Anti-drop hot knife unlocking and release device

Abstract

This invention provides a hot knife unlocking and release device to prevent drops, comprising a hot knife fixing ring screw, a connector, a limiting pin, a set screw, and a spring. The hot knife fixing ring screw is used to lock the hot knife tip after it retracts into the sleeve; the connector is used for all accessories on the device and provides a connection interface with a wrench extension rod; the limiting pin is used to limit the hot knife fixing ring screw within the slot of the connector, preventing the ring screw from falling out during installation; the set screw is used to install the spring into the circular hole of the limiting pin on the connector. When the set screw is screwed in, it compresses the spring, providing a tightening force along the axial direction of the limiting pin, preventing the limiting pin from loosening and the ring screw from falling out. This invention solves the problem of unlocking and releasing hot knives in confined spaces during the assembly of small satellites.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of elastic locking device technology, specifically to a hot knife anti-fall unlocking and release device. Background Technology

[0002] In satellite technology, solar panels are typically secured to the satellite by several titanium rods. After launch, these rods are cut using a pyrotechnic cutter mounted on the clamping base, releasing the solar panels and allowing them to deploy. However, this cutting method results in a large impact response and requires high structural strength. A new flexible tension cable clamping method is now being used. After launch, the tension cable is cut by heating a hot knife mounted on the clamping base, allowing the solar panels to deploy.

[0003] However, in this clamping method, to ensure safety during AIT (Assembly, Integration, and Test), the blades of the hot knife device are generally retracted within the hot knife device and do not come into contact with the tension ropes. The blades are only released when the solar panel needs to be deployed or when setting up the pre-launch configuration. In these situations, the solar panel is generally in a retracted state, and the hot knife device is usually located in a narrow gap between the solar panel and the satellite, which is inconvenient for operation.

[0004] Chinese patent document CN111855168B discloses a suspended vertical deployment test device for a planar array antenna, comprising: a truss support system, a gravity unloading system, and a deployment control system. The truss support system provides the mounting interface for the gravity unloading system and the deployment control system. The gravity unloading system provides precise gravity unloading during the vertical deployment of the planar array antenna. The deployment control system, connected to the gravity unloading system, provides the deployment power for the planar array antenna and controls the antenna to deploy at the required speed. However, the aforementioned document fails to address the problem of hot-blade unlocking and release in confined spaces during small satellite assembly.

[0005] The blades of the hot knife device are secured with Allen screws at the factory. The conventional method is to remove them using an Allen wrench with an extension rod. However, this method allows the removed screws to easily fall onto the spacecraft, creating metal debris and posing a significant safety hazard. Therefore, a drop-proof hot knife unlocking device is urgently needed for unlocking the hot knife device within the confined space of the solar array. Utility Model Content

[0006] In view of the deficiencies in the existing technology, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a fall-proof hot knife unlocking and release device.

[0007] According to the present invention, a hot knife anti-fall unlocking and release device includes a hot knife fixing ring screw, a connector, a limit pin, a set screw and a spring; The hot knife fixing ring screw is used to connect the hot knife; One end of the connector has a waist-shaped groove, into which the hot knife fixing ring screw can be inserted; the other end of the connector has an interface for connecting to the wrench extension rod. The connector has at least one side hole on its side; The limiting pin is disposed in the side hole and can slide along the side hole. One end of the limiting pin extends into the waist-shaped groove to limit the hot knife fixing ring screw. The spring is disposed in the side hole and contacts the limiting pin; The set screw is screwed into the side hole to compress the spring, thereby providing a tightening force to the limiting pin, causing the limiting pin to press against the hot knife fixing ring screw.

[0008] Preferably, the hot knife fixing ring screw is used to connect with the blade fixing threaded hole on the hot knife, locking the blade after the blade is retracted into the hot knife device.

[0009] Preferably, the connector has two side holes on its side, and each side hole contains a limiting pin, a spring, and a set screw.

[0010] Preferably, the spring is a compression spring, with an outer diameter smaller than the diameter of the side hole and an inner diameter larger than the diameter of the limiting pin.

[0011] Preferably, the set screw is a hexagonal socket head cap screw.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. In the anti-fall hot knife unlocking and release device of this utility model, the hot knife fixing ring screw is fixedly connected to the hot knife blade. When the hot knife blade is released, the removed ring screw is stuck in the waist-shaped groove of the connecting device under the action of the limiting pin of the device, and will not fall off, thus avoiding the generation of excess metal.

[0013] 2. In general, when using this utility model, the ring screw is installed on the hot knife device in the deployed state of the sail, replacing the original hexagonal screw, and the blade is retracted and locked. When the hot knife blade needs to be released in the retracted state of the sail, the device is connected to the extension rod, inserted into the position between the sail and the star, and embedded in the ring screw on the hot knife device. Then, the screw is rotated to remove it and the hot knife blade is released. The operation is convenient and suitable for unlocking and releasing the hot knife in narrow spaces.

