Back to results
US 10,946,986 B1Granted
Mechanism for increasing jettison clearance
AssigneeUnited Launch Alliance, L.L.C.
InventorsTrevor M. Tanner, Michael W. Clarke, Philip M. Echelman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a novel system, device, and methods for providing a one-way locking mechanism that changes the shape or stiffness of a structure. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a mechanism for increasing fairing jettison clearance. Embodiments of the present invention permit outward breathing displacement by the fairing, but reduce the inward breathing displacement by the fairing such that the fairing does not hit and damage the spacecraft or vehicle as it is jettisoned from the spacecraft or vehicle.
Claims19
A fairing comprising:
- first axial edge;
- a second axial edge;
- an arcuate shape with a radius and an arc length from the first axial edge to the second axial edge;
- a longitudinal centerline between the first axial edge and the second axial edge;
- a height;
- and
- a means for altering the shape of the fairing following separation from a spacecraft,
- wherein the means for altering the shape of the fairing has a first position at a time prior to separation from the spacecraft and a second position at a time after separation from the spacecraft,
- wherein when the means for altering the shape of the fairing is in the first position a portion of the fairing proximate the longitudinal centerline and extending a length on either side of the longitudinal centerline has a first radius of curvature and when the means for altering the shape of the fairing is in the second position the portion of the fairing proximate the longitudinal centerline has a second radius of curvature that is larger than the first radius of curvature, and
- wherein the means for altering the shape of the fairing limits the portion of the fairing proximate the longitudinal centerline from returning to the first position.
7 more elements
A mechanism for increasing jettison clearance, comprising:
- an elongate member disposed along a portion of an arc length of an interior surface of a jettisoned structure and proximate an apex of the jettisoned structure, the elongate member comprising:
- a plurality of adjacent band portions, wherein each band portion in the plurality of adjacent band portions has a toothed portion extending inward from the interior surface of the jettisoned structure, wherein the toothed portions form a ratchet;
- and
- a slit between each band portion allowing the band portions to separate from one another as the jettisoned structure expands outward following jettison;
- and
- a first pawl with a head on a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the head shaped to engage a first groove formed between the toothed portion of a first band portion and the toothed portion of a second band portion,
- wherein when the fairing is in a first state the first pawl is located in the first groove, and when the fairing is in a second state the first pawl is located in a second groove formed between the toothed portion of a third band portion and the toothed portion of a fourth band portion, and wherein the second groove is closer to a first axial edge of the jettisoned structure than the first groove.
4 more elements
A mechanism for increasing jettison clearance, comprising:
- a housing comprising:
- a first end interconnected to an interior surface of a jettisoned structure;
- a second end;
- a valve proximate the housing first end;
- a piston;
- and fluid positioned between the piston and the valve;
- and a rod having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the rod is interconnected to the piston and the second end of the rod extends out of the housing second end and is interconnected to the interior surface of the jettisoned structure, wherein the valve permits fluid to enter the housing such that the piston and rod move away from the housing first end, which allows the jettisoned structure to expand outward following jettison, and wherein the valve limits fluid from exiting the housing such that when the jettisoned structure recoils inward the rod and housing limit an inward displacement of the jettisoned structure by creating a resistance to recoil of the jettisoned structure.
4 more elements
A mechanism for increasing jettison clearance, comprising:
- a webbing having a first end and a second end interconnected to a jettisoned structure, the webbing positioned on an exterior surface of the jettisoned structure and extending along a portion of the jettisoned structure such that a portion of the webbing is positioned on a backbone of the jettisoned structure;
- a first inertia reel having a first torsion spring associated with the first inertia reel, the first end of the webbing is in tension with the first torsion spring, wherein the first inertia reel is positioned on an interior surface of the jettisoned structure;
- a first position at a time prior to jettison;
- and
- a second position at a time after jettison,
- wherein when the mechanism for increasing jettison clearance is in the first position the webbing has a first webbing length as measured from the first inertia reel to the webbing second end,
- wherein when the mechanism for increasing jettison clearance is in the second position the webbing has a second webbing length as measured from the first inertia reel to the webbing second end, and
- wherein the second webbing length is shorter than the first webbing length.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.