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US 6,648,543 B2Granted
Device for a space vessel
AssigneeSaab Ericsson Space AB
InventorÖrjan 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).
Claims19
A device for a space vessel, comprising:
- a first flange interconnected with a first space vessel part, the first flange comprising at least one weakened point so that it has a substantially broken annular shape whereupon the energy-absorbing capacity of the flange is reduced;
- a second flange interconnected with a second space vessel part, wherein the second flange is substantially annular with a higher capacity for absorbing the radially inwardly directed force than the first flange;
- and
- an annular coupling operative to engage the first flange and the second flange and to impart a radially inwardly acting force to hold together the first space vessel part and the second space vessel part that is separable from the first space vessel part.
1 more element
A space vessel, comprising:
- a first space vessel part;
- a second space vessel part that is separable from the first space vessel part;
- a first flange interconnected with the first space vessel part, the first flange comprising at least one weakened point so that it has a substantially broken annular shape whereupon the energy-absorbing capacity of the flange is reduced;
- a second flange interconnected with the second space vessel part, wherein the second flange is substantially annular with a higher capacity for absorbing the radially inwardly directed force than the first flange;
- and
- an annular coupling operative to engage the first flange and the second flange and to impart a radially inwardly acting force to hold together the first space vessel part and the second space vessel part.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.