[0014] 3. The anti-fall hot knife unlocking and release device of this utility model has a simple structure and low cost. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Other features, objects, and advantages of this invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the anti-drop hot knife unlocking device in this utility model embodiment; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the usage state of the anti-drop hot knife unlocking device in this utility model embodiment; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the hot knife fixing ring screw in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connector in an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the limiting pin in an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0016] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Hot knife fixing ring screw; 2. Connector; 3. Limit pin; 4. Set screw; 5. Spring. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to specific embodiments. These embodiments will help those skilled in the art to further understand the present invention, but do not limit the present invention in any way. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several changes and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention. These all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0018] refer to Figures 1-5 As shown, the hot knife anti-fall unlocking device provided by this utility model includes a hot knife fixing ring screw 1, a connector 2, a limiting pin 3, a set screw 4, and a spring 5.

[0019] The hot knife retaining ring screw 1 is used to connect with the blade retaining threaded hole on the hot knife. After the blade retracts into the hot knife device, the blade is locked. After the blade is locked, the hot knife retaining ring screw 1 temporarily remains on the hot knife on the star. One end of the connector 2 has a waist-shaped groove into which the hot knife retaining ring screw 1 can be inserted. The other end of the connector 2 provides a connection interface with the wrench extension rod. The side of the connector 2 has at least one side hole. The limiting pin 3 is set in the side hole and can slide along the side hole. One end of the limiting pin 3 extends into the waist-shaped groove to limit the hot knife retaining ring screw 1. The spring 5 is set in the side hole and contacts the limiting pin 3. The set screw 4 is screwed into the side hole to compress the spring 5, thereby providing a tightening force to the limiting pin 3, so that the limiting pin 3 is pressed against the hot knife retaining ring screw 1. The tightness of the hot knife retaining ring screw 1 being pulled out of the waist-shaped groove of the connector 2 can be adjusted by adjusting the set screw 4. This invention solves the problem of hot knife unlocking and release in a confined space during the assembly of small satellites.

[0020] The assembly process of this device is described below: The connector 2 is the core component of this device. During assembly, first insert the two limiting pins 3 into the two circular holes on the side of the connector 2's cylindrical body. When inserting, ensure that the arc-shaped side of the limiting pin 3 faces the internal central axis of the connector 2. Next, place the two springs 5 ​​into the side holes where the limiting pins 3 have been inserted. Finally, screw the two set screws 4 (preferably hexagonal flat-end set screws) into the threaded holes on the side of the connector 2. Screwing the set screws 4 compresses the springs 5, thereby generating a preload thrust along the axis of the limiting pin 3, allowing the inner end of the limiting pin 3 to stably extend into the slot of the connector 2.

[0021] The following are instructions on how to use this device: When operating the hot knife in a confined space, the head of the hot knife fixing ring screw 1, already installed on the hot knife device, is inserted into the waist-shaped groove at one end of the connector 2 of this invention. During insertion, the head of the hot knife fixing ring screw 1 overcomes the spring force and slightly pushes open the limiting pins 3 on both sides. After the ring screw 1 is fully inserted, the ends of the limiting pins 3 on both sides, under the reset action of the spring 5, will engage in the inner hole (or annular groove) of the head of the hot knife fixing ring screw 1, thereby achieving mechanical limiting and effectively preventing the hot knife fixing ring screw 1 from accidentally falling out of the device of this invention during operation.

[0022] At this point, the operator can connect the wrench extension rod to the interface (such as a standard square or hexagonal port) at the other end of connector 2. Using the extension rod, the operator can safely and remotely operate from outside the narrow gap between the planet and the sail, unscrewing the hot-blade retaining ring screw 1. Due to the locking action of the limiting pin 3, after loosening and removing the hot-blade retaining ring screw 1, the screw will be reliably locked within the device and removed along with the device from the narrow space, completely avoiding the risk of foreign metal objects falling out.

[0023] Furthermore, the compression of the spring 5 can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the set screw 4, thereby changing the clamping force on the limit pin 3. This design allows the device to adapt to different installation tightness requirements and allows for adjustments when the limit pin 3 or spring 5 wears out due to long-term use, ensuring the reliability of the limiting function.

[0024] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0025] The specific embodiments of this utility model have been described above. It should be understood that this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications within the scope of the claims, which do not affect the substantive content of this utility model. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be arbitrarily combined with each other.

Claims

1. A drop-proof hot knife unlocking and release device, characterized in that, Includes a hot knife retaining ring screw, connector, limit pin, set screw, and spring; The hot knife fixing ring screw is used to connect the hot knife; One end of the connector has a waist-shaped groove, into which the hot knife fixing ring screw can be inserted; the other end of the connector has an interface for connecting to the wrench extension rod. The connector has at least one side hole on its side; The limiting pin is disposed in the side hole and can slide along the side hole. One end of the limiting pin extends into the waist-shaped groove to limit the hot knife fixing ring screw. The spring is disposed in the side hole and contacts the limiting pin; The set screw is screwed into the side hole to compress the spring, thereby providing a tightening force to the limiting pin, causing the limiting pin to press against the hot knife fixing ring screw.

2. The anti-drop hot knife unlocking and release device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hot knife fixing ring screw is connected to the blade fixing threaded hole on the hot knife, locking the blade after it retracts into the hot knife device.

3. The anti-drop hot knife unlocking and release device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector has two side holes on its side, and each side hole contains a limiting pin, a spring, and a set screw.

4. The anti-drop hot knife unlocking and release device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spring is a compression spring, with an outer diameter smaller than the diameter of the side hole and an inner diameter larger than the diameter of the limiting pin.

5. The anti-drop hot knife unlocking and release device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The set screw is an internal hexagonal flat-end set screw.

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