For optimal packaging of equipment in shallow-cone vehicle toroidal packaging sets center of gravity of equipment forward. Packages are supported on rings within probe structure to provide low center of gravity. System permits interchanging of units for balance control, so minimum of lateral ballast is required

Jones, W. J.

Sherwood, J. W.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

NASA TECH BRIEF 
Ames Research Center
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.
May 1974
	
B74-1 0055
 
NASA Tech Briefs announce new technology derived from the U.S. space program. They are issued to encourage 
commercial application. Tech Briefs are available on a subscription basis from the National Technical Information 
Service, Springfield, Virginia 22151. Requests for individual copies or questions relating to the Tech Brief program may 
be directed to the Technology Utilization Office, NASA, Code KT, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
Toroidal Equipment Packaging 
SRmnlinrl /Pressure - Nephelometer - 
- Data Handling
Subsystem 
Bootstrap Batteries 
- Neutral Mass 
Spectrometer - 
v G-Switch J 
%I- Antenna II 
.
Main 
Battery 
'Accelerometer 
Temperature Probe	 Transmitter 
Shields	 Pressure Sensor
Temperature Sensor Pyro Relay Boxes 
S
Studies of systems for optimal packaging of equip-
ment in a shallow-cone vehicle (e.g., scientific entry 
probe) have confirmed that toroidal packaging sets 
the center of gravity of the equipment forward, 
whereas conventional (box-like) packaging tends to 
place centers of gravity in more aft positions and 
does not provide high packing densities. 
As indicated in the diagram, toroidal-shaped pack-
ages containing equipment are supported on rings 
within the probe structure to provide a low center of 
gravity as well as convenient top accessibility. Short-
path interconnect wiring is provided by a circum-
ferential wire harness. 
The toroidal packaging system also permits inter-
changing of units for balance control, so that a min-
imum of lateral ballast is required. 
Note: 
No additional documentation is available. Specific 
questions, however, may be directed to: 
Technology Utilization Officer 
Ames Research Center 
Moffett Field, California 94035 
Reference: B74-10055
(continued overleaf) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 	 Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 	 information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States 	 will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19740000055 2020-03-17T14:03:48+00:00Z
Patent status: 
NASA has decided not to apply for a patent. 
Source: Walter J. Jones and John W. Sherwood of 
McDonnell Douglas Corporation 
under contract to
Ames Research Center 
(ARC-10828)
. 
B74-10055	 Category 03


Toroidal equipment packaging

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