Collet assembly for coupling a launch vehicle to a handling plate of a ground station

Abstract

The present invention relates to a collet assembly for coupling a launch vehicle to a handling board of a ground station, for connecting a launch vehicle (100) to a handling board (106) of a ground station (104) prior to launch of the launch vehicle (100). The collet assembly includes an active decoupler (129). The active decoupler (129) includes a pin (130). A sleeve (132) has a central opening. The pin (130) passes through the central opening. A plurality of fingers (136) are pivotally coupled to the sleeve (132). A plurality of levers (160) are pivotally coupled to the plurality of fingers (136) and the pin (130).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Examples of this disclosure generally relate to a clamp assembly that couples a launch vehicle to a control panel / umbilical plate at a ground station prior to launch. Background Technology

[0002] Before launch, certain launch vehicles (such as aircraft and spacecraft) are coupled to a ground station via a control panel. The control panel couples the launch vehicle to the ground station. Typically, the control panel includes various interfaces for coupling the launch vehicle to the ground station before launch. For example, the control panel includes mechanical couplings, wiring, fluid lines, etc.

[0003] The control panel typically consists of a flight section and a ground section. When the vehicle is launched, the flight section separates from the ground section. During launch, the flight section remains attached to the vehicle, while the ground section remains attached to the ground station.

[0004] When the launch vehicle is launched at time (t) = 0, the flight section separates from the ground section. To achieve this separation, the control panel typically includes a chuck mechanism. When the vehicle is launched, the chuck mechanism operates to separate the flight section from the ground section. Typically, the chuck mechanism includes a pin that deploys fingers to securely couple the flight section to the ground section. In the engaged position where the flight section is fixed to the ground section, the pin is positioned between the fingers, thereby deploying the fingers. The deployed fingers include portions fixed within cups on the flight section. In the engaged position, the fingers are deployed a distance to prevent them from exiting the openings in the cups. During launch, the pin retracts from the position between the fingers, allowing the fingers to collapse inward and retract from the cups. In this way, the flight section can be separated from the ground section.

[0005] However, it has been found that even when the pin is retracted during the firing sequence, friction between the fingers and other parts of the chuck mechanism can cause the fingers to remain extended outwards. Therefore, the flight section may not always easily separate from the ground section.

[0006] In short, known chuck mechanisms are passively designed. Passive chuck disengagement can lead to non-nominal conditions that may prevent the desired separation of the flight section from the ground section. Summary of the Invention

[0007] A system and method are needed to ensure the separation of the flight section from the ground section when the vehicle is launched. Furthermore, an improved chuck mechanism is needed to ensure proper separation during launch.

[0008] In view of these needs, certain examples of this disclosure provide a chuck assembly for a control panel that connects a vehicle to a ground station prior to vehicle launch. The chuck assembly includes an active separator comprising a pin and a sleeve having a central opening. The pin passes through the central opening. A plurality of fingers are pivotally coupled to the sleeve. A plurality of levers are pivotally coupled to the plurality of fingers and the pin.

[0009] In at least one example, each of the multiple levers is pivotally coupled to a corresponding finger among the multiple fingers.

[0010] In at least one example, the chuck assembly also includes a flight section coupled to the ground section. The flight section is configured to separate from the ground section upon launch of the vehicle. As an example, an active separator is disposed within an extension arm of the ground section.

[0011] In at least one example, the sleeve is fixed inside the ground portion.

[0012] In at least one example, the active separator is configured to move between an engaged position and a retracted position, in which multiple levers outwardly support multiple fingers, and in the retracted position, multiple levers inwardly pull multiple fingers. As another example, the multiple levers in the engaged position are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the chuck assembly.

[0013] In at least one example, the chuck assembly further includes a spring, a linkage, and a roller, the spring being coupled to a pin, the linkage being coupled to the pin, and the roller being operatively coupled to the linkage. The roller is configured to move between a first position and a second position, in which the linkage is linearly aligned and in the second position, the linkage is angularly aligned.

