US20020014558A1 - Reusable, separable, structural connector assembly - Google Patents
Reusable, separable, structural connector assembly Download PDFInfo
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- US20020014558A1 US20020014558A1 US09/966,671 US96667101A US2002014558A1 US 20020014558 A1 US20020014558 A1 US 20020014558A1 US 96667101 A US96667101 A US 96667101A US 2002014558 A1 US2002014558 A1 US 2002014558A1
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64G—COSMONAUTICS; VEHICLES OR EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
- B64G1/00—Cosmonautic vehicles
- B64G1/22—Parts of, or equipment specially adapted for fitting in or to, cosmonautic vehicles
- B64G1/64—Systems for coupling or separating cosmonautic vehicles or parts thereof, e.g. docking arrangements
- B64G1/645—Separators
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64G—COSMONAUTICS; VEHICLES OR EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
- B64G1/00—Cosmonautic vehicles
- B64G1/22—Parts of, or equipment specially adapted for fitting in or to, cosmonautic vehicles
- B64G1/64—Systems for coupling or separating cosmonautic vehicles or parts thereof, e.g. docking arrangements
- B64G1/641—Interstage or payload connectors
Definitions
- This invention relates to the field of mechanical connectors, and in particular to connector assemblies for stage separation systems, such as satellite and missile systems.
- Transport systems such as rockets that transport satellites into space, vessels that transport submerged sections of ocean structures such as oil platforms, and the like, require a means for securely fastening different items together for transport, and reliably and easily unfastening the items for deployment.
- Multi-stage rockets also require a means for fastening the stages together, and reliably unfastening the stages as each stage is spent.
- the items are transported or stored in a disassembled state and require a means for rapidly fastening the items for deployment, and reliably and easily unfastening the items for subsequent storage or transport.
- connection devices include bolts and bands that can be severed. Bolts are used to fasten the two items together, and an explosive charge is typically used to sever the bolts at the proper time, thereby unfastening the two items.
- ancillary devices such as springs may be used to urge the two items apart when the bolts are severed. To assure a reliable separation, the number of bolts used to fasten the two items is kept to a minimum; this results in load points at the bolts far in excess of the load imposed by a distributed fastening system.
- a belt structure that is commonly employed to fasten items together is a “V-band”, typified by U.S. Pat No. 4,715,565, incorporated by reference herein.
- the V-band includes a tension belt for securing a plurality of retainers against camming surfaces on flange members on separable spacecraft component parts.
- a typical V-band embodiment consists of an upper ring attached to the payload, a lower ring attached to the launch vehicle, and a clampband that is circumferentially tensioned to the flanges of the upper and lower rings, as illustrated in FIG. 1.
- the upper ring 101 and lower ring 102 each have flanges that, when joined, form a “V” shaped projection 150 A.
- the clampband consists of a belt 110 and a plurality of clamps 120 .
- Each of the clamps 120 has a recess 150 B corresponding to the shape of the projection 150 A of the upper 101 and lower 102 rings.
- the recesses 150 B of the clamps 120 are compressed against the projections 150 A, thereby securing the upper 101 and lower 102 rings together.
- the belt 110 is conventionally tensioned by bolts (not shown) that are in line with the belt 110 , and explosive bolt cutters are used to sever the bolts to release the tension.
- the conventional V band structure also includes means, such as springs, for urging the clamps 120 apart from the projection 150 A, to provide for a reliable separation.
- Means are also provided to retain the belt 110 and clamps 120 after separation, to minimize the occurrence of “space junk”.
- the tension required in the tensioning belt 110 is relatively high (about 3800 pounds for a 38 inch diameter; 6800 pounds for a 66 inch diameter).
- This high tension requires radial stiffeners in the rings 101 , 102 .
- the sudden release of this stored energy generates high shock, and imposes additional requirements on the means used to retain the fast moving belt and clamps after separation.
- the combined weight of the belt, clamps, and ancillary required devices is substantial (as much as 25 pounds for a 38 inch diameter V-band structure).
