Non-frangible coupling element with explosive load release
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorCharles N. McKinnon, Jr.
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A non-frangible releasable coupling device as described herein includes an explosive element that, when detonated, bends a load carrying element in a manner that releases the coupled components from each other. Before detonation, the load carrying element is under axial compressive stress imparted by the components. Upon detonation, the explosive element causes the load carrying element to bend into a retraction cavity formed in one of the components, thus allowing the components to displace relative to each other.
Claims17
A non-frangible releasable coupling device comprising:
- a first component comprising a first load bearing feature, and a retraction cavity formed therein;
- a second component comprising a second load bearing feature;
- a load carrying element comprising a first end configured for engagement with the first load bearing feature, and a second end configured for engagement with the second load bearing feature, the load carrying element being configured to impede displacement of the first component relative to the second component in at least one direction;
- and
- a charged element located adjacent to the load carrying element, wherein upon detonation of the charged element forces the second end of the load carrying element into the retraction cavity such that displacement of the first component relative to the second component in the at least one direction is no longer impeded.
A non-frangible releasable coupling device comprising:
- a first component having a retraction cavity formed therein;
- a load carrying element having a first end attached to the first component;
- a second component having a load bearing feature and an explosive cavity formed therein proximate the load bearing feature, the load carrying element extend along the first component, bending into the explosive cavity of the second component, and engaging the load bearing feature of the second component, the load carrying element being configured to impede displacement of the first component relative to the second component in at least one direction;
- and
- an explosive element in the explosive cavity and located between the second component and the load carrying element, wherein upon detonation the explosive element forces a portion of the load carrying element out of the explosive cavity and into the retraction cavity such that displacement of the first component relative to the second component in the at least one direction is no longer impeded.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.