[0014] Certain examples of this disclosure provide a method for connecting a vehicle to a ground station prior to vehicle launch. The method includes providing a clamp assembly with an active separator. The provision includes passing a portion of a pin through a central opening in a sleeve, pivotally coupling a plurality of fingers to the sleeve, and pivotally coupling a plurality of levers to the plurality of fingers and the pin.

[0015] Certain examples of this disclosure provide a system including a vehicle, a ground station, and a control panel for connecting the vehicle to the ground station prior to launch. The control panel includes a chuck assembly with an active separator, as described herein. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 The illustration shows a front view of a vehicle according to an example of this disclosure.

[0017] Figure 2 The illustration shows a perspective view of a clamp assembly according to an example of this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 3 The diagram shows the passage through line 3-3. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the chuck assembly.

[0019] Figure 4 A side view of an active separator according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0020] Figure 5 The diagram shows an end view of the active separator.

[0021] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates the process. Figure 5 The active separator in the engagement position is shown in line 6-6.

[0022] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the process. Figure 6 The active separator in the retracted position is shown in line 6-6.

[0023] Figure 8 The illustration shows a side view of an active separator coupled to a linkage device in an engaged position, according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 9 The illustration shows a side view of an active separator in the retracted position, coupled to a linkage device according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 10 The illustration shows a flowchart of a method for connecting a vehicle to a ground station prior to vehicle launch, according to an example of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The foregoing summary and the following detailed description of certain embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. As used herein, elements or steps stated in the singular or beginning with the words “a” or “an” should be understood to not necessarily exclude multiple elements or steps. Furthermore, references to “an embodiment” should not be construed as excluding the existence of other embodiments that also include the stated features. Moreover, unless expressly stated to the contrary, embodiments that “comprise” or “have” one or more elements having a particular condition may include additional elements that do not have that condition.

[0027] Certain examples of this disclosure provide a chuck assembly for a control panel configured to couple a delivery vehicle to a ground station. Unlike known chuck mechanisms that rely on preloading of fingers to facilitate separation during launch, the chuck assembly of the examples of this disclosure employs active separation by introducing one or more mechanical links that provide radially inward movement, such as multiple levers, when the center pin retracts. The active separation mechanism improves the performance of the chuck assembly because it is less sensitive to variables that can prove difficult to control, such as friction.

[0028] Certain examples of this disclosure provide a chuck assembly configured for active disengagement. The chuck assembly includes a plurality of fingers coupled to a spring and a pin. One or more mechanical links couple the fingers to the pin. The mechanical links provide an eccentric mechanism that generates the load required to collapse the fingers.

[0029] Figure 1 The illustration shows a front view of a vehicle 100 according to an example of this disclosure. Vehicle 100 is a transport vehicle. For example, the transport vehicle is a space vehicle, such as a rocket. Vehicle 100 may include an integrally rigid cylinder that may surround a portion of a vehicle class. Alternatively, embodiments of this disclosure can be used with a variety of other types of vehicles, such as aircraft, land-based vehicles, ships, etc.

[0030] Vehicle 100 may include various stages, such as vehicle stage 102. Prior to launch, vehicle 100 is connected to ground station 104 via control panel 106. Control panel 106 includes a chuck assembly 108. When vehicle 100 is launched, chuck assembly 108 operates to separate the flight portion from the ground portion. When vehicle 100 is launched, the flight portion remains attached to vehicle 100, while the ground portion remains attached to control panel 106, which remains connected to ground station 104.

[0031] As shown in the figure, system 101 includes a vehicle 100 coupled to a ground station 104 via a control panel 106, which includes a chuck assembly 108. Although a single control panel 106 is shown, it should be understood that the vehicle 100 can be coupled to one or more ground stations 104 via additional control panels 106. For example, multiple stages of the vehicle 100 can be connected to one or more ground stations 104 via multiple control panels 106.

[0032] Figure 2 The illustration shows a perspective view of a chuck assembly 108 according to an example of this disclosure. The chuck assembly 108 includes a flight portion 110 and a ground portion 112. (Reference) Figure 1 and Figure 2The ground portion 112 includes an extension arm 114 extending outward from the ground housing 116 of the ground portion 112. The flight portion 110 includes a nose portion 118 that is directly connected to a portion of the vehicle 100 before launch. During launch, the nose portion 118 separates from the extension arm 114 and remains attached to the vehicle 100.

