Low-Moment Conical Hold-and-Release Mechanism for Space Payloads

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hold and release mechanisms (HRMs) for deployable structures in space-based applications face issues such as manufacturing difficulties, assembly failures, and wear due to high bending and torsion, leading to costly damage and mission failures during ground testing, launch, and deployment.

Innovation Solution

A hold and release mechanism (HRM) system using a first and second HRM bracket with conical portions and struts that converge to a convergence point, along with a retaining device, to minimize moments and torsion, allowing for a compact, scalable, and reliable hold and release of deployable payloads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional hold and release mechanisms are used to connect deployable payloads, then the mechanism can provide holding and release functionality, but high bending and torsion moments occur at the interface leading to manufacturing difficulties, assembly failures, and wear

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveHRM interface reliabilityVSAvoidinterface strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs conical surfaces instead of traditional cylindrical or flat interfaces. The first bracket includes a conical outer surface while the second bracket includes a conical inner surface, creating a conical interface. This curved geometry transforms the stress distribution, converting bending moments into axial compressive forces along the conical surface, thereby eliminating high bending and torsion moments at the interface and improving both reliability and strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional HRM designs are used, then basic hold and release function is achieved, but manufacturing and assembly become difficult due to high stress concentrations

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveHRM manufacturing easeVSAvoidinterface manufacturing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The conical interface geometry simplifies manufacturing by distributing stresses uniformly along the tapered surface, eliminating stress concentrations that plague traditional designs. The converging lines of action of struts to a single point on the conical surface further simplifies the structural analysis and manufacturing process, reducing the need for complex high-precision machining while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If conventional bracket designs are used, then connection functionality is provided, but high moments lead to wear and fretting during ground testing and launch

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveHRM service lifeVSAvoidinterface wear and fretting

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The conical interface design transforms the mechanical interaction between brackets from sliding contact with high friction to rolling or point contact with minimized relative motion. The converging strut lines create compressive forces that press the conical surfaces together, preventing fretting and wear by eliminating micro-movements at the interface during ground testing and launch vibrations, thereby extending service life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Adaptability or versatility

If traditional HRM configurations are used, then payload holding is achieved, but the structure becomes bulky and less scalable

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveHRM scalabilityVSAvoidHRM volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The HRM system is divided into modular bracket units, each with standardized conical interfaces. The first bracket connects to the payload while the second bracket connects to the platform, with both featuring identical conical geometry. This segmentation allows the same bracket design to be reused across different payload sizes and mission requirements, enabling scalability without increasing overall system volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conical interface allows one bracket to nest within or upon another during the holding configuration, creating a compact stacked arrangement. The tapered geometry enables efficient space utilization where multiple brackets can be arranged in a nested configuration, minimizing the volume occupied by the HRM system while maintaining full functionality across different payload scales.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS20250296709A1Systems, methods, and devices for a low moment conical hold and release mechanism

Publication Date: 2025.09.25 MACDONALD DETTWILER & ASSOC INC

AI summary

Provided is a bracket for use in a hold and release mechanism (“HRM”) system for releasably holding a deployable payload in a stowed configuration. The bracket includes a conical portion for nesting with a conical portion of a second bracket for forming a first separation interface therebetween. The conical portion of the bracket is configured as a cone and the conical portion of the second bracket is configured as a cup. The bracket includes one or more bracket connectors for connecting the bracket to the deployable payload or a platform on which the deployable payload is stowed. The second bracket connects to whichever of the deployable payload or the platform the first bracket is not connected.