Radial release device
AssigneeSpace Systems/Loral, Inc.
InventorVarouj G. Baghdasarian
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A release device having a multi-segment split spool with a central bore adapted to axially restrain a tensioned member. A tensioned tape is overlappingly wound around the spool segments thereby preventing radial movement of the spool segments. The overlapping winding allows for a low profile housing for the-release device. The multiple segments require less radial motion for release of the tensioned member.
Claims12
A release apparatus for controlling the deployment of a device by restraining or releasing a first member under tension in a first direction, which respectively prevents or allows the deployment of the device, the release apparatus comprising:
- a release device;
- a plurality of spool segments, said spool segments adapted to restrain said first member along said first direction while said plurality of spool segments are in a first constrained position;
- and
- a restraining tape wound around said plurality of spool segments, wherein:
- said restraining tape has a width in a direction parallel to the first direction that is greater than a thickness in a direction perpendicular to the first direction,
- said restraining tape is wound around said plurality of spool segments such that a portion of the restraining tape contacts the spool segments and such that the restraining tape overlaps itself multiple times when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first direction,
- said restraining tape restrains the plurality of spool segments in the first constrained position,
- said restraining tape at least partially unwinds from said plurality of spool segments upon actuation of said release device, thereby releasing said first member, and
- said restraining tape encircles said spool segments by more than 360 degrees even after releasing said first member.
A release apparatus for controlling the deployment of a device by restraining or releasing a first member under tension which respectively prevents or allows the deployment of the device, the apparatus comprising:
- a release device;
- a segmented spool portion, said segmented spool portion including a plurality of spool segments adapted to restrain said first member along a first direction while the spool segments are in a first constrained position;
- and
- a restraining tape wound around said plurality of spool segments, wherein:
- said restraining tape has a width in a direction parallel to the first direction that is greater than a thickness in a direction perpendicular to the first direction,
- said segmented spool portion consists of three of more spool segments, and
- wherein:
- said restraining tape is wound around said plurality of spool segments such that a portion of the restraining tape contacts the spool segments and such that the restraining tape overlaps itself multiple times when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first direction,
- said restraining tape restrains the plurality of spool segments in the first constrained position
- said restraining tape at least partially unwinds from said plurality of spool segments upon actuation of said release device, thereby releasing said first member, and
- said restraining tape encircles said spool segments by more than 360 degrees even after releasing said first member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.