[0033] Figure 3 The diagram shows the passage through line 3-3. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the chuck assembly 108. The flight section 110 includes a body 120 having a first internal chamber 122 separated from a second internal chamber 124 by a wall 126. The wall 126 includes a central channel 128.

[0034] An active separator 129 is disposed within the clamp assembly 108. A pin 130 extends through a central channel 128. The pin 130 extends into a first internal chamber 122 and a second internal chamber 124. A sleeve 132 is secured within the first internal chamber 122. For example, the sleeve 132 is securely secured to multiple portions of the body 120, such as to a wall 126 on an opposite side of the second internal chamber 124. The pin 130 passes through a central opening 134 of the sleeve 132.

[0035] refer to Figure 1-3 As described herein, the control panel 106 includes a chuck assembly 108. Prior to launch of the vehicle 100, the control panel 106 connects the vehicle 100 to the ground station 104. The chuck assembly 108 includes an active separator 129, which includes a pin 130. A sleeve 132 has a central opening 134. The pin 130 passes through the central opening 134. A plurality of fingers 136 are pivotally coupled to the sleeve 132. A plurality of levers 160 are pivotally coupled to the plurality of fingers 136 and the pin 130. That is, each of the levers 160 pivotally couples a corresponding finger 136 to the pin 130.

[0036] In at least one example, each of the plurality of levers 160 is pivotally coupled to a corresponding finger among the plurality of fingers 136. For example, each lever 160 is associated with a single corresponding finger 136. As another example, the plurality of levers 160 may pivotally couple a finger 136 to a pin 130.

[0037] like Figure 3 As shown, the active separator 129 is disposed within the extension arm 114. As described herein, during launch, the flight section 110 separates from the ground section 112, and the active separator 129 remains attached to the ground section 112.

[0038] Figure 4The illustration shows a side view of an active separator 129 according to an example of the present disclosure. The active separator 129 includes a pin 130, a sleeve 132 disposed around the outer surface of a shaft 131 of the pin 130, a plurality of fingers 136 pivotally coupled to the sleeve 132, and a plurality of levers 160 pivotally coupled to the fingers 136 and the pin 130.

[0039] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The sleeve 132 is secured in place within the flight section 110. Finger 136 is pivotally coupled to the sleeve 132. For example, each finger 136 includes an extension beam 138 having a sleeve end 140, such as a pin-coupled coupling 142, pivotally coupled to the sleeve 132. The extension beam 138 also includes an outwardly curved intermediate portion 144. The intermediate portion 144 curves outward away from the central longitudinal axis 146 of the clamp assembly 108. The intermediate portion 144 connects to a fixed end 148 having a notch 150 that securely latches onto the ridge 154 of the cup 156 of the nose 118 of the flight section 110.

[0040] Lever 160 pivotally couples finger 136 to pin 130. Lever 160 is pivotally coupled to finger 136 near fixed end 148. Lever 160 may be located on the distal side of sleeve 132.

[0041] Figure 5 The diagram shows an end view of the active separator 129. Figure 5 The fixed end 148 of the finger 136 is shown.

[0042] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates the process. Figure 5 The figure shows a cross-sectional view of the active separator 129 in the engaged position, as shown in line 6-6. As shown, pin 130 extends through the central opening 134 of sleeve 132. Each finger 136 is pivotally coupled to pin 130 via lever 160. As shown, lever 160 includes a beam 170 having finger ends 172 and pin ends 174. Finger ends 172 are pivotally coupled to the corresponding finger 136 via pin coupling 176. Pin ends 174 are pivotally coupled to pin 130 via pin coupling 178.

[0043] In the engaged position, pin 130 extends between the intermediate portions 144 of fingers 136, such that lever 160 is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular (e.g., = / - 5 degrees) to the central longitudinal axis 146. For example, in the engaged position, pin coupling 176 is substantially linearly aligned with pin coupling 178 so as to be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 146. Thus, in the engaged position, active coupler 129 is in an extended position in which the outer envelope 180 of fingers 136 extends together.

