Resettable payload release system including a shape memory alloy

Abstract

A payload release system for a vehicle includes a housing including a base plate and a cover plate selectively coupled to the base plate, wherein a receiving space is defined between the base plate and the cover plate; a crank rotatably coupled to the base plate within the receiving space; a trigger in operable communication with the crank, the trigger being configured to translate in response to a rotation of the crank; and an actuator operably coupled with the crank. The actuator includes a shape metal alloy (SMA) wire.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 138189-16020RESETTABLE PAYLOAD RELEASE SYSTEM INCLUDING A SHAPE MEMORY ALLOYCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 696909 entitled RESETTABLE PAYLOAD RELEASE SYSTEM INCLUDING A SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY, filed on September 20, 2024, the contents of which is incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND

[0002] The subject matter disclosed herein relates in general to payload release systems, and more particularly to payload release systems for use on satellites or other spacecraft.

[0003] Components of a launch vehicle may need to be separated during flight to jettison stages and components that are no longer needed, to uncover equipment, or release a payload into orbit for example. Components of a launch vehicle may also need to be separated to deploy payloads. Once the launch vehicle reaches a destination or desired orbit characteristic, then payload satellites, probes, or other payloads can be deployed and placed into a functioning mode. Payloads, for example satellites, can be carried by launch systems, such as space vehicles, into orbit or other destinations in space. Satellites can be placed into Earth orbit (or into orbit around other bodies) to perform various tasks, such as sensing, surveillance, communications, or scientific experimentation.

[0004] Existing mechanisms or systems for releasing payloads (e.g., satellites) in space exhibit several drawbacks. For instance, existing release mechanisms incorporate complex actuator assemblies involving a plurality of moving parts, increasing the potential for undesirable results or malfunctions. Moreover, existing release systems can be difficult to reuse by incorporating non-resettable features or requiring rebuilds in order to be reused.MEl\57978433.vl 1Attorney Docket No. 138189-16020

[0005] Accordingly, a payload release system which obviates one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks would be beneficial. In particular, a payload release system including resettable features and improved actuation would be useful.BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a payload release system is provided. The payload release system may include a housing having a base plate and a cover plate selectively coupled to the base plate, a crank rotatably coupled to the base plate, a trigger in operable communication with the crank, and an actuator operably coupled with the crank. The actuator may include a shape memory alloy (SMA).

[0007] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a payload release system is provided. The payload release system may include a housing including a base plate and a cover plate selectively coupled to the base plate, wherein a receiving space is defined between the base plate and the cover plate; a crank rotatably coupled to the base plate within the receiving space; a trigger in operable communication with the crank, the trigger being configured to translate in response to a rotation of the crank; a slider positioned within the receiving space and movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the slider includes a conductive contact pad. The payload release system may further include a pair of electrical contacts provided within the receiving space, wherein the pair of electrical contacts is in electrical contact with the conductive contact pad when the slider is in the first position; and an actuator operably coupled with the crank and electrically coupled with the pair of electrical contacts, wherein the actuator comprises a shape metal alloy (SMA) wire.

[0008] These and other advantages and features will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] The subject matter, which is regarded as the disclosure, is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification.MEl\57978433.vl 2Attorney Docket No. 138189-16020The foregoing and other features, and advantages of the disclosure are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0010]

[0013] FIGS. 1A and IB depicts a block diagram of a launch vehicle deploying a payload via a payload release system;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the payload release system of FIG. 1 according to exemplary embodiments;

[0012] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the exemplary payload release system of FIG. 2;

[0013] FIG. 4 provides a top plane view of the exemplary payload release system of FIG. 2 with a cover plate removed and in a pre-actuation position; and

[0014] FIG. 5 provides a top plane view of the exemplary payload release system of FIG. 2 with the cover plate removed and in a post-actuation position;DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Embodiments disclosed herein provide for a payload release system designed to mount, hold, and release a payload from a launch vehicle, or from another carrying spacecraft.

