Payload Release Mechanism With Concentric Load-Transfer Features
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing payload release systems, such as hold down and release mechanisms (HDRM), suffer from tipping errors, excessive stress, and inadequate handling of shear, axial, and moment loads, leading to potential damage and mission failure due to their conical design.
Innovation Solution
A payload release system with concentric groove and ridge features on mating interfaces, a telescopic spring assembly, and a releasable actuator, providing high-stiffness, self-releasing joints that transfer combined loads and ensure clean separation with reduced shock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional conical cup-cone design is used in HDRM, then the payload can be secured during launch, but tipping errors and excessive stresses occur leading to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The conical interface is segmented into multiple concentric grooves and ridges that divide the load path into discrete engagement points. This segmentation prevents stress concentration at any single point and distributes tipping moments across multiple ridges, reducing the harmful effects while maintaining securement reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The mating interface combines multiple geometric features (conical surface, concentric grooves, ridges, and flats) into a composite structural design. This composite interface geometry provides both the securement function and the stress-distribution function simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between reliability and harmful factors
2Strength
If a deep conical feature is used in the separation mechanism, then payload attachment is achieved, but shear loads, axial loads, and overturning moments increase
Solution Approach 1:
The design adds a radial dimension to the traditional axial conical interface by incorporating concentric grooves and ridges. This multi-dimensional geometry allows the interface to handle combined loads more effectively by distributing forces across multiple planes and engagement points, reducing the magnitude of shear, axial, and moment loads
3Ease of operation
If a one-shot electro-mechanical HDRM is used, then payload release is achieved, but tipping errors and shock loads cannot be adequately controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The concentric groove and ridge features are designed to provide gradual engagement and disengagement during separation. The multiple ridges act as cushioning elements that absorb shock loads and prevent sudden tipping errors during the release process, while still allowing easy operation through the one-shot actuator mechanism
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 system enhances rigidity, reduces tipping risk, and ensures clean release with minimal shock, supporting precise deployment of payloads by managing shear, axial, and moment loads effectively.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring assembly coupled to the base
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The device for holding down a mobile structure, e.g., a payload, to a launch vehicle and for releasing the payload comprises a base structure (106) fixed to the launch vehicle, a plate (112) fixed to the payload, a releasable actuator (126), a release payload mechanism and a release rod (128) are driven to movement in an axial direction relative to the base structure upon activation of the actuator. The base structure and the plate comprises mating surfaces (108, 110) including a concentric shear feature capable of transferring combined shear, axial, and moment loads between the base structure and the plate, with a single point of preloaded axial-only retention.