Pyrotechnic Separation Device With Damping Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing triggered unlocking devices for separating objects, such as satellites from supporting structures, are complex and expensive due to the arrangement of damping means and axial ejectors, which are necessary to avoid sudden mechanical shocks during rapid separation.
Innovation Solution
A simplified unlocking device with a segmented nut and release sleeve, featuring a damping chamber and calibrated passages that control the stroke of the release sleeve to prevent sudden shocks, eliminating the need for an axial ejector and maintaining high performance by gradually releasing the connecting screw.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If damping means and axial ejectors are arranged in the unlocking device to avoid sudden mechanical shocks, then the equipment is protected from shock damage, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the damping function and the actuation function into a single integrated release sleeve assembly. The release sleeve itself serves as the damping element through its interaction with the segmented nut, eliminating the need for separate damping means and axial ejectors. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining shock protection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The release sleeve is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the actuating mechanism and the damping element. The segmented nut automatically provides damping through its segment separation and reassembly mechanism during the release process, without requiring external damping components. This self-service approach reduces overall device complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If damping means and axial ejectors are arranged in the unlocking device to avoid sudden mechanical shocks, then the equipment is protected from shock damage, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the damping function into the release sleeve and segmented nut assembly, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration lowers manufacturing costs by eliminating separate damping means and axial ejectors, while still providing effective shock protection through the segmented nut mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented nut uses simple, easily manufactured segments that can be produced at low cost. These segments provide effective damping through their separation and reassembly, replacing expensive axial ejectors and complex damping mechanisms with simpler, more cost-effective components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the release sleeve stroke is controlled to avoid sudden end-of-stroke shock, then the equipment is protected from shock damage, but the response time of the device decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented nut dynamically adapts its damping characteristic during the release process. As the release sleeve moves, the segments separate and reassemble, providing progressive damping that controls the end-of-stroke shock without significantly delaying the overall response time. This dynamic mechanism maintains high performance while protecting against mechanical shock.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping characteristic changes as the release sleeve progresses through its stroke. The segmented nut transitions from a locked state to a separated state, providing variable damping that increases near the end of the stroke to prevent shock, while allowing rapid movement during the majority of the travel. This parameter change enables shock protection without excessive response time penalty.
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 allows for rapid and controlled separation of subassemblies without sudden mechanical shocks, maintaining high response times and reducing complexity and cost, while ensuring the equipment is protected from shock damage.
Implementation Method 1
a gas generator (15), housing in a cap (27) of the body (14) and intended to emit gases on triggering into an expansion chamber (60) defined in the extension of the gas generator
Implementation Method 2
calibrated passages (70) defined in the side wall of said release sleeve (40) between said damping chamber (66) and said drive chamber (64)
Implementation Method 3
a damping chamber (66) communicating with said expansion chamber (60) and defined inside the bore of the release sleeve (40) between a bottom wall (68) thereof and the end (69) of the pusher (42)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~5
AI summary
Device for rapidly separating two subassemblies, under the action of a pyrotechnic gas generator. The device comprises a segmented nut (17) held by a release sleeve (40) that can move under the action of the gas generator (15); a motive chamber (64) including an end wall of the release sleeve, a damping chamber (66) communicating with a gas expansion chamber (60) and calibrated passages (70) extending between the damping chamber and the motive chamber.