[0016] Launch vehicles typically have multiple stages and are used to carry payloads during travel away from the Earth's surface after the vehicles are launched, and then place or deploy the payloads into orbit or beyond. The launch vehicle is laid out with a standard configuration but in some instances there are modifications for each payload. These payloads are commonly referred to as satellites if they are intended to orbit a body (e.g., Earth) after deployment, or as spacecraft if they are intended to leave the Earth's orbit after deployment. The term " payload" will be used herein to refer to both satellites, spacecraft, and / or space-bound vehicles, devices, and / or structures and other payloads.MEl\57978433.vl 3Attorney Docket No. 138189-16020

[0017] Elements of payloads may include, but are not limited to, solar arrays, antenna reflectors, radiators, instrument booms, propulsion pointing actuators, doors, sensors, or other deployable devices, etc. and / or deployable components or systems (e.g., satellites, micro-satellites, etc.). The elements may be deployed as desired by activating the release mechanisms and releasable actuator. As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, deployable elements may include parts of a spacecraft ( e.g., deployable from the spacecraft) and spacecraft as the deployable element (e.g., as deployed from a launch vehicle or stage of a launch vehicle).

[0018] The payload release system described herein includes new geometries, including a compact (e.g., flat) profile allowing for smaller application windows, fewer materials and material cost, and increased usability. Moreover, the payload release system described herein incorporates a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator. The SMA actuator may allow for resettability to allow the system to be reused multiple times. Additionally or alternatively, the payload release system described herein incorporates a limited amount of parts (e.g., moving parts) to reduce overall costs and reduce the risk of malfunction.

[0019] Referring to FIGS. 1 A and IB, one or more payload release systems 100 are schematically shown rigidly securing a payload 102 to a launch vehicle 104. For example, launch vehicle 104 may be a space craft such as a shuttle, an orbiter, a capsule, or the like. Once launch vehicle 104 reaches a destination or desired orbit characteristic, payload release system 100 may be activated to deploy (e.g., release) payload 102. Upon deployment, payload 102 and launch vehicle 104 may separate and move in different (e.g., opposite) directions, for example, as indicated by the arrows. A portion of payload release system 100 may be secured to launch vehicle 104 while another portion of payload release system 100 may be secured to payload 102, as will be described in further detail below. The portion of payload release system 100 secured to payload 102 may deploy with payload 102 upon activation.

[0020] Turning to the payload release system, payload release system 100 may include an ultra-low shock, electrically initiated, single immediate use, and factory refurbishable or resettable release mechanism that has the ability to carry a high tensileMEl\57978433.vl 4Attorney Docket No. 138189-16020 preload until commanded to release. According to some embodiments, payload release system 100 may be referred to as a hold down release mechanism (HDRM).

[0021] Referring now to FIGS. 2 through 5, payload release system 100 will be described in detail. Payload release system 100 may include a housing 106. Housing 106 may include a base plate 108 and a cover plate 110. Cover plate 110 may be selectively coupled to base plate 108. For instance, one or more fasteners 112 may be incorporated to fix cover plate 110 to base plate 108. Fasteners 112 may be or include any suitable fastener type, such as screws, bolts, rivets, adhesives, welding, latches, or the like.

[0022] Housing 106 may define a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T. It should be noted that the directions used herein are for reference purposes only. Accordingly, payload release system 100 may be oriented in any suitable direction, and thus the vertical direction V may or may not directly coincide with a vertical direction based on the gravity of earth or any other body. Housing 106 may define a length LI along the lateral direction L, a width W1 along the transverse direction T, and a height Hl along the vertical direction V. For purposes of reference, height Hl may be less than each of length LI and width Wl. Accordingly, housing 106 may be referred to as being generally flat / planar (e.g., compact).