[0044] refer to Figure 3-6 In the engaged position where the finger 136 has an extended axial profile, the fixed end 148 of the finger 136 is latched onto the ridge 154 of the cup 156. Therefore, the outer flange 149 extends radially and cannot pass through the opening 157 defined by the cup 156. Thus, the flight portion 110 remains connected to the ground portion 112.

[0045] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the process. Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the active separator 129 in the retracted position, shown in line 6-6. (Reference) Figure 3-6 During launch operation, a separation signal is output to activate motor 190, which causes roller 192 within ground section 112 to rotate counterclockwise in the direction of arc A. As roller 192 rotates in this direction, linkage 194 biased against roller 192 pivots downwards away from linear orientation about coupler 196. In response, spring 198 within flight section 110 forces pin 130 in the direction of arrow B. As pin 130 moves toward ground section 112 in the direction of arrow B due to the spring force of spring 198, pin 130 pulls pin end 174 of lever 160 toward sleeve 132. In response, lever 160 moves away from perpendicular alignment with longitudinal axis 146 to angular alignment. Lever 160 pulls fingers 136 toward each other to reduce the outer envelope 180 of active separator 129. Specifically, lever 160 pulls fingers 136 inward, causing fingers 136 to collapse toward each other. During this movement, the fixed ends 148 of the fingers 136 collapse toward each other and are able to pass through and thus through the opening 157 of the cup 156. Therefore, the flying part 110 can be effectively and easily separated from the ground part 112, wherein the active separator 129 remains with the ground part 112.

[0046] As described, the active separator 129 is configured to move between an engaged position and a retracted position, in which the lever 160 supports the fingers 136 outward (e.g., extending the fingers 136 outward to a radially extended position), and in the retracted position, the lever 160 pulls the plurality of fingers 136 inward (e.g., collapsing the fingers 136 inward to a collapsed position).

[0047] Figure 8 The illustration shows a side view of an active separator 129 coupled to a linkage 194 in an engaged position, according to an example of the present disclosure. The linkage 194 includes a first arm 200 pivotally coupled to a second arm 202 via a coupling member 196. The first arm 200 is also pivotally coupled to the end 133 of a pin 130 via a coupling member 204.

[0048] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 8 In an engagement position where the fingers 136 extend radially to prevent release from the cup 156, the linkage 194 is linearly aligned such that the first arm 200 and the second arm 202 are linearly aligned. The roller 192 is biased against the linkage 194 to maintain its linear alignment. The linearly aligned first arm 200 and second arm 202 provide support for the compression spring 198 and ensure that the pin 130 remains positioned between the fingers 136, such that the lever 160 extends outwardly and radially between the pin 130 and the fingers 136.

[0049] Figure 9 The illustration shows a side view of an active separator 129, coupled to a linkage 194 and in a retracted position, according to an example of this disclosure. (Refer to...) Figure 3 and Figure 9 When roller 192 rotates in the direction of arc A, the first arm 200 and the second arm 202 move forward into a downward angled orientation (i.e., angular alignment) because spring 198 actuates pin 130 toward ground portion 112 in the direction of arrow B. As a result, fingers 136 collapse radially toward each other and are able to be released from cup 156.

[0050] Figure 10 The illustration shows a flowchart of a method for connecting a vehicle to a ground station prior to launch, according to an example of this disclosure. Reference Figure 1-10 The method includes providing a clamp assembly 108 with an active separator 129 at 300. The provision at 300 includes, at 302, allowing a portion of a pin 130 to pass through a central opening 134 of a sleeve 132; at 304, pivotally coupling a plurality of fingers 136 to the sleeve 132; and at 306, pivotally coupling a plurality of levers 160 to the plurality of fingers 136 and the pin 130.

[0051] In at least one example, pivotally coupling the plurality of levers 160 to the plurality of fingers 136 and pins 130 includes pivotally coupling each of the plurality of levers 160 to a corresponding finger of the plurality of fingers 136.

