Title:
LOW SHOCK ANTI-FRICTION RELEASE DEVICE
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO2001006145
Kind Code:
A3
Abstract:
A pin puller (10) combines an actuator (200) with an anti-friction release mechanism (100), according to a bilaterally symmetric geometry. The anti-friction tension release mechanism ensures that only negligible friction forces need to be overcome to operate the tension release mechanism. Thus, the actuator is isolated from the large tension force that bears on the tension release mechanism. The bilateral symmertric aspect of the structure provides for mechanical redundancy, so that, in the event that one half of the pin puller fails, it is sufficient that the other half operate properly for the tension to be successfully released. This pin puller avoids premature release because it it not susceptible to static electricity, electromagnetic radiation, or high ambient temperatures. The pin puller also avoids generation of large shock waves due to its slow speed of operation and because of the gradual release interaction of mechanical parts within the anti-friction release mechanism.
Inventors:
DEVINE EDWARD J
Application Number:
PCT/US2000/019467
Publication Date:
July 26, 2001
Filing Date:
July 15, 2000
Export Citation:
Assignee:
SWALES AEROSPACE (US)
International Classes:
B64G1/22; B64G1/44; B64G1/64; (IPC1-7): B64G1/64
Foreign References:
| US5771742A | 1998-06-30 | |||
| US5695306A | 1997-12-09 | |||
| US5377554A | 1995-01-03 |
Other References:
"REDUNDANT TOGGLE/HOOK RELEASE MECHANISM", NTIS TECH NOTES,US DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE. SPRINGFIELD, VA,US, 1 March 1992 (1992-03-01), pages 175, XP000291029, ISSN: 0889-8464
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 1995, no. 04 31 May 1995 (1995-05-31)
LUCY M ET AL: "REPORT ON ALTERNATIVE DEVICES TO PYROTECHNICS ON SPACECRAFT", AIAA/USU CONFERENCE ON SMALL SATELLITES, September 1996 (1996-09-01), XP000952209
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 1995, no. 04 31 May 1995 (1995-05-31)
LUCY M ET AL: "REPORT ON ALTERNATIVE DEVICES TO PYROTECHNICS ON SPACECRAFT", AIAA/USU CONFERENCE ON SMALL SATELLITES, September 1996 (1996-09-01), XP000952209
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