[0023] A receiving space 114 may be defined between base plate 108 and cover plate 110. In detail, base plate 108 may include a peripheral wall 109 extending along the vertical direction V. Cover plate 110 may be fixed to peripheral wall 109 (e.g., via fasteners 112). Thus, receiving space 114 may be defined within peripheral wall 109. A first boss 116 may be provided within receiving space 114. First boss 116 may protrude from base plate 108 toward cover plate 110 (e.g., along the vertical direction V). First boss 116 may include a low portion and a high portion (e.g., as seen in FIG. 3) having end surfaces that are offset from each other. Additionally or alternatively, first boss 116 may be configured to receive a fastener (e.g., a screw) therein.

[0024] Payload release system 100 may include a crank 118. Crank 118 may be accommodated within receiving space 114. For instance, crank 118 may be coupledMEl\57978433.vl 5Attorney Docket No. 138189-16020(e.g., rotatably coupled) to base plate 108. According to at least some embodiments, crank 118 is coupled to first boss 116. A fastener (e.g., screw, bolt, rivet, etc.) may pass through crank 118 and be received within first boss 116 (e.g., as mentioned above). Accordingly, crank 118 may be configured to rotate with respect to base plate 108, such as with respect to first boss 116.

[0025] Crank 118 may include a first arm 120 and a second arm 122. For instance, crank 118 may be generally “L” shaped. Accordingly, first arm 120 may extend in a first direction and second arm 122 may extend in a second direction, different from the first direction. First arm 120 and second arm 122 may be joined together. For instance, first arm 120 and second arm 122 may be joined at a pivot point 124. As mentioned above, crank 118 may be rotatable. According to at least one example, crank 118 may be rotatable within a plane defined along the lateral direction L and the transverse direction T (e.g. parallel to the plane of the base plate 108).

[0026] First arm 120 and second arm 122 may be perpendicular to each other. For instance, the first direction may be between about 85 degrees and about 95 degrees from the second direction (e.g., to form the “L” shape). It should be understood that the ranges given herein are provided by way of example only, and that any suitable angle between first arm 120 and second arm 122 may be incorporated according to specific embodiments. Accordingly, first arm 120 may define a first distal end 1201 and second arm 122 may define a second distal end 1221 (e.g., distal from pivot point 124).

[0027] Payload release system 100 may include a trigger 126. Trigger 126 may be accommodated within receiving space 114. Trigger 126 may be in operable communication with crank 118. Moreover, trigger 126 may be configured to move or shift within receiving space 114. For instance, trigger 126 may be configured to translate within receiving space according to an input (e.g., rotation) from crank 118. According to some embodiments, trigger 126 may selectively translate along the lateral direction L.

[0028] Trigger 126 may be positioned between first boss 116 and peripheral wall 109. For instance, trigger 126 may be restrained along the transverse direction TMEl\57978433.vl 6Attorney Docket No. 138189-16020 by each of peripheral wall 109 and first boss 116. According to some embodiments, trigger 126 is movable between a first trigger position and a second trigger position. In detail, the first trigger position may be referred to as a pre-actuation position (FIG. 4) and the second trigger position may be referred to as a post-actuation position (explained further below, FIG. 5).

[0029] Payload release system 100 may include a biasing member, such as trigger spring 128. Trigger spring 128 may selectively bias trigger 126 (e.g., along the lateral direction L) with respect to base plate 108 (e.g., with respect to peripheral wall 109). According to at least some embodiments, trigger spring 128 is a coil spring having a predetermined spring constant to apply a predetermined resistance force to trigger 126. Trigger spring 128 may be at least partially received within peripheral wall 109. Additionally or alternatively, trigger spring 128 may contact trigger 126 (e.g., adjacent to peripheral wall 109). Trigger spring 128 may be in a de-energized (or at least partially de-energized) state when trigger 126 is in the first position (e.g., the pre-actuation position). Accordingly, trigger spring 128 may become energized when trigger 126 is moved from the first position to the second position (e.g., via crank 118).

[0030] Trigger 126 may include a groove 130. Groove 126 may be formed into trigger to selectively accommodate a portion of crank 118 therein. In some embodiments, second arm 122 of crank 118 is received or accepted within groove 130. As will be explained, when crank 118 is rotated, second arm 122 may initiate a translation (e.g., sliding) of trigger 126 toward trigger spring 128.

