Pressure-Driven Separation Pin for Prestressed Aerospace Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection systems for aerospace and defense applications fail to simultaneously provide a locking mechanism that maintains parts under prestress and allows for easy separation, while also ensuring secure locking and unlocking functions without causing damage during separation.
Innovation Solution
A two-part separable connection device featuring a bond pin with a mobile diver and pressure generator, capable of transitioning between locked, unlocked, and separation configurations, using fluid pressure to unlock and separate parts while maintaining prestress and minimizing shock during separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a connecting device provides both locking and separation functions, then the device complexity increases, but the functionality and versatility improve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking function and separation function into a single connecting device. The connecting pin integrates both the locking mechanism (with locking elements that engage with grooves) and the separation mechanism (with a plunger that can be pressurized to unlock and eject the pin), eliminating the need for separate locking and separation devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device is designed as a multi-functional component that can perform multiple operations: locking two parts together, maintaining prestress on the parts, unlocking upon pressure application, and actively separating the parts through plunger-driven ejection. This universal design allows one device to replace multiple specialized components.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a single pressure generator is used for both unlocking and separation, then the use of energy is reduced, but the device complexity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the unlocking function and separation function into a single pressure-driven operation. The pressure generator connects to both the plunger (for unlocking) and the connecting pin (for separation), allowing one pressure source to control both critical functions rather than requiring separate actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure generator serves as a universal actuator that can perform multiple functions: applying pressure to the plunger to release locking elements, and applying pressure to the connecting pin to propel it against the stop for separation. This multi-functional use of a single energy source reduces overall system complexity.
3Force
If the connecting pin is moved by pressure to initiate separation, then the force of separation increases, but the prestress on parts is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first unlocking the locking elements before initiating separation. The pressure generator first acts on the plunger to release the locking elements, allowing the connecting pin to be freely moved. Only after unlocking does the pressure act on the pin to propel it against the stop, ensuring smooth transition from locked to separated state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions between different pressure application modes: initially applying pressure to unlock (plunger activation), then switching to applying pressure for separation (pin propulsion). This dynamic control allows the system to optimize force application at each stage while maintaining appropriate prestress levels during the locked state.
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 device ensures a simple, compact, and lightweight connection that securely locks parts under prestress, easily unlocks and separates them using a single pressure source, and adjusts prestress effort, minimizing damage and drag effects in aerospace applications.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure generator controllable and configured to generate pressure, said connecting device being configured to be able to successively take the following configurations: a so-called locked configuration, in which the plunger, held by an elastic element, acts on locking elements which lock the connecting pin between the two parts
Implementation Method 2
the plunger, moved by the pressure generated by the pressure generator in the first chamber, opens at least one fluid passage between said first chamber and a second chamber so as to allow the fluid in the first chamber to pass into the second chamber and transfer there the pressure generated by the pressure generator
Implementation Method 3
the plunger, held by an elastic element, acts on locking elements which lock the connecting pin between the two parts
Implementation Method 4
said connecting pin being configured to exert a predetermined force on said parts by pressing them against each other when it is locked by the locking elements
Implementation Method 5
the connecting pin being moved by said pressure in the second chamber until it generates an impact on a stop arranged on one of said parts so as to initiate the separation of the two parts
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
- The connecting device (1), simple, compact and lightweight, comprises a connecting pin (4) for holding two parts (2, 3) together and separating them, a movable plunger (17) arranged in the connecting pin (4) and a pressure generator (34), the connecting device (1) being able to assume a locked configuration where the plunger (17) acts on locking elements (25), the connecting pin (4) exerting a force on the parts (2, 3) by pressing them against each other, an unlocked configuration where the plunger (17), moved by a pressure generated by the pressure generator (34) in a first chamber, releases the locking elements (25) unlocking the connecting pin (4) and freeing the two parts (2, 3) and a separation configuration where the plunger (17) moved by the pressure opens a passage (43) between the first chamber and a second chamber allowing the pressure generated by the pressure generator (34) to be transferred into it,the connecting pin (4) being displaced by this pressure until it generates an impact on a stop of one of the parts (2, 3) so as to initiate their separation.