EVA Hard Upper Torso Concept
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 serves as the pressure container and bearing locator, it will sit outside the 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.
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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.
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.
