Space Actuator Bolt Guided by Rotating Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing space component actuation devices, particularly those used in pyrotechnic systems, face limitations such as single-use functionality, contamination, and high functional shocks, which are not adequately addressed by current non-explosive actuators that often suffer from repeated use and excessive friction.
Innovation Solution
A non-explosive actuation device featuring a bolt and spring mechanism within a housing, where the bolt moves between positions guided by a rotatable actuator sleeve with a trajectory, utilizing a torsion spring and redundant bearings to minimize shock and friction, allowing for multiple uses and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pyrotechnic actuators are used for actuating space components, then actuation force and reliability are improved, but the device can only be used once and produces contaminants with high functional shock
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pyrotechnic (chemical) actuation system with a purely mechanical spring-loaded system. The spring mechanism provides the actuation force through elastic energy storage and release, eliminating the need for pyrotechnic charges. This substitution enables multiple uses without contamination while maintaining reliable actuation through the robust mechanical design of the spring-bolt-sleeve assembly.
2Reliability
If pyrotechnic actuators are used for actuating space components, then actuation force and reliability are improved, but high levels of functional shock occur during actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the guide section with trajectory design to cushion and control the bolt's movement. The curved trajectory guides the bolt through a controlled path, distributing the actuation force over time and space rather than delivering an instantaneous shock. This beforehand cushioning through guided motion reduces peak shock loads on the actuated component while maintaining reliable actuation.
3Productivity
If non-explosive actuators are used to reduce functional shock and contamination, then reusability is improved, but friction increases with repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the friction problem from the main actuation path by using the rotatable actuator sleeve with guide section. The guide section creates a controlled sliding interface that separates the bolt's linear motion from the sleeve's rotation. This extraction allows the bolt to move along a predetermined trajectory with reduced friction, enabling repeated actuations while managing wear through the durable sleeve-bolt interface.
4Ease of manufacture
If a simple structural design is used to reduce weight, then manufacturing ease is improved, but friction compensation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the curved trajectory guide section within the actuator sleeve to compensate for friction. The curved (spheroidal) path of the guide section allows the spring force to act tangentially to the motion path, naturally compensating for frictional losses throughout the bolt's movement. This curvature-based design achieves friction compensation through geometry rather than complex mechanical elements, maintaining structural simplicity while enabling reliable actuation.
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 enables multiple actuations with minimal shock loads and no contamination, maintaining a lightweight and reliable structure suitable for space applications, with adjustable spring forces and optimized trajectory to compensate for friction, ensuring low resistance and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is positioned between the housing and the bolt
Implementation Method 2
The actuator sleeve is mounted in the housing such that it can rotate about an axis of movement of the bolt
Implementation Method 3
the trajectory of the guide section of the actuator sleeve is inclined at a predetermined, acute angle in relation to the surface normal of the direction of movement of the bolt. This 'inclined plane' serves to compensate for any friction occurring during the actuation of the device
Implementation Method 4
The actuator sleeve is ball-bearing mounted at its end facing away from the bolt
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The device (1) has a housing (10), and a bolt (20) arranged in the housing. The bolt is moved between a position in which an outer section of the bolt is arranged at an outer side of the housing and another position in which the outer section is arranged in an inner side of the housing. A spring (30) i.e. spiral spring, is arranged between the housing and the bolt. An actuator casing (40) is arranged in the housing in a rotatable manner, and has a guiding section (41) that is designed as a trajectory, where the bolt is guided along the trajectory during the rotation of the casing.