US 12,600,500 B2 · Multiple hold down and release device and method for releasing a payload from a spacecraft

Abstract

A multiple hold down and release device for restraining and releasing a payload from a spacecraft performs methods to release a payload from a spacecraft and install a multiple hold down and release device. At a periphery, the device includes hold-down assemblies. Each assembly has a hold-down bracket configured to attach to the payload and a hold-down support, both having conical mating surfaces. Each hold-down support includes a torsion spring(s) around an axis. In pairs of connecting levers, each lever includes a first end coupling to a corresponding hold-down support such that each corresponding lever is articulated with the corresponding hold-down support through an axis; and a second end opposite the first end. Restraint cables join second ends of each pair of connecting levers and are arranged radially with a central area where the restraint cables cross. A central release actuator is configured for cutting the restraint cables.

Claims14

Dependent claims

A multiple hold down and release device for restraining and releasing a payload from a spacecraft, the multiple hold down and release device comprising:

a plurality of hold-down assemblies placed on a periphery of the device, each of the hold-down assemblies comprising a hold-down bracket configured to be attached to the payload and a hold-down support joined to the spacecraft, the hold-down bracket and the hold-down support each comprising conical mating surfaces, each hold-down support comprising at least one torsion spring around an axis of the torsion spring,
a plurality of pairs of connecting levers, each of the connecting levers comprising a first end configured to be coupled to a corresponding hold-down support of the hold-down assemblies such that each corresponding lever is articulated with respect to the corresponding hold-down support through the corresponding axis, each of the connecting levers further comprising a second end opposite to the first end,
a plurality of restraint cables engaging the second ends of each pair of connecting levers and arranged radially with a central area of the multiple hold-down and release device where the restraint cables cross, and
a central release actuator configured to cut the restraint cables.

1 more element

A multiple hold down and release device for restraining and releasing a payload from a spacecraft, the multiple hold down and release device comprising:

a plurality of hold-down assemblies placed on a periphery of the device, each of the hold-down assemblies comprising a hold-down bracket configured to be attached to the payload and a hold-down support joined to the spacecraft, the hold-down bracket and the hold-down support each comprising conical mating surfaces, each hold-down support comprising at least one torsion spring around an axis of the torsion spring,
a plurality of connecting levers, each of the connecting levers comprising a first end configured to be coupled to a corresponding hold-down support of the hold-down assemblies such that each corresponding lever is articulated with respect to the corresponding hold-down support through the corresponding axis, each of the connecting levers further comprising a second end opposite to the first end,
a restraint cable that engages the second ends of the connecting levers, and
a release actuator configured to cut the restraint cable.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Multiple hold down and release device and method for releasing a payload from a spacecraft

Life of this patent

Multiple hold down and release device and method for releasing a payload from a spacecraft

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims14