Spacecraft Separation Locking Assembly for Peak Shock Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Separation devices in spacecraft and launchers generate high shock levels due to internal locking device impacts, posing a risk to thin and lightweight constructions, particularly in smaller spacecraft with restricted packing volumes.
Innovation Solution
The separation device incorporates a dampening arrangement with guiding means to absorb energy through rotational movement, including a guiding plate and dampening pins that absorb energy by plastic deformation, and utilizes multiple initiator units with sequenced ignition for shock peak attenuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking device moves directly from locking position to releasing position, then the separation is quick and reliable, but high shock levels are generated due to internal locking device impact
Solution Approach 1:
A dampening arrangement is introduced as an intermediary element between the locking device and the housing. This dampening arrangement absorbs the impact energy when the locking device moves from locking to releasing position, thereby reducing shock levels while maintaining separation reliability. The dampening arrangement acts as a mediator that protects the spacecraft structure from harmful shock waves.
Solution Approach 2:
The dampening arrangement is pre-installed in the separation device to cushion the impact before it reaches the spacecraft structure. By having the cushioning mechanism in place beforehand, the harmful shock levels are attenuated while the separation function remains reliable. This prior cushioning prevents damage to thin and lightweight spacecraft constructions.
2Weight of moving object
If thin and lightweight constructions are used for spacecraft, then weight is reduced, but construction safety margins become thinner and more vulnerable to shock
Solution Approach 1:
The dampening arrangement serves as a protective intermediary between the separation device and the spacecraft structure. It absorbs and attenuates shock waves, protecting the thin and lightweight spacecraft construction from damage. This allows the spacecraft to maintain its lightweight design while gaining protection against shock-induced failures.
Solution Approach 2:
By incorporating the dampening arrangement in advance, the spacecraft gains protection against shock loads before they can compromise the thin construction safety margins. This beforehand cushioning enables the use of lightweight materials and thin-walled structures without sacrificing structural integrity during separation events.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If dampening arrangements are added to reduce shock, then shock levels are attenuated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dampening arrangement is applied locally at the critical impact zone where the locking device contacts the housing during separation. Rather than dampening the entire structure, the solution focuses shock attenuation at the specific location where shock is generated. This localized approach reduces overall device complexity while still achieving effective shock level attenuation.
Solution Approach 2:
A relatively simple dampening arrangement is introduced as an intermediary element between the locking device and housing. This intermediate component absorbs shock energy without requiring complex systems, thereby attenuating shock levels while adding minimal complexity to the separation device.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple initiator units with sequenced ignition are used, then shock peak attenuation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple initiator units are ignited in sequence rather than simultaneously, creating periodic action with time intervals between ignitions. This sequenced ignition pattern allows shock peaks from individual initiators to be attenuated before the next initiator fires, reducing overall shock peak levels. The periodic action approach manages shock attenuation while controlling system complexity through temporal separation of ignition events.
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 solution effectively attenuates peak loads, ensuring secure separation while allowing for lightweight and slim construction designs by reducing shock impacts on sensitive structures.
Implementation Method 1
an initiator comprising means for providing high pressure fluid to an expansion chamber when the separation device is switched from a locked state to a released state. The high pressure fluid in the expansion chamber moves the locking device from the locking position to the releasing position
Implementation Method 2
the dampening arrangement comprises a guiding means arranged to guide the locking device into a rotational movement when the locking device moves from the locking position to the releasing position
Implementation Method 3
a guiding plate and dampening pins that absorb energy by plastic deformation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a separation device (1) for a spacecraft or launcher. The separation device (1) comprises an inner housing (2) divided into at least two portions locked to each other by a locking device (3) in a locking position. The locking device (3) is arranged to move between a locking position and a releasing position. The separation device (1) comprises an initiator (5) comprising means for providing high pressure fluid to an expansion chamber (6) when the separation device (1) is switched from a locked state to a released state. The high pressure fluid in an expansion chamber (6) moves the locking device (3) from the locking position to the releasing position when the separation device (1) is switched from the locked state to the released state. The separation device (1) comprises a dampening arrangement (8) arranged to attenuate a peak load when the separation device (1) is switched from the locked state to the released state.