Thermally Releasable Load Transfer Rod for Space Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical connectors for space objects are complex and heavy, increasing the weight and cost of satellites, and require redesign to incorporate thermally triggered disassembly, which complicates satellite design and reduces payload capacity.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical connector with a load transfer rod featuring a joining element that loses strength above a predetermined temperature threshold, allowing for a simple 'drop-in' replacement without redesign, and can be manufactured using additive manufacturing to tailor failure temperature and sequence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If existing mechanical connectors are used for space objects, then structural integrity is maintained, but weight and device complexity increase, reducing payload capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The joining element's material composition is modified to include a lower melting point component, changing its thermal parameters so that it remains strong at operational temperatures but fails at predetermined temperatures during reentry, eliminating the need for complex thermal activation mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The joining element is constructed from composite materials with different melting points, combining a base material for structural strength with a lower melting point material that enables thermal failure, achieving both structural integrity and controlled disassembly in a single component
2Reliability
If thermally triggered disassembly mechanisms are incorporated into connectors, then controlled disassembly during reentry is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joining element automatically responds to thermal conditions during reentry through its inherent material properties, failing at the predetermined temperature without requiring external activation mechanisms, sensors, or complex control systems, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while ensuring reliable controlled disassembly
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional connectors are redesigned for thermal failure, then disassembly functionality is added, but installation space and redesign costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal failure functionality is merged directly into the joining element itself rather than being added as a separate mechanism, allowing the same component to serve both as the structural connector and the thermally activated disassembly element, thereby avoiding increased installation space requirements
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 reduces weight and installation space while enabling controlled disassembly of space objects during reentry, maintaining payload capacity and avoiding complex redesign.
Implementation Method 1
the joining element has a lower tensile and/or compressive strength than the respective rod element above a predetermined temperature threshold
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector (4, 4') with a load transfer rod (40, 40') designed to transfer forces and/or moments from a first support body (42) connected or connectable to the load transfer rod (40, 40') to a second support body (44) connected or connectable to the load transfer rod (40, 40') is characterized in that the load transfer rod (40, 40') has a first rod element (41) and at least a second rod element (43) which are connected to each other in a joining section (45, 48) of the load transfer rod (40, 40') by means of a joining device (46), wherein the joining device (46) has a lower tensile and/or compressive strength than the respective rod element (41, 43) above a predetermined temperature threshold.