[0052] In at least one example, the provision at 300 also includes coupling the flight section 110 to the ground section 112. The flight section 110 is configured to separate from the ground section 112 when the vehicle 100 is launched.

[0053] In at least one example, the method further includes placing the active separator 129 within the extension arm 114 of the ground portion 112.

[0054] In at least one example, the method further includes securing the sleeve 132 within the ground portion 112.

[0055] In at least one example, the method further includes moving the active separator 129 between an engaged position and a retracted position, in which a plurality of levers 160 outwardly support a plurality of fingers 136, and in the retracted position, the plurality of levers 160 inwardly pull the plurality of fingers 136. As another example, the plurality of levers 160 in the engaged position are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 146 of the chuck assembly 108.

[0056] In at least one embodiment, the method further includes coupling a spring 198 to a pin 130; coupling a linkage 194 to the pin 130; and operatively coupling a roller 192 to the linkage 194. The roller 192 is configured to move between a first position and a second position, in which the linkage 194 is linearly aligned and in the second position, the linkage 194 is angularly aligned.

[0057] refer to Figure 1-10 The chuck assembly 108 includes an active separator 129, which provides the mechanical advantage needed to reduce the likelihood of non-nominal separation. In contrast, previously known chuck mechanisms employ passive and non-nominal separation, which can be susceptible to frictional forces. Existing chuck mechanisms can be retrofitted with the active separator 129. For example, the active separator 129 can be sized and shaped to replace existing fingers within known chuck mechanisms. The active separator 129 described herein significantly reduces the risks associated with non-nominal separation.

[0058] Furthermore, this disclosure includes embodiments as described in the following terms:

[0059] Clause 1. A chuck assembly for a control panel that connects a vehicle to a ground station prior to launch, the chuck assembly including an active separator comprising:

[0060] pin;

[0061] A sleeve having a central opening, through which the pin passes;

[0062] Multiple fingers, said multiple fingers being pivotally coupled to the sleeve; and

[0063] Multiple levers, which are pivotally coupled to the multiple fingers and the pin.

[0064] Clause 2. The clamp assembly according to Clause 1, wherein each of the plurality of levers is pivotally coupled to a corresponding finger of the plurality of fingers.

[0065] Clause 3. The chuck assembly according to Clause 1 or 2 further includes a flight portion coupled to the ground portion, wherein the flight portion is configured to separate from the ground portion when the vehicle is launched.

[0066] Clause 4. The chuck assembly as described in Clause 3, wherein the active separator is disposed within the extension arm of the ground portion.

[0067] Clause 5. The clamp assembly as described in Clause 3 or 4, wherein the sleeve is secured within the ground portion.

[0068] Clause 6. The chuck assembly according to any one of Clauses 1-5, wherein the active separator is configured to move between an engaged position and a retracted position, wherein in the engaged position the plurality of levers outwardly support the plurality of fingers, and in the retracted position the plurality of levers inwardly pull the plurality of fingers.

[0069] Clause 7. The chuck assembly according to Clause 6, wherein the plurality of levers in the engagement position are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the chuck assembly.

[0070] Clause 8. The chuck assembly according to any one of Clauses 1-7 further includes:

[0071] A spring, which is coupled to the pin;

[0072] Linkage device, the linkage device being coupled to the pin; and

[0073] A roller operatively coupled to the linkage, wherein the roller is configured to move between a first position and a second position, wherein the linkage is linearly aligned in the first position and angularly aligned in the second position.

[0074] Clause 9. A method for connecting a vehicle to a ground station prior to launch, the method comprising providing a chuck assembly having an active separator, wherein the provision includes:

[0075] Make a portion of the pin pass through the center opening of the sleeve;

[0076] Multiple finger-like structures are pivotally coupled to the sleeve; and

[0077] Multiple levers are pivotally coupled to the multiple fingers and the pins.

[0078] Clause 10. The method according to Clause 9, wherein pivotally coupling the plurality of levers to the plurality of fingers and the plurality of pins comprises pivotally coupling each of the plurality of levers to a corresponding finger of the plurality of fingers.

