Connecting Unit With Blocking Element For Reliable Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hold-and-release mechanisms used in space travel and safety-relevant devices often require high energy for separation, are complex in design, and may fail under vibrations or sudden forces, leading to unreliable operation.
Innovation Solution
A connection unit with a coupling unit featuring a blocking element and a locking unit, where the locking element is axially movable and held in a locking position by a fixation element. Upon activation of the separation mechanism, the locking unit moves the locking element out of the locking position, allowing relative movement between the holding elements while transferring large forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional hold-and-release mechanisms are used to ensure secure fastening of components, then connection strength is improved, but energy consumption for separation increases and design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection unit is divided into distinct functional elements: holding elements for secure attachment, a blocking element to transmit forces, and a locking unit with a fixing element to maintain the blocked state. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, achieving strong connection without requiring excessive energy for separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element is pre-positioned to receive and transmit ejection forces between holding elements before separation is needed. The locking unit with its fixing element preliminarily secures the blocking element in place, ensuring that when separation occurs, the pre-stored mechanical configuration enables efficient force transmission with minimal additional energy input.
2Reliability
If conventional hold-and-release mechanisms are designed to withstand large forces, then reliability under vibrations and impacts is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits ejection forces between holding elements, maintains structural integrity under vibrations and impacts, and works with the locking unit to control the separation process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking unit with the fixing element provides preliminary securing of the blocking element, creating a pre-cushioned state that protects the connection unit against vibrations and sudden forces. This beforehand protection mechanism ensures reliable operation under adverse conditions without requiring complex additional damping or protection systems.
3Strength
If fuse wires with large diameter are used to reliably absorb holding force, then connection strength is improved, but energy required to melt the wires increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the thermal separation mechanism (melting fuse wires) with a mechanical separation mechanism. The blocking element and locking unit use mechanical force transmission and geometric constraints to control separation, eliminating the need to melt wires entirely. This substitution dramatically reduces energy consumption while maintaining or improving connection strength.
4Reliability
If complex locking mechanisms are used to ensure fail-safe operation, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into simple, discrete components: the blocking element with its geometric features, and the locking unit with the fixing element. Each component can be manufactured independently using standard processes, and their assembly creates the fail-safe functionality without requiring complex integrated manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex mechanism that requires active control to maintain safety, the invention uses a passive blocking element that inherently maintains the blocked state through its geometric configuration and the fixing element. The fail-safe operation is achieved by the default mechanical configuration rather than by complex active control systems, simplifying manufacturing.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a connecting unit (1) and a method for releasably connecting two retaining elements (2, 3), to which respective different components (19, 20) can be fastened. The connecting unit has a first retaining element (2) and a second retaining element (3), which are at least temporarily interconnected against an ejection force introduced into at least one of the retaining elements (2, 3) and are designed to be connected or connectable to respective different components, and a disconnecting mechanism (4) is provided, upon activation of which the connection between the first retaining element (2) and the second retaining element (3) is disconnected. The described technical solution is characterized in that the disconnecting mechanism (4) has a blocking element (5), which is at least partially movable relative to the first retaining element (2) and the second retaining element (3), and a locking unit (6). When the first retaining element (2) and the second retaining element (3) are in the connected state, the blocking element (5) is held in a locking position by the locking unit (6), in which locking position the introduced ejection force is transferred from the second retaining element (3) to the first retaining element (2) by means of the blocking element (5). When the disconnecting mechanism (4) is activated, the locking unit (6) moves the blocking element (5) out of the locking position such that the connection between the first retaining element (2) and the second retaining element (3) is disconnected.