[0031] Trigger 126 may include a trigger bearing 127. Trigger bearing 127 may be rotatably attached to trigger 126. For instance, trigger bearing 127 may include a rotating device (e.g., awheel, gear, or the like). Trigger bearing 127 may thus be at least partially accommodated within trigger 126. Trigger bearing 127 may be positioned distal to groove 130 (e.g., along the lateral direction L).

[0032] Payload release system 100 may include an actuator 132. Actuator 132 may be operably coupled with crank 118. For instance, actuator 132 may be configured to initiate the rotation of crank 118 in response to an input. Actuator 132 may beMEl\57978433.vl 7Attorney Docket No. 138189-16020 attached to first arm 120 of crank 118. Accordingly, upon receiving the input, actuator 132 may manipulate (e.g., pull, adjust, etc.) first arm 120 to rotate crank 118 about pivot point 124.

[0033] Actuator 132 may include a shape memory alloy (SMA) wire 134. In detail, at least a portion of actuator 132 may be a SMA wire 134 capable of altering shape (e.g. contract or lengthen) in response to a stimulus, such as an input current. The SMA wire 134 may thus include a metal or metal alloy that can be deformed at a cold or ambient temperature to a desired shape and returned to an original shape or form at an elevated temperature. The elevated temperature may be achieved by introducing a constant current (e.g., electrical current) to the SMA wire 134. It is hereby noted that SMA wires are known in the art, and thus a detailed description will be omitted for the sake of brevity.

[0034] As mentioned, the SMA wire 134 may be attached to first arm 120 of crank 118. For instance, the SMA wire 134 may be wrapped or looped around distal end 1201 of first arm 120. Accordingly, upon receiving the input (e.g., current input), the SMA wire 134 may alter shape to pull first arm 120, thereby translating or shifting trigger 126. According to at least some embodiments, the SMA wire 134 may include a titanium -nickel (TiNi) or nickel -titanium (NiTi) alloy. However, it should be understood that any suitable alloy or combination of alloys may be incorporated according to specific embodiments, and the disclosure is not limited to the examples provided herein.

[0035] In some instances, actuator 132 includes a housing. The housing may surround, encase, or otherwise ensheath the SMA wire 134 (and / or any additional or alternative wires, conductors, cables, etc.). The housing may provide a thermal and / or conductive barrier between actuator 132 and housing 106. Advantageously, as the SMA wire 134 is supplied with current, overheating and damage to one or more of the SMA wire 134, housing 106, slider 136, or any other element within payload release system 100 may be prevented.MEl\57978433.vl 8Attorney Docket No. 138189-16020

[0036] Payload release system 100 may include a slider 136. Slider 136 may be received or positioned within receiving space 114 of housing 106. Slider 136 may be movable between a first slider position and a second slider position. In at least some instances, a sliding direction of slider 136 is predominantly perpendicular to the sliding (or translating) direction of trigger 126. Slider 136 may be predominantly plate shaped. For instance, slider 136 may include a main plate 138. Main plate 138 may extend along each of the lateral direction L and the transverse direction T.

[0037] Slider 136 may include an extension arm 140. Extension arm 140 may extend (or protrude) from main plate 138. For instance, extension arm 140 may extend in a direction parallel with the sliding direction of slider 136. Moreover, extension arm 140 may extend toward trigger 126. Extension arm 140 may include a first portion 142 and a second portion 144. Collectively, first portion 142 and second portion 144 may form a “T” shape (e.g., as seen in FIG. 4). First portion 142 may be connected with main plate 138. Additionally or alternatively, first portion 142 may define a flange. For instance, first portion 142 may at least partially extend toward cover plate 110 (e.g., along the vertical direction V). Thus, the flange may be formed between main plate 138 and first portion 142 of extension arm 140.

