System for breaking a tensioned connecting element
AssigneeFokker B.V.
InventorGerardus J. A. N. Kester
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system for releasing parts of a spacecraft construction that are contained by the use of a tensioned cable, made of a material that will degrade or decompose under the influence of heat, and stretched between two supporting elements of the construction. At least one heating element is connected to an electrical power source mounted into a frame that is attached to the spacecraft structure, in a manner such that the heating element and the opposed cable section are pressed towards each other. The tension in the cable is of sufficient degree to displace the ruptured ends of the cable, when broken, out of contact with the heating element.
Claims8
A system for releasing parts of a space craft construction, which parts are maintained in a predetermined position within the construction, said system comprising:
- (a) a tensioned cable element, made of a material that will degrade under influence of heat, stretched between two supporting elements of the construction thereby maintaining said parts into said predetermined position, and
- (b) at least one electrical heating element connectable to an electrical power source and mounted into a frame attached to a space craft structure, such that said heating element and an opposed cable section are pressed towards each other,
- the tension in said cable being sufficient to displace ruptured end parts of the cable, after its breakage, out of contact with said heating element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.