INTRODUCTION: 

The devices to collect trash in zero-G as known to the principal investigator have different disadvantages. If 

you have to open a lid, collected trash can flow out. If you have to press trash through an opening which is 

covered with rubber lips, pressure sensitive trash (i.e. a cotton pad full of liquid) pollutes the collecting 

device and the environment. 

The NET avoids these disadvantages. You can open it to such an extent that the opening is fit for the trash 

you are disposing and other trash can not float out. You do not have to press trash through rubber lips. 

The trash bag covers the closing elements of the device and protects them from pollution.



Project: 

E. NET 

METHODS AND MATERIALS: 

Subjects: 




Date: 12/06/1999 

Page: E 02 

The Net consists of the collecting device itself and a holder. The holder can take several adapters, for seattrack 

or clamps for handrails. The collecting device consists of three rings, one of them moveable. The 

closing mechanism consists of the springs which opens like a f-stop of a camera. It is opened with one 

hand against the force of a spring, which closes the device when released.. 

Two versions of the NET were tested: 

The larger version which fits the size of an ordinary trash bag. 

The smaller version which fits in one of the BOCS (Built-in-on-orbit-container-system) by Julia Habel 

The NET (with the exception of the trash-bag) is made from steel to withstand the forces of the parabolic 

flights. On-orbit versions should be made from aluminium or carbon-fibre. 

Procedure: 

The two versions of the NET were mounted on the rear side of a rack of the FLOW-experiment. The small 

version of the NET was also mounted on a belt . The Net on the belt was used to do simulated housekeeping. 

Different simulated trash was used to test the two versions. 

RESULTS: 

The NET worked fine in microgravity. During zero-G the NET sometimes needed some help to close completely. 

It was difficult to attach the NET to seat track during zero-G. The small NET on the belt could be 

used easily for housekeeping. 

DISCUSSION: 

The closing spring is not strong enough. The design of the attachment-point for seat track is not yet suitable 

for zero-G. The principle of the NET works in zero-G.



Project: 

E. NET 

CONCLUSION: 




Date: 12/06/1999 

Page: E 03 

The force of the closing spring has to be reinforced. The attachment point to seat-track has to be improved, 

The NET works in zero-G and can be used to develop on-orbit versions. 

Further testing to verify improvements are necessary. 

REFERENCES:



Acknowledgments: 

These projects were made possible by the great enthusiam, work and support of the following people and companies: 

Professor: Prof. Richard Horden, Departement of Architecture and Design 

Assistant Professors: Andreas Vogler, dipl. arch. ETH (Teamleader) 

Hans Huber, dipl. Ing. Arch (KC 135-Coordinator 

Lydia Haack, dipl. ing. AA 

Claudia Pöppel, dipl. ing. arch 

Students: Bianca Artopé 

Björn Bertheau 

Brigitte Borst 

Thomas Dirlich 

Julia Habel 

Claudia Hertrich 

Arne Laub 

Engineers: Division of Astronautics TU Munich, Prof. Dr. ing. E. Igenbergs 

Departement of Light Weight Construction, Prof. Dr. ing. H. Baier, TU-München 

Prof. H. Bubb, TU-Munich 

Prof. H. Hamacher, TU-Muncih, DLR Cologne 

Dr. Reinhold Ewald, European Astronaut Centre, DLR Cologne 

Dr. E. Pfeiffer, Kayser-Threde, Munich 

Dipl. Ing. Herbert Ertl 

Dipl. Ing. Heinz Kutsch 

NASA Team: Constance Adams, Lockheed-Martin 

The Habitability Design Center at JSC Houston 

Tommy Capps 

Janis Connolly 

David Fitts 

Nathan Moore 

David Ray and the other employees of the Mockup facility building 9 NW 

Noel Skinner and others from the Reduced Gravity Office JSC 

John Evanoff, Johnson Engineering 

Support: Bayern Innovativ 

Bund der Freunde der TU-München 

DLR Cologne, Medical Departement 

Companies: Alu-Meier, Munich, especially Peter Meier and Ralf Kichner 

Hans Grohe, Schiltach, especially Werner Heinzelmann and Günter Glunk 

Dornier Friedrichshafen, especially Dr. Martin Zell and Dr. Josef Winter 

Vontana Wasserbetten, Oererckenschwig, especially Tasso and Thomas Schielke 

Sponsors: Brück Leichtbautechnik, Nister-Möhrendorf 

Krauss-Maffay, München-Allach 

Horbach Werbetechnik, München 

Hoogovens Aluminium Sidal 

Rosner Lacke, München 

Odlo International, Switzerland 

Specken Drumag, Bad Säckingen 

SLV, München 

we apologize to all people you are not named here, but nevertheless made there contribution to the projects. 

The activities of the Munich Space Design Group were accompanied by the film team of Schubert Film, Munich 




Date: 12/06/1999

Microarchitecture Space Studies Report - Technische Universität ...

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