[0038] Second portion 144 may protrude toward trigger 126. In detail, when slider 136 is in the first slider position and trigger 126 is in the first trigger position, second portion 144 may be in contact with trigger 126. In some instances, slider 136 may be restrained by trigger 126. Second portion 144 may define a width (e.g., along the lateral direction L). The width of second portion 144 of extension arm 140 may be less than a width of main plate 138 of slider 136). Second portion 144 may, in some instances, contact trigger bearing 127. Accordingly, as trigger 126 is moved from the first trigger position to the second trigger position, trigger bearing 127 may roll with respect to second portion 144 (e.g., a distal end thereof). Advantageously, frictional forces between trigger 126 and slider 136 may be reduced, thereby elongated an operational life of the components. Because the width of second portion 144 is less than a total width of main plate 138, a travel (e.g., translation) distance of trigger 126 may be reduced.MEl\57978433.vl 9Attorney Docket No. 138189-16020

[0039] Payload release system 100 may include a pair of electrical contacts 146. The pair of electrical contacts 146 may be provided within receiving space 114. For instance, the pair of electrical contacts 146 may be positioned on either side of main plate 138 of slider 136 (e.g., along the lateral direction L). Each of the pair of electrical contacts 146 may include a spring loaded pin (e.g., a pogo pin). For instance, each of the pair of electrical contacts 146 may be biased along the sliding direction of slider 136. Further, each of the pair of electrical contacts 146 may be accommodated within a respective housing or casing. According to at least some embodiments, each respective housing is fixed or attached to housing 106 (e.g., to base plate 108). The pair of electrical contacts 146 may be electrically connected to a power input. Accordingly, power (e.g., electricity) may be selectively supplied to the pair of electrical contacts 146.

[0040] Actuator 132 may be in electrical communication with the pair of electrical contacts 146. For instance, actuator 132 may include an input wire 148 connected at at least one of the pair of electrical contacts 146. Input wire 148 may selectively provide a current to one of the pair of electrical contacts 146 (e.g., in response to a signal, a timer, etc.). In some instances, input wire 148 extends externally to housing 106. Thus, power may be externally supplied to payload release system 100. The input current may then be supplied to the SMA wire 134 via one of the pair of electrical contacts 146.

[0041] Each of the pair of electrical contacts 146 may be in contact with slider 136 when slider 136 is in the first slider position. In detail, each electrical contact may abut or contact first portion 142 (e.g., at the flange formed thereon). Slider 136 may include a conductive contact pad 149. Conductive contact pad 149 may be positioned along the flange of first portion 142. Thus, each of the electrical contacts 146 may be in contact with conductive contact pad 149 when slider 136 is in the first slider position. A complete electrical circuit may then be defined between actuator 132, the pair of electrical contacts 146, and slider 136 via conductive contact pad 149.

[0042] As slider 136 is moved to the second slider position, each of the pair of electrical contacts 146 may separate from slider 136 (e.g., from conductive contact padMEl\57978433.vl 10Attorney Docket No. 138189-16020149). As would be understood, the complete electrical circuit may thus be interrupted or broken such that the electrical current supplied to the SMA wire 134 is stopped. Advantageously, actuator 132 and the SMA wire 134 may be prevented from overheating within housing 106. It should be appreciated that thermal grease within the actuator housing improves the heat transfer from the SMA wire 134 to the base plate 108 and cover plate 110.

[0043] As mentioned above, slider 136 may selectively move or shift from the first slider position to the second slider position. At least one drive spring 150 may be provided within the receiving space 114. The at least one drive spring 150 may be in operable contact with slider 136. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the at least one drive spring 150 may contact a flange or tab protruding from main plate 138 of slider 136. Moreover, the at least one drive spring 150 may contact or be received within peripheral wall 109. For instance, the at least one drive spring 150 may be in an energized state when slider 136 is in the first slider position. Thus, when trigger 126 is moved to the second trigger position via crank 118, the at least one drive spring 150 may shift, slide, or otherwise move slider 136 from the first slider position to the second slider position (e.g., via a spring force). In some instances, two drive springs 150 are provided. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one drive spring 150 may be a coil compression spring having a predetermined spring constant. As would be understood, the at least one drive spring 150 may store potential energy to overcome frictional forces within housing 106 such that slider is fully and effectively moved to the second slider position.

