EVA Hard Upper Torso Concept
Next, I gave a set of instructions to a generative design program (roughly 4.3 psi, laser sintered titanium) and it derived the organic shape. It was printed on a large format additive manufacturing printer in PLA since it is a representative model. The intent is that the HUT would be printed in titanium. I worked with Vincent Zhang to develop a pattern prototype of the restraint softgood.
To obtain an anthropometric measurement, I fabricated a HUT frame out of sheet aluminum and added adjustable sizing to the bearing locations to maximize shoulder mobility and center the head in the neck ring. After locating the loops, I took measurements of each element and translated the shape into a parametric modeling program.
I developed an EVA Spacesuit HUT (Hard Upper Torso) utilizing modern manufacturing techniques including generative design and additive manufacturing. Instead of a heavy upper torso that functions as the pressure container and bearing locator, it will sit outside of a bladder and restraint. It can assist the spacesuit restraint layer in withstanding the pressurization of the suit and act as a protective cage for the astronaut. The potential benefit of this system is a lighter weight without sacrificing pre-located bearings. The downside is the increased complexity between the softgoods and hardgoods.