Rotary Locking Mechanism for Low-Shock Payload Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for temporary connection and separation in the aeronautical and space industries face challenges in minimizing shocks during payload separation while maintaining high pre-tension and short unlocking times, which are detrimental to payload and launcher structures.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a rotary mechanism using a pyrotechnic actuator and a rotary rod with a locking head and receptacle, allowing for controlled rotation and reduced shock through the use of a return spring and engagement stops, minimizing the need for violent impacts and optimizing pre-tension and assembly stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a pyrotechnic charge is used for unlocking, then the unlocking time is reduced and pre-tension is maintained, but the shock level increases detrimentally
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple independent locking elements (protrusions and recesses) distributed around the circumference, allowing sequential or distributed unlocking rather than a single violent release point. This segmentation distributes the shock across multiple locations and time points, reducing peak shock levels while maintaining rapid overall unlocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic controlled release mechanism. The pyrotechnic charge initiates unlocking, but the actual separation is controlled by the interaction between the rod's protrusions and the receptacle's recesses, which guide the motion and distribute the release forces dynamically, reducing violent impacts.
2Strength
If high pre-tension is applied to maintain payload during flight, then the connection strength is improved, but the unlocking force required and shock level increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking protrusions and recesses are pre-positioned and pre-aligned during assembly, creating a prepared configuration that allows controlled release. The pyrotechnic charge only needs to initiate the release motion, not overcome the entire pre-tension force at once, as the geometric configuration already prepares the path for controlled separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod acts as an intermediary element between the pyrotechnic charge and the payload separation. The protrusions on the rod interact with recesses in the receptacle to mediate the force transmission, converting the explosive force into controlled mechanical motion that reduces shock while maintaining the necessary unlocking force.
3Device complexity
If a simple unlocking mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the shock control and positioning precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning precision is achieved through segmented locking elements (multiple protrusions and recesses around the circumference) rather than a single complex positioning mechanism. Each segment contributes to both locking and positioning, simplifying the overall device while maintaining precision through the distributed geometric configuration.
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 reduces shock levels during separation, achieves rapid and precise payload positioning, and maintains mechanical strength and pre-tension, with a compact and lightweight design suitable for multipoint satellite systems, while being cost-effective and reliable.
Implementation Method 1
the almost instantaneous release of the elastic energy of the pre-tension in the assembly during unlocking
Implementation Method 2
these existing devices are very often motorized by a pyrotechnic charge
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for mechanical locking/separation by rotation, comprising a main body (1) secured to a first system, provided with an actuator (2) for rotatably actuating a rotatable rod (3) inserted into the main body; and comprising a container (4), secured to a second system for temporarily fixing to the first system; for which the rotatable rod is movable in translation under the action of a return spring (6) in the main body and is provided with a locking head (31) provided with a first contact area (32) for locking by rotation, complementary to a second contact area (41) of said container.