[0044] Payload release system 100 may include a dampener 151. Dampener 151 may be positioned within receiving space 114. Dampener 151 may be configured to contact slider 136 (e.g., a portion of extension arm 140) when slider 136 is moved to the second slider position. For instance, dampener 151 may attenuate or dampen the movement of slider 136. Dampener 151 may be formed from a malleable or elastic material, such as a rubber. Advantageously, slider 136 may be prevented from knocking or impacting other elements within payload release system 100 (e.g., crank 118, peripheral wall 109, etc.).MEl\57978433.vl 11Attorney Docket No. 138189-16020

[0045] Payload release system 100 may include a payload nut 152. Payload nut 152 may be selectively received or positioned within receiving space 114. According to some embodiments, payload nut 152 may be connected with a payload (e.g., a satellite, a sensor, a measurement device, etc.) external to housing 106. For instance, payload nut 152 may include a threaded portion (e.g., a female threaded portion) to which a payload instrument may be attached.

[0046] Cover plate 110 may define an aperture 154 therethrough. Aperture 154 may face base plate 108 (e.g., along the vertical direction V). As shown particularly in FIG. 2, payload nut 152 may be sized to selectively pass through aperture 154. In detail, payload nut 152 may be received and restrained within receiving space 114 via slider 136. Upon activation and a movement of slider 136 from the first slider position to the second slider position, payload nut 152 may be released from receiving space 114 via aperture 154. Accordingly, a profile of aperture 154 may be substantially similar to a profile of payload nut 152. In some instances, a cross-sectional area of payload nut 152 (e.g., along the lateral direction L and the transverse direction T) may be slightly smaller than a cross-sectional area of aperture 154, such that payload nut 152 is able to pass through aperture 154 at least relatively unabated.

[0047] As mentioned, payload nut 152 may be selectively restrained by slider 136. In detail, payload nut 152 may include a nut base 156. Nut base 156 may define a first flange 158 and a second flange 160. Payload nut 152 may further include a nut boss 162. Nut boss 162 may protrude from nut base 156 toward cover plate 110 (e.g., along the vertical direction V). First flange 158 may be provided or formed at a first side of nut boss 162 and second flange 160 may be provided or formed at a second side of nut boss 162. Thus, a top edge of nut boss 162 may be spaced apart from each of first flange 158 and second flange 160 (e.g., along the vertical direction V).

[0048] Slider 136 may include one or more extension tabs 164. For instance, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, extension tab or tabs 164 may protrude or extend in a direction opposite from that of extension arm 140. When slider 136 is in the first slider position, extension tab 164 may at least partially engage / overlap first flange 158 or second flange 160 (e.g., along the vertical direction V). Accordingly, payload nut 152MEl\57978433.vl 12Attorney Docket No. 138189-16020 may be restrained or held within receiving space 114. As slider 136 is moved to the second slider position, extension tab 164 is offset from first flange 158 or second flange 160. As such, payload nut 152 is free to disengage from housing 106.

[0049] The detailed description explains embodiments of the disclosure, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings.

[0050] The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application.

[0051] It should also be noted that the terms “first”, “second”, “third”, “upper”, “lower”, and the like may be used herein to modify various elements. These modifiers do not imply a spatial, sequential, or hierarchical order to the modified elements unless specifically stated.

[0052] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and / or groups thereof.

[0053] While the disclosure is provided in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the disclosure is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Additionally, while various embodiments of the disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that the exemplary embodiment(s) may include only some of the described exemplary aspects. Accordingly, the disclosure isMEl\57978433.vl 13Attorney Docket No. 138189-16020 not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.MEl\57978433.vl 14

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 138189-16020WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A payload release system for a vehicle, the payload release system comprising: a housing comprising a base plate, wherein the base plate defines a receiving space; a trigger configured to translate with respect to the base plate, the trigger selectively retaining a release object at least partially within the housing; and an actuator operably coupled with the trigger, wherein the actuator is configured to move the trigger from a first position to a second position in response to an input such that the release object is released with respect to the housing and the trigger.

