Iso-Couplings: An Improved Thermal Control System Fluid Interface for ORU's 921147
A new fluid component for use in thermal control systems (TCS) and related on-orbit replaceable units (ORU) has been developed through the combination of fluid quick disconnect and isolation valve features. The resulting high reliability device is referred to as an Iso-Coupling (IC). A single IC is capable of replacing up to fourteen individual components in a dual line connection application. In addition, the IC is capable of receiving remote mate and demate commands thereby greatly reducing the need for extravehicular activity (EVA) and accessibility requirements.
An advanced IC is currently being designed and produced for the Space Station Freedom (SSF) Work Package 04 Electric Power System TCS. The IC is being utilized on all ORU's requiring cooling fluid connections within the TCS.