[0079] Clause 11. The method according to Clause 9 or 10, wherein the provision further includes coupling the flight portion to the ground portion, wherein the flight portion is configured to be separate from the ground portion when the vehicle is launched.

[0080] Clause 12. The method according to Clause 11 further includes placing the active separator within an extension arm of the ground portion.

[0081] Clause 13. The method according to Clause 11 or 12 further includes securing the sleeve within the ground portion.

[0082] Clause 14. The method according to any one of Clauses 9-13 further includes moving the active separator between an engaged position and a retracted position, wherein in the engaged position the plurality of levers outwardly support the plurality of fingers, and in the retracted position the plurality of levers inwardly pull the plurality of fingers.

[0083] Clause 15. The method according to Clause 14, wherein the plurality of levers in the engagement position are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the chuck assembly.

[0084] Clause 16. The method according to any one of Clauses 9-15 further includes:

[0085] Couple the spring to the pin;

[0086] Couple the linkage device to the pin; and

[0087] The roller is operably coupled to the linkage, wherein the roller is configured to move between a first position and a second position, in which the linkage is linearly aligned and in the second position, the linkage is angularly aligned.

[0088] Clause 17. A system comprising:

[0089] Vehicle;

[0090] Ground station; and

[0091] A control panel that connects the vehicle to the ground station prior to launch, the control panel including a chuck assembly with an active separator, the active separator comprising:

[0092] pin;

[0093] A sleeve having a central opening, through which the pin passes;

[0094] Multiple fingers, said multiple fingers being pivotally coupled to the sleeve; and

[0095] Multiple levers, which are pivotally coupled to the multiple fingers and the pin.

[0096] Clause 18. The system according to Clause 17, wherein the chuck assembly further includes a flight portion coupled to the ground portion, wherein the flight portion is configured to separate from the ground portion when the vehicle is launched.

[0097] Clause 19. The system according to Clause 18, wherein the active separator is configured to move between an engaged position and a retracted position, wherein in the engaged position the plurality of levers outwardly support the plurality of fingers, and in the retracted position the plurality of levers inwardly pull the plurality of fingers.

[0098] Clause 20. The system according to Clause 18 or 19, wherein the chuck assembly further includes:

[0099] A spring, which is coupled to the pin;

[0100] Linkage device, the linkage device being coupled to the pin; and

[0101] A roller operatively coupled to the linkage, wherein the roller is configured to move between a first position and a second position, wherein the linkage is linearly aligned in the first position and angularly aligned in the second position.

[0102] As described herein, examples of this disclosure provide a system and method for ensuring separation of the flight portion from the ground portion during launch of a carrier. Furthermore, examples of this disclosure provide an improved chuck mechanism for ensuring proper separation during launch.

[0103] While various spatial and directional terms (such as top, bottom, lower, middle, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front, etc.) may be used to describe embodiments of this disclosure, it should be understood that such terms are used only with respect to the orientation shown in the accompanying drawings. The orientation may be inverted, rotated, or otherwise altered such that the upper part is the lower part, and vice versa, the horizontal becomes the vertical, etc.

[0104] As used herein, structures, constraints, or elements “configured to” perform tasks or operations are specifically formed, constructed, or adapted structurally in a manner corresponding to the task or operation. For clarity and to avoid ambiguity, objects that can only be changed to perform tasks or operations are not “configured to” perform tasks or operations as used herein.

[0105] It should be understood that the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. For example, the embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) described above may be used in combination with each other. Furthermore, many modifications may be made without departing from its scope to adapt a particular situation or material to the doctrine of the various embodiments of this disclosure. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define parameters of the various embodiments of this disclosure, the embodiments are by no means limiting but exemplary. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the foregoing description. Therefore, the scope of the various embodiments of this disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims and the scope of equivalents conferred by such claims. In the appended claims and detailed description herein, the terms “comprising” and “therein” are used as common English equivalents of “including” and “wherein”, respectively. Furthermore, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used only for classification and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the appended claims are not written in a method plus function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on paragraph 112(f) of 35 U.S.SC, unless and until such claims are limited to the explicit use of the phrase “means for…” after the function of stating a further structure is invalidated.

