Spacecraft Separation Lock With Shock-Dampening Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Separation devices for spacecraft payloads generate high shock levels due to internal locking device impacts, posing risks to thin and lightweight constructions, especially in smaller spacecraft with restricted packing volumes.

Innovation Solution

A separation device with a dampening arrangement that includes a dampening plate and pins to absorb energy, combined with sequenced initiator units for shock peak attenuation, allowing for a secure release while maintaining a lightweight construction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the locking device is made robust to ensure reliable separation, then the separation reliability is improved, but the shock peak increases harming the lightweight construction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation reliabilityVSAvoidshock peak

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A dampening element is introduced as an intermediary component between the locking device and the housing. This dampening element absorbs and attenuates the shock peak generated when the locking device transitions from locked to unlocked state, while still allowing the locking device to perform its separation function reliably. The dampening element acts as a buffer that protects the lightweight housing from shock damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Weight of moving object

If the spacecraft construction is made thin and lightweight, then the weight is reduced, but the construction safety margins decrease making it more vulnerable to shock

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespacecraft weightVSAvoidconstruction safety margin

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The dampening element is pre-installed in the housing to provide cushioning protection before the separation event occurs. This beforehand cushioning ensures that when the locking device releases and generates a shock peak, the dampening element is already in position to absorb and attenuate the shock, protecting the lightweight construction from damage despite its thin walls and limited safety margins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the dampening arrangement is added to reduce shock peak, then the shock attenuation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock peak attenuationVSAvoidseparation device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dampening element is designed as a simple, thin-walled structural component that can be integrated into the existing housing design. This flexible dampening structure provides effective shock attenuation through its geometric design and material properties without requiring complex mechanisms, active control systems, or multiple components, thus minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 during separation, ensuring safe and reliable payload release while enabling more slender and lightweight spacecraft designs.

Implementation Method 1

an initiator comprising means for providing high pressure fluid to an expansion chamber when the separation device is switched from a locked state to a released state. The high pressure fluid in the expansion chamber moves the locking device from the locking position to the releasing position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHigh pressure fluid: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

The separation device comprises a dampening arrangement arranged to attenuate a peak load when the separation device is switched from the locked state to the released state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDampening: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS11554884B2Separation device for spacecraft and a method for separation

Publication Date: 2023.01.17 RUAG SPACE

AI summary

The invention relates to a separation device for a spacecraft or launcher. The separation device includes an inner housing divided into at least two portions locked to each other by a locking device in a locking position. The locking device is arranged to move between a locking position and a releasing position. The separation device includes an initiator including means for providing high pressure fluid to an expansion chamber when the separation device is switched from a locked state to a released state. The high pressure fluid in an expansion chamber moves the locking device from the locking position to the releasing position when the separation device is switched from the locked state to the released state. The separation device comprises a dampening arrangement arranged to attenuate a peak load when the separation device is switched from the locked state to the released state.