Expandable Wedge Locking for Vibration-Resistant Payload Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of small satellites often involves cantilevering payloads from a front flange, creating an undesirable load path and vulnerability to vibration, which existing solutions fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
An expandable back-drive resistant wedge device comprising a sled, snubber, and wedge, which transitions from a contracted to an expanded position to form an interference fit within a chamber, securing the payload through a more desirable load path and providing vibration resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the payload is cantilevered from the front flange, then the installation process is simplified, but the load path becomes undesirable and the system becomes vulnerable to vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple functional segments: a sled for mounting, an expandable wedge mechanism for securing, and a snubber for vibration damping. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together to solve the overall problem of secure payload installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge mechanism transitions from a contracted state during insertion to an expanded state for securing the payload. This dynamic transformation allows the device to adapt its structure to create the desired fixed-fixed load path while maintaining ease of installation through remote actuation.
2Ease of operation
If the payload is cantilevered from the front flange, then installation is easier, but the load path is undesirable (fixed-free instead of fixed-fixed)
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple functional segments: a sled for mounting, an expandable wedge mechanism for securing, and a snubber for vibration damping. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together to solve the overall problem of secure payload installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge mechanism transitions from a contracted state during insertion to an expanded state for securing the payload. This dynamic transformation allows the device to adapt its structure to create the desired fixed-fixed load path while maintaining ease of installation through remote actuation.
3Reliability
If a secure mounting solution is implemented, then vibration resistance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge mechanism is inserted into a slot within the snubber structure, creating a nested configuration. The pawl and cam mechanisms are integrated within the wedge assembly. This nesting reduces the overall space required and simplifies the appearance of the mounted device while maintaining the complex functionality needed for secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge mechanism includes self-locking features through the pawl-teeth engagement that automatically prevent backdrive once expanded. The cam mechanism provides automatic disengagement capability. These self-service features reduce the need for additional control systems and simplify operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device secures payloads effectively by creating a fixed-fixed load path and resisting vibrations, enhancing stability and reliability during satellite installation.
Implementation Method 1
The wedge can be configured to be inserted into the slot in a distal direction to cause the snubber to transition from the contracted position to the one or more expanded positions
Implementation Method 2
The snubber can form an interference fit with an internal wall of the chamber when in a first expanded position of the one or more expanded positions to fix the location of the load relative to the chamber and transfer load through a more desirable path
Implementation Method 3
the device can further comprise a pawl comprising a second plurality of teeth configured to engage the first plurality of teeth to prevent movement of the wedge in a proximal direction
Implementation Method 4
the device can further comprise a cam configured to actuate to cause the second plurality of teeth to disengage from the first plurality of teeth, thereby allowing movement of the wedge in the proximal direction
Data Source
AI summary
A device for securing a load including a sled, a snubber, and a wedge. The sled can be configured to be coupled to the load. The snubber can be coupled to the sled and configured to be inserted into a chamber. The snubber can include a slot. The snubber can be configured to move between a contracted position and one or more expanded positions. The wedge can be configured to be inserted into the slot in a distal direction to cause the snubber to transition from the contracted position to the one or more expanded positions. The snubber can form an interference fit with an internal wall of the chamber when in a first expanded position of the one or more expanded positions to fix the location of the load relative to the chamber.