Remotely releasable support strut

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are provided for locking and releasing ends of a support strut coupled between a mounting platform and a load. In a preferred embodiment, the strut comprises a damping section coupled between the ends and having a gap therein when the strut is unlocked, a locking section coupled between the ends for closing the gap by applying stress to a portion of the damper section through a force transmitting member, and a releasing section coupled in parallel with part of the force transmitting member, the releasing section including a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) and heater therefore. Heating the SMA relieves the stress and opens the gap. Release from the locked condition occurs gradually and without fracture or sudden shock and the heater can be actuated remotely. In a preferred embodiment, a worm drive turnbuckle arrangement is used to apply force to lock the strut.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.