2. The payload release system of claim 1, further comprising: a crank rotatably coupled to the base plate within the receiving space, the crank being in operable communication with the trigger; a slider positioned within the receiving space and movable between a first position and a second position; and a pair of electrical contacts provided within the receiving space, wherein the pair of electrical contacts is in electrical contact with the slider when the slider is in the first position.

3. The payload release system of claim 2, wherein the pair of electrical contacts is in electrical communication with the actuator, and wherein the actuator comprises a shape metal alloy (SMA) wire.

4. The payload release system of claim 2, further comprising:MEl\57978433.vl 15Attorney Docket No. 138189-16020 at least one drive spring provided within the receiving space and in operable contact with the slider.

5. The payload release system of claim 4, wherein the at least one drive spring is in an energized state when the slider is in the first position.

6. The payload release system of claim 2, further comprising: a payload nut selectively positioned within the receiving space, wherein at least a portion of the payload nut is restrained within the receiving space via the slider when the slider is in the first position.

7. The payload release system of claim 6, wherein the payload nut comprises: a base defining a first flange and a second flange; and a boss protruding from the base such that the first flange is defined at a first side of the boss and the second flange is defined at the second side of the boss.

8. The payload release system of claim 7, wherein the cover plate of the housing defines an aperture therethrough, the payload nut being positioned at the aperture.

9. The payload release system of claim 2, wherein the slider comprises: a main plate; andMEl\57978433.vl 16Attorney Docket No. 138189-16020 an extension arm extending from the main plate, wherein an extension direction of the extension arm is parallel with a movement direction of the slider from the first position to the second position.

10. The payload release system of claim 9, wherein a distal edge of the extension arm contacts the trigger when the slider is in the first position.

11. The payload release system of claim 9, wherein a width of the extension arm is less than a width of the main plate.

12. The payload release system of claim 1, wherein the crank comprises: a first arm extending in a first direction; and a second arm extending in a second direction, the second direction being 90 degrees from the first direction, wherein the first arm are joined at a pivot point.

13. The payload release system of claim 12, wherein the SMA wire is coupled to the first arm of the crank.

14. The payload release system of claim 12, wherein the trigger comprises: a groove formed therein along the second direction, wherein the second arm of the crank is accepted within the groove.

15. The payload release system of claim 2, further comprising:MEl\57978433.vl 17Attorney Docket No. 138189-16020 a dampener positioned within the receiving space and configured to contact the slider when the slider is moved to the second position.

16. The payload release system of claim 2, wherein the actuator further comprises: an input wire electrically connected with one of the pair of electrical contacts, wherein the input wire is configured to selectively provide a current input to the SMA wire via the pair of electrical contacts.

17. The payload release system of claim 1, further comprising: a trigger spring accommodated within the receiving space, the trigger spring configured to bias the trigger with respect to the base plate.

18. The payload release system of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises a titanium-nickel (TiNi) wire.

19. A payload release system for a vehicle, the payload release system comprising: a housing comprising a base plate and a cover plate selectively coupled to the base plate, wherein a receiving space is defined between the base plate and the cover plate; a crank rotatably coupled to the base plate within the receiving space; a trigger in operable communication with the crank, the trigger being configured to translate in response to a rotation of the crank; a slider positioned within the receiving space and movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the slider comprises a conductive contact pad;MEl\57978433.vl 18Attorney Docket No. 138189-16020 a pair of electrical contacts provided within the receiving space, wherein the pair of electrical contacts is in electrical contact with the conductive contact pad when the slider is in the first position; and an actuator operably coupled with the crank and electrically coupled with the pair of electrical contacts, wherein the actuator comprises a shape metal alloy (SMA) wire.

20. The payload release system of claim 19, further comprising: at least one drive spring provided within the receiving space and in operable contact with the slider, wherein the at least one drive spring is in an energized state when the slider is in the first position.MEl\57978433.vl 19

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