[0106] This written description discloses various embodiments of this disclosure, including optimal modes, using examples, and also enables those skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments of this disclosure, including making and using any device or system and performing any of the included methods. The patent scope of the various embodiments of this disclosure is defined by the claims and may include other examples that will occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be included within the scope of the claims if the examples have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if the examples include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A chuck assembly for a control panel (106) that connects a vehicle (100) to a ground station (104) prior to launch of the vehicle (100), the chuck assembly including an active separator (129) comprising: Selling (130); A sleeve (132) having a central opening through which the pin (130) passes; A plurality of fingers (136) pivotally coupled to the sleeve (132), wherein each of the plurality of fingers includes an extension beam having a sleeve end, a middle portion and a fixed end opposite to the sleeve end, and wherein the sleeve end is pivotally coupled to the sleeve via a first pin coupling member. as well as A plurality of levers (160) are pivotally coupled to a plurality of fingers (136) and a pin (130), wherein each of the plurality of levers includes a beam having a finger end and a pin end, wherein the finger end is pivotally coupled to a corresponding finger among the plurality of fingers via a second pin coupling, and wherein the pin end is pivotally coupled to the pin via a third pin coupling.

2. The chuck assembly of claim 1 further includes a flight portion (110) coupled to the ground portion (112), wherein the flight portion (110) is configured to separate from the ground portion (112) when the vehicle (100) is launched.

3. The chuck assembly according to claim 2, wherein the active separator (129) is disposed within the extension arm (114) of the ground portion (112).

4. The clamp assembly according to claim 2, wherein the sleeve (132) is secured within the ground portion (112).

5. The chuck assembly of claim 1, wherein the active separator (129) is configured to move between an engaged position and a retracted position, wherein in the engaged position the plurality of levers (160) outwardly support the plurality of fingers (136) and in the retracted position the plurality of levers (160) inwardly pull the plurality of fingers (136).

6. The chuck assembly of claim 5, wherein the plurality of levers (160) in the engagement position are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the chuck assembly.

7. The chuck assembly according to any one of claims 1-6, further comprising: A spring (198) is coupled to the pin (130). A linkage device, which is coupled to the pin (130). as well as A roller (192) is operatively coupled to the linkage, wherein the roller (192) is configured to move between a first position and a second position, wherein the linkage is linearly aligned in the first position and angularly aligned in the second position.

8. A method for connecting a vehicle (100) to a ground station (104) prior to launch, the method comprising providing a chuck assembly having an active separator (129), wherein the provision includes: A portion of the pin (130) passes through the center opening of the sleeve (132); A plurality of fingers (136) are pivotally coupled to the sleeve (132), each of the plurality of fingers including an extension beam having a sleeve end, a middle portion and a fixed end opposite to the sleeve end, and wherein the sleeve end is pivotally coupled to the sleeve via a first pin coupling member. as well as Multiple levers (160) are pivotally coupled to the multiple fingers (136) and the pin (130), each of the multiple levers including a beam having a finger end and a pin end, wherein the finger end is pivotally coupled to a corresponding finger of the multiple fingers via a second pin coupling, and wherein the pin end is pivotally coupled to the pin via a third pin coupling.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising moving the active separator (129) between an engaged position and a retracted position, wherein in the engaged position the plurality of levers (160) outwardly support the plurality of fingers (136) and in the retracted position the plurality of levers (160) inwardly pull the plurality of fingers (136).

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the provision further comprises coupling the flight portion (110) to the ground portion (112), wherein the flight portion (110) is configured to be separate from the ground portion (112) when the vehicle (100) is launched.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising placing the active separator (129) within an extension arm (114) of the ground portion (112).

12. The method of claim 9, further comprising securing the sleeve (132) within the ground portion (112).

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the plurality of levers (160) in the engagement position are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the chuck assembly.

14. The method of claim 8, further comprising: The spring (198) is coupled to the pin (130). The linkage device is coupled to the pin (130). as well as The roller (192) is operatively coupled to the linkage, wherein the roller (192) is configured to move between a first position and a second position, in which the linkage is linearly aligned and in the second position, the linkage is angularly aligned.

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