Spacecraft Separation Nut Locking With Bearing Elements for Low Shock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Separation devices for spacecraft generate high shock levels due to internal locking device impacts, posing risks to payloads and dispenser bodies, especially in smaller spacecraft with restricted packing volumes and shorter shock distances.
Innovation Solution
A separation device with a nut divided into portions locked by a locking mechanism that moves between locking and releasing positions, utilizing bearing elements and indentations to distribute force radially and reduce shock, allowing smooth transition from locked to released states, and incorporating a releasing device to initiate this movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking device is used to secure the nut portions, then the separation device can maintain a locked state, but the locking device generates high shock levels when moving from locking to releasing position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces bearing elements as intermediary components between the locking device and the nut portions. These bearing elements act as mediators that transform the linear impact force into radial distributed pressure, reducing shock peaks while maintaining the locking function during normal operation and enabling controlled release when needed
2Speed
If the locking device moves directly from locking to releasing position, then the separation is achieved quickly, but the direct impact causes high shock and potential jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved locking surfaces on the bearing elements that guide the locking device through a controlled movement path. The curved surfaces transform the abrupt linear motion into a more gradual arc-shaped movement, distributing the impact over time and space while maintaining rapid separation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing elements serve as intermediary components that decouple the direct impact between the locking device and nut portions. They transform the harmful linear impact into beneficial radial pressure, enabling fast separation without high shock peaks or jamming risks
3Object-affected harmful factors
If bearing elements are introduced to reduce shock, then shock peaks are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing elements are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they act as shock absorbers by distributing impact forces radially, serve as guiding elements for the locking device through their curved surfaces, and function as load-bearing components during both locked and released states. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function
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 peaks and prevents jamming by directing force in a radial plane, ensuring safe and controlled separation of spacecraft components, minimizing risk to sensitive structures.
Implementation Method 1
at least two bearing elements arranged between the locking device and the nut... In the locked state each bearing element is jammed between the locking surface and an inner envelope surface of the locking device hindering movement of the nut portions in a radial direction
Data Source
AI summary
A separation device for a spacecraft or launcher comprising a nut divided into at least two nut portions locked to each other by a locking device in a locking position. A releasing device is arranged to switch the locking device from the locking position to a releasing position. The separation device comprises at least two bearing elements arranged between the locking device and the nut. The nut comprises an outer envelope surface which comprises as many indentations as the number of bearing elements and locking surfaces between the indentations. In the locked state each bearing element is jammed between the locking surface and an inner envelope surface of the locking device and in the released state each bearing element is positioned facing the indentations.