- the high tension requirements of V-bands often require specialized tools and instruments to tension the band.
- the high tension and high release shock effects also limits the reliable life of the components, thereby limiting the amount of testing that can be applied to the components that are actually flown.
- Another structure that is commonly used to provide for an easily separable connection is an explosive frangible joint, as typified by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,685,376 and 5,390,606.
- An explosive detonating cord is placed within a contained space that forms the frangible joint between the two items. Separation is achieved by detonating the cord within the contained space, forcing a rapid crack propagation through the frangible joint.
- the weight of an explosive frangible joint is less than that of an equivalent sized V-band, it is still substantial (as much as 17 pounds for a 38 inch diameter joint). The destructive nature of this separation system precludes testing of the joints that are actually flown.
- Each of the aforementioned separation connectors also imparts a substantial shock to the connected items upon separation, and the explosive nature of the devices used for separation introduce a risk of personal injury, particularly during pre-launch assembly and testing. Because of the shock effects, such separation connectors are not commonly used on items that are routinely disassembled for storage or transport.
- a separation connector that comprises a plurality of leaves with leaf lips that are secured within a mating surface by a tensioned band in one embodiment, and a compression band in another embodiment.
- the leaves and mating surface are designed such that the tension or compression required on the band is significantly less than the tension required on a V-band.
- a shear structure is also provided that minimizes translation of the leaves with respect to mating surface.
- the tensioned band is detensioned by a thermal device that melts, decomposes, or severs the band, and the compressed band is decompressed by a contraction or removal of an expansion element.
- leafs When the band is detensioned or decompressed, springs urge the leaves away from the mating surface, thereby allowing for the separation of the connected items.
- the leaves Preferably, the leaves are hinged, allowing for ease of coupling and decoupling to the mating surface.
- Multiple sections of leaf elements can be employed to form a perimeter structure corresponding to the structure of the mating surface.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an example prior art V-band separation connector.
- FIG. 2 illustrates an example separation connector in accordance with this invention.
- FIGS. 3 A- 3 D illustrate the coupling of two items via an example separation connector in accordance with this invention.
- FIG. 4 illustrates an example vehicle coupling system in accordance with this invention.
- FIG. 5 illustrates an example tension and detension system in accordance with this invention.
- FIG. 6 illustrates an example spring mechanism for urging a separation of the separation connector in accordance with this invention.
- FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative example separation connector in accordance with this invention.
- FIGS. 8 A- 8 E illustrate an example embodiment of a leaf element of a separation connector in accordance with this invention.
- FIG. 9 illustrates an example electrical connector of a separation connector in accordance with this invention.
- FIGS. 10 A- 10 F illustrate example alternative configurations of the leaf elements of separation connectors in accordance with this invention.
- FIG. 11 illustrates an example dual separation connector in accordance with this invention.
- FIG. 12 illustrates an example hinged leaf element in accordance with this invention.
- FIGS. 13 A- 13 B illustrate an example alternative configuration wherein the coupling is achieved via an expansion ring that holds each leaf element in position via compression in accordance with this invention.
- FIG. 2 illustrates an example separation connector 200 for connecting an upper ring 201 and lower ring 202 in accordance with this invention.
- the upper 201 and lower 202 rings are typically fastened to the items being connected ( 401 , 402 in FIG. 4), such as a launch vehicle and satellite.
- the upper 201 and lower 202 rings may be an integral part of the items being connected.
- the terms “upper”, “lower”, and “rings” are used for ease of reference and understanding.
- the example separation connector 200 includes leaf elements 210 secured to the lower ring 202 that each have a leaf lip 211 that conforms to a recess 212 in the upper ring 201 .
- the leaf elements 210 also include a filament groove 214 that is used to position a filament ( 320 in FIG. 3D) about a perimeter formed by the leaf lips 211 .
- the leaf elements 210 are typically circularly arranged, although other arrangements may be used to conform to alternatively shaped connected items.
