Device for a space vessel
AssigneeSaab Ericsson Space AB
InventorOrjan Arulf
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A flange (1) for a space vessel (2), which flange (1) is arranged so as to reduce a shock or impact wave that occurs upon the release of a coupling (5). The coupling (5) is intended to impart a radially inwardly acting force to hold together two separable space vessel parts (3, 4) via two flanges (1, 6) belonging to respective space vessel parts (3, 4). The first flange (1) comprises at least one weakened point (9) so that it has a substantially broken annular shape, in order to thus reduce its energy-absorbing capacity when it is bent inward by the force (F).
Claims5
A device for a space vessel (2), which device has an annular coupling (5) intended to impart a radially inwardly acting force F to holding together a first space vessel part (3) and a second space vessel part (4) that is separable from the first space vessel part (3), which device includes a first flange (1) that is included in the first space vessel part (3) and a second flange (6) that is included in the second space vessel part (4), characterized in that the first flange (1) comprises at least one weakened point (9) so that it has a substantially broken annular shape, whereupon the energy-absorbing capacity of the flange (1) is reduced in that the flange (1) is bent inward at the weakened point (9) under the effect of the force F.
2 A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first flange (1) has one or more notches which, under radial load from the coupling, encounter one or more radial stops realized in the second flange (6).
A device according to any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the weakened point (9) includes a slit that breaks the annular shape of the first flange (1) and extends a distance in connection thereto into the wall of the first space vessel part 93).
A device according to any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that a weakened point (9) extends substantially in the direction of travel of the space vessel (2).
A device according to any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that weakened points (9) are realized in at least two places along the annular shape of the first flange (1).
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.