Release Ring Damping in Satellite Separation Nuts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for separating satellites or microsatellites from rockets face issues with shock absorption during release, leading to reduced reliability and non-reusability due to the use of damping devices that either compromise performance or are not effectively reusable.
Innovation Solution
A separating device with a release ring that slides along a segmented nut, featuring a damping element that compresses only after the nut is released, allowing for controlled shock absorption and easy integration into existing systems without modifying their configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a solid damper is fastened to one end of the device to reduce shock on impact, then shock absorption is improved, but the overall dimensions of the device significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a damping element positioned within the separation device that provides shock absorption before the release ring impacts the end of its travel. This beforehand cushioning approach eliminates the need for external solid dampers, maintaining compact dimensions while protecting against impact shocks during the separation process
2Object-affected harmful factors
If damping pins and a damping plate are added to limit shocks related to the movement of the release ring, then shock absorption is improved, but the device loses its reusable nature due to plastic deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a damping element made of elastomeric material that changes its damping characteristics based on the operational phase. During the separation phase, it provides shock absorption; during the return phase, it allows the release ring to regain its initial position through elastic recovery. This parameter-based approach enables both shock protection and reusability without plastic deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The damping element is constructed from elastomeric material that combines shock-absorbing properties with elastic recovery capabilities. This composite material approach allows the device to dampen shocks during separation while maintaining the ability to be reused multiple times, unlike rigid damping pins that cause irreversible deformation
3Reliability
If a spring is placed in the device to allow the release ring to regain its initial position, then reusability is improved, but impacts still occur due to the quick movement of the release ring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the spring mechanism with the damping element into an integrated shock absorption and return system. The damping element works in conjunction with the spring to both cushion impacts during separation and facilitate the return of the release ring to its initial position, achieving both impact reduction and reusability through a unified 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 solution enhances the reliability of the separation process by ensuring damping occurs only after the nut is released, maintaining the reusable nature of the device and preventing irreversible deformation of components.
Implementation Method 1
the release ring is moreover configured to travel a determined non-zero distance along the axial direction between the second position and a third position wherein said ring is in contact with a damping element located between said ring and the annular shutter
Implementation Method 2
the release ring is configured to compress the damping element over a determined non-zero distance along the axial direction between the third position and a fourth position wherein said ring is at its stop position
Data Source
AI summary
A separating device including a release ring able to slide along a segmented nut, the release ring being configured to move between a first position wherein the segments of the nut are retained around a fastening screw and a second position wherein the segments of the nut are released, said device being characterized in that the release ring is moreover configured to travel a determined distance between the second position and a third position wherein said ring is in contact with a damping element located between said ring and an annular shutter, the release ring not being in contact with the damping element between the second position and the third position.