- An eight leaf configuration is illustrated in FIG. 2 for clarity, although additional leaf elements may be employed.
- a preferred embodiment for Athena, Atlas, Delta, Pegasus, and other launch vehicles uses 59 leaf elements 210 for a 38 inch diameter upper 201 and lower 202 ring design. Also illustrated in FIG. 2 are eight spring elements 230 with plungers 231 whose function is detailed below; in a preferred embodiment, two spring elements 230 are provided per leaf element 210 .
- the upper 201 and lower 202 rings are radially stiffened by introducing a circumferential step 206 , 207 in each.
- the stepped surfaces 208 , 209 serve as the mounting surface for ancillary devices, such as the spring elements 230 and other devices discussed further herein.
- FIGS. 3 A- 3 D illustrate a detailed view of the operation of the separation connector 200 for connecting the upper 201 and lower 202 rings.
- the upper ring 201 is urged 300 into the leaf elements 210 of the lower ring 202 .
- the leaf elements 210 are arranged so that the unbiased position of the leaf lips 211 conform to the location of the recess 212 in the upper ring 201 ; that is, in a preferred embodiment, when the leaf lip 211 is seated in the recess 212 , the leaf element 210 is in a substantially unbiased and unstressed position.
- the upper ring 201 is shaped to provide an inclined perimeter surface 305 that deforms the leaf elements 210 outward 310 as the upper ring 201 is urged 300 into the leaf elements 210 .
- FIG. 3B illustrates the result of further downward urging 300 on the upper ring 201 .
- the spring element 230 is designed to exert a force, via the plunger 231 , that is larger than the resilient inward force exerted by the resilience of the deformed leaf element 210 . That is, the spring element 230 and plunger 231 are designed such that the urging 300 of the upper ring 201 into the leaf elements 210 continues to deform the leaf element 210 outward 310 .
- FIG. 3C illustrates the result of further downward urging 300 on the upper ring 201 .
- the leaf element 210 is designed to provide a surface 316 that operates in conjunction with a surface 306 on the upper ring 201 to resist downward movement of the upper ring 201 when the leaf lip 211 of the leaf element 210 is adjacent the matching recess 212 in the upper ring 201 .
- a circumferential band or filament 320 is placed in the filament groove 214 of the leaf element 210 , and tensioned to exert an inward force 321 to urge the leaf lips 211 of the leaf elements 210 into the conforming recess 212 in the upper ring 201 .
- the filament 320 is a polymer having a high strength and stiffness to weight ratio, such as KEVLARTM (Dupont) or VECTRANTM (Hoechst Celanese). It is significant to note that the tension of the filament 320 need only overcome the aforementioned force of the springs 230 in order to urge the leaf lips 211 into the recess 212 .
- the filament 320 is further tensioned, as discussed below. It is also significant to note that in the tensioned position of FIG. 3D, the leaf elements 210 are in their substantially unstressed, non-deformed, positions, thereby providing near maximum load bearing potential.
- the leaf lip 211 of each leaf element 210 and the recess 212 of the upper ring 201 are designed to conform as closely as practical, thereby distributing the potential compression and expansion loads throughout the bearing surfaces 311 of the leaf lip 211 and recess 212 . As discussed below with reference to FIGS.
- the leaf element 210 is preferably flat, whereas the recess 212 is typically curved, and some stress is introduced as the flat leaf element 210 is tensioned to conform to the recess 212 .
- each leaf element 210 is less than two inches long and the perimeter of the upper ring 201 at the recess 212 is typically over 30 inches, and thus the stress induced by the bending of the leaf element 210 to conform to the recess 212 is minor.
- flats are introduced in the recess 212 to conform to the flat profile of the leaf lip 211 , as illustrated in FIG. 8B and discussed further below.
- bearing surfaces 311 are illustrated as being significantly sloped, for ease of illustration, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the bearing surfaces 311 should be substantially perpendicular to the lines of compression and expansion forces, the inclination being provided to ease the release of the leaf lip 211 from the recess 212 .
