Preload release mechanism

A preload release mechanism comprising:

• a preload spring assembly adapted to apply a preload to a first connector member mounted on a support structure, said connector member being adapted for blind mated connection with a second connector member affixed to an object to be mounted to said support structure,
• said preload spring assembly comprising
• a pair of cylindrical bushings arranged in sleeved telescopic relation with the innermost bushing having an axial opening therethrough which defines an opening through said preload spring assembly and
• a coiled compressive preload spring arranged in sleeved relation to said telescoped bushings;
• means for mounting said compressive preload spring in compressed condition on the telescoped bushings whereby the compressive spring applies a biasing force urging the separation of the telescoped bushings;
• a tubular shaft extending through said opening through the preload spring assembly and through aligned openings provided in the connector member and said supporting structure, said tubular shaft having a plurality of lateral openings extending through the wall of the shaft and each adapted to receive an actuator detent therein;
• means for clamping said tubular shaft on said support structure;
• a plunger in the form of a plunger rod slidably mounted in said tubular shaft, said plunger rod having an annular shoulder formed near one end thereof by a first reduced diameter portion which forms a tip end of the plunger, said plunger rod having a second reduced diameter portion forming an annular recess in the plunger rod near the other end thereof which annular recess is positioned adjacent said lateral openings upon depression of the plunger tip;
• a retainer means fixed to one end of said tubular shaft for precluding passage of the rod through said shaft in one axial direction of said shaft;
• an end cap fitted on the end of the tubular shaft opposite said tip end and closing the bore of the shaft, said end cap having an external flange providing a cap shoulder abutting the end of the tubular shaft and radially extending beyond the external longitudinal surface of the shaft;
• a plunger return spring located in the bore of said tubular shaft in compressed condition therein to thereby bias the plunger rod against the plunger rod retainer;
• and
• a plurality of detents received in said plurality of lateral openings in the tubular shaft, each of said detents being held captive in a different one of said lateral openings by the side surface of the plunger rod, said detents locking the preload spring assembly in position on said tubular shaft such that the preload spring assembly applies a preload to said first connector member, said preload spring assembly and said preload being releasable upon completion of the connection by depression of the plunger rod and release of the detents to said recess upon contact of the plunger tip with said object to be connected.

A preload release mechanism comprising:

• a preload spring assembly adapted to apply a preload to a first connector member mounted on a support structure, said connector member being adapted for connection with a second connector member affixed to an object to be mounted to said support structure,
• said preload spring assembly comprising
• a pair of bushings arranged in sleeved telescopic relation with the innermost bushing having an axial opening therethrough which defines an opening through said preload spring assembly and
• a preload spring arranged in sleeved relation to said telescoped bushings;
• means for mounting said preload spring on the telescoped bushings whereby the spring applies a biasing force urging the separation of the telescoped bushings;
• a tubular shaft extending through said opening through the preload spring assembly and through aligned openings provided in the connector member and said supporting structure, said tubular shaft having at least one lateral opening extending through the wall of the shaft and where each said opening is adapted to receive a detent therein;
• means for clamping said tubular shaft on said support structure;
• a plunger in the form of a plunger rod slidably mounted in said tubular shaft, said plunger rod having an annular shoulder formed near one end thereof by a first reduced diameter portion which forms a tip end of the plunger, said plunger rod having a second reduced diameter portion forming a recess in the plunger rod near the other end thereof which recess is positioned adjacent each said lateral opening upon depression of the plunger tip;
• a retainer means fixed to one end of said tubular shaft for precluding passage of the rod through said shaft in one axial direction of said shaft;
• an end cap fitted on the end of the tubular shaft opposite said tip end and closing the bore of the shaft, said end cap having an external flange providing a cap shoulder abutting the end of the tubular shaft and radially extending beyond the external longitudinal surface of the shaft;
• a plunger return spring located in the bore of said tubular shaft in stressed condition therein to thereby bias the plunger rod against the plunger rod retainer;
• and
• a releasable detent received in each said lateral opening in the tubular shaft, each of said detents being held captive in a different one of said lateral openings by the side surface of the plunger rod, said detents locking the preload spring assembly in position on said tubular shaft such that the preload spring assembly applies a preload to said first connector member, said preload spring assembly and said preload being releasable upon completion of the connection by depression of the plunger rod and release of the detents to said recess upon contact of the plunger tip with said object to be connected.