The EVA (Extravehicular Activity) Spacesuit HUT (Hard Upper Torso) concept utilizes modern manufacturing techniques, including generative design and additive manufacturing. Instead of a hard upper torso that serves as the pressure container and bearing locator, it will sit outside an upper torso bladder and restraint. It can assist the spacesuit restraint layer in withstanding suit pressurization and act as a protective cage for the astronaut. The design achieves a lighter weight without sacrificing pre-located bearings that aid in hatch-entry donning.
EVA Hard Upper Torso Concept
To obtain an anthropometric measurement, a HUT frame is made out of sheet aluminum and adjustable sizing is incorporated in the scye openings to guage maximize shoulder mobility while centering the head in the neck ring. After locating the loops, measurements of each element are taken and translated into a parametric modeling program.
Next, a set of instructions is given to a generative design program (roughly 4.3 psi, laser-sintered titanium), and it derives the organic shape. It is printed on a large-format additive manufacturing printer in PLA as a representative model. The HUT is intended to be laser-sintered in titanium or aluminum.
Vincent Zhang developed a restraint mockup that is fitted to the interior of the HUT concept.