- the slopes of the bearing surfaces 311 is 15 degrees.
- each stage 401 is merely positioned above the prior stage 402 and lowered until the leaf lips 211 of the leaf elements 210 of the lower ring 202 are adjacent the recess 212 of the upper ring 201 .
- the lowering or urging of the stage 401 into the lower ring 202 has the effect of increasing the perimeter formed by the leaf lips 211 , due to the sloped perimeter 305 of the upper ring 201 .
- the filament 320 is placed about the perimeter before the stages are positioned, sufficient slack is provided to allow the perimeter of the leaf lips 211 to be expanded.
- the perimeter of the leaf lips 211 is subsequently returned to its original diameter by a tensioning of the filament 320 , typically via a ratchet or other tension retaining device.
- FIG. 5 Illustrated in FIG. 5 is an example tension device 550 and detension device 570 that are mounted on the lower ring 202 .
- a free end 320 A of the filament 320 is secured to the detension device 570 and, as illustrated by dashed lines, is routed 320 A- 320 B through the detension device 570 .
- the filament 320 may be a continuous loop that is sized to be slightly larger than the largest perimeter formed when the leaf lips 211 are deformed by the insertion of the upper loop 201 , thereby obviating the need to secure it to the detension device 570 .
- the filament 320 is routed about the perimeter formed by the leaf lips of leaf elements 210 A- 210 N, where N symbolizes the total number of leaf elements 210 .
- the filament groove 214 of at least one of the leaf elements 210 A- 210 N is shaped so as to retain the filament 320 after it is detensioned. This retention also aids the routing 320 B- 320 C of the filament 320 about the perimeter.
- the filament end 320 D is routed through the detension device 570 , as indicated by dashed lines, and secured to the tension device 550 . If the filament 320 is continuous, the portion of the filament 320 that is adjacent the tension device 550 is secured to the tension device 550 .
- the tension wheel 560 is ratcheted 562 to retain the tension.
- a 450 pound tension has been calculated to be sufficient to support an axial load of over 140,000 pounds and lateral moment over 825,000 inch-pounds using the aforementioned 38 inch diameter configuration of 59 leaf elements 210 .
- the leaf elements 210 are made of aluminum alloy (6061-T6), approximately two inches tall, two inches wide, and less than a quarter inch thick.
- the leaf lip 211 and recess 212 are also less than a quarter inch in depth.
- the upper 201 and lower 202 rings are made of aluminum alloy (7075-T7).
- the release of the connection between the upper 201 and lower 201 rings is effected by detensioning the filament 320 .
- two redundant electric thermal line de-tensioners 571 A, 571 B heat the filament 320 to its melting point, or decomposition point, and redundantly detensions both ends 320 A-B, 320 C-D within 30 seconds.
- An example thermal line detensioner is detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,540,873, and is incorporated by reference herein.
- the detensioning occurs as a result of filament 320 stretching or breaking, or both, at or near its melting or decomposition point.
- Alternative detensioning means common in the art, can be used as well.
- the tension wheel 360 may contain a clutch or latch that can be remotely released.
- the tension device 550 may include an electric motor, that allows for remote tensioning as well as detensioning. Because the tension on the filament 320 is substantially less (about 1 ⁇ 8th) than the conventional V-band tension, and because the thermal detensioning process is a relatively slower process, the shock that is introduced by the de-tensioning of the filament 320 is substantially less than the shock that is introduced by the de-tensioning of the conventional V-band. The preferred use of a thermal line de-tensioner also avoids the shock effects and risk of potential injury typically associated with explosive de-tensioning means.
- FIG. 6 illustrates an example spring device 680 that urges the upper ring 201 from the lower ring 202 in a direction 600 .
- multiple springs 680 are affixed to the lower ring 202 to provide a uniform upward 600 urging force; the upper ring 201 is keyed to the lower ring 202 , and a button 681 from each spring 680 seats the spring 680 into a corresponding recess 682 in the upper ring 201 . Because the direction 600 is opposite to the direction 300 , the sequence of operations illustrated in FIGS. 3 C- 3 B- 3 A is retraced, thereby separating the upper 201 and lower 202 rings.
- the plunger 231 urges the leaf element 210 outward 310 such that a gap 375 exists between the farthest extent of the leaf lip 211 and the inclined surface 305 of the upper ring 201 .
- the plunger 231 releases the coupling of the leaf elements 210 from the upper ring 201 by urging the leaf lip 211 from the recess 212 , the leaf elements 210 are not obstructed by the upper ring 201 .
- the leaf lip 211 falls away, or is urged away, from the plunger 231 in a direction opposite direction 300 in FIG.
- the resilient force of the leaf element 310 against the inclined surface 305 of the upper ring 201 further urges the separation of the upper ring 201 from the lower ring 202 in the direction opposite to direction 300 , resulting in the decoupled state illustrated in FIG. 2.
- the separation connector 200 upon separation, the primary components of the separation connector 200 remain intact; only the filament 320 is affected by the decoupling process. As mentioned above, in a preferred embodiment, one or more of the filament grooves 214 are formed so as to retain the filament 320 after it is detensioned. Because only the filament 320 is affected by the decoupling process, a separation connector in accordance with this invention allows for rapid and efficient coupling and decoupling during prelaunch test and assembly.
- FIGS. 7 A- 7 B illustrate an alternative embodiment of a separation connector 200 ′. Items having the same function as in prior figures are illustrated with the same reference numeral.
- the unbiased and unstressed position of the leaf element 710 is positioned such that a gap 775 exists between the leaf lip 211 and the farthest extent of the lower bearing surface 711 of the upper ring 201 when the leaf element 710 is in an unbiased position, as illustrated in FIG. 7A.
- the filament 320 in this embodiment is used to tension and deform the leaf element 710 so as to seat the leaf lip 211 of the leaf element 710 into the recess 212 of the upper ring 201 .
- the C-shape retains the filament after detensioning, as discussed above.
- the resilience of the leaf element 710 forces the leaf element 710 to its unbiased position shown in FIG. 7A, thereby releasing the upper ring 201 from the lower ring 202 .
- the use of the resiliency of the leaf element 710 to urge the leaf lip 211 from the recess 212 obviates the need for the spring structures 230 of FIG. 2, but the reduced load bearing capabilities of the deformed and stressed leaf elements 710 of this embodiment limits its use to a reduced load, as compared to the substantially unstressed leaf elements 210 of FIG. 2.
- the upper ring 201 is circular, whereas the leaf elements 210 are substantially flat elements arranged in a circular perimeter.
- the meeting of the flat surface 811 of the leaf element 210 and curved perimeter 812 of the recess 212 in the upper ring 201 provides contact only where the flat surface 811 is tangent 815 to the curved perimeter 812 .
- This configuration introduces a stress on the leaf elements 210 to conform to the curved perimeter 812 .
- flats 825 as in FIG. 8B are used.
- the leaf lips 211 may be formed as a curved surface to conform to a curved perimeter 812 .
- the leaf element 810 contains cuts 818 that allow for a lower stress deformation of the leaf lip 211 to better conform to a curved perimeter when the filament 320 is circumferentially tensioned, as illustrated in FIG. 8D.
- This embodiment allows for the manufacture of a constant depth recess 212 in the upper ring 201 and a substantially flat leaf element 810 ; it also provides for a more uniform distribution of load within the recess 212 .
- FIG. 8C contains cuts 818 that allow for a lower stress deformation of the leaf lip 211 to better conform to a curved perimeter when the filament 320 is circumferentially tensioned, as illustrated in FIG. 8D.
- the tensioning of the filament introduces a curvature to the leaf element 810 , and the resiliency of the leaf element 810 will cause the leaf lip 211 to spring back to its original flat shape when the filament is detensioned, thereby acting to urge the extremities of the leaf lip 211 out of the recess 212 .
- the cuts 818 are shallow, and do not extend into upright portion 830 of the leaf element 810 . