Spacecraft Carrier Latch Mechanism for Payload Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spacecraft designs lack reliable mechanisms for securely transporting and deploying payloads, such as CubeSat devices, in low gravity or zero gravity environments, particularly for long-life missions, as existing designs are not designed to accommodate payloads over 36 kg and can cause damage due to unbalanced forces during deployment.
Innovation Solution
A carrier system with multiple linked latch assemblies secured by a notched bolt, which are preloaded and actuated to rotate out of the way, allowing a spring-loaded pusher assembly to deploy the payload using rollers, with strain gages monitoring preload forces to ensure secure retention and controlled release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing spacecraft designs are used to transport payloads, then the vehicle can be launched with satellites as payloads, but the mechanisms cannot reliably accommodate payloads over 36 kg and may cause damage due to unbalanced forces during deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism is divided into multiple independent latch assemblies (first latch assembly, second latch assembly, etc.) that can be actuated separately. Each latch assembly independently engages with the payload, allowing balanced force distribution across multiple attachment points rather than relying on a single securing mechanism, thereby preventing damage from unbalanced forces while accommodating larger payloads.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assemblies are designed to be actuated in a controlled sequence rather than simultaneously. The first latch assembly is actuated, then the second latch assembly is actuated afterward, creating a dynamic, staged release process. This sequential actuation ensures that forces are applied and released in a controlled manner, maintaining balance and preventing structural damage during deployment.
2Reliability
If multiple latch assemblies are used to secure payloads, then retention reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple latch assemblies are combined under a single actuation system that controls their sequential operation. The actuator integrates the control logic for multiple latches, and the notched bolt provides a unified mechanical linkage that coordinates the actuation timing. This merging approach maintains high retention security through multiple latches while reducing overall system complexity by providing centralized control rather than independent control systems for each latch.
Solution Approach 2:
The notched bolt is pre-configured with notches that engage with corresponding features on the latch assemblies, establishing the actuation sequence before operation begins. This preliminary mechanical configuration ensures that latches are actuated in the correct sequence without requiring complex electronic controls or additional actuation mechanisms, thereby maintaining reliability while simplifying the overall device structure.
3Ease of operation
If a spring-loaded pusher assembly is used to deploy payloads, then controlled release is achieved, but shock forces may damage the payload
Solution Approach 1:
Rollers are positioned between the pusher assembly and the payload to cushion and distribute the shock forces during deployment. The rollers engage with the payload surface, converting the abrupt spring-loaded force into a gradual rolling motion that minimizes impact. This beforehand cushioning arrangement allows controlled release while protecting the payload from shock damage caused by rapid deployment forces.
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 system provides reliable and controlled deployment of payloads, minimizing damage from shock and ensuring accurate actuation, accommodating various payload sizes and weights, and allowing for precise preload adjustment to maintain interface integrity during launch.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded pusher assembly to deploy the payload
Implementation Method 2
using rollers
Data Source
AI summary
A carrier of a spacecraft can include multiple latch assemblies that are linked together and held in place by one notched bolt or main shaft, which is out of the main load path. The latch assemblies secure the payload (e.g., CubeSat device) within a carrier by interfacing with pin assemblies on the payload. To deploy the payload, the shape memory alloy actuator is fired which causes a series of springs and preload forces to rotate latches of the latch assemblies out of the path of the pin assemblies. Once the latches are out of the way, the payload is deployed by a spring-loaded pusher assembly and guided through deployment using rollers. Each latch assembly is preloaded in tension using a corresponding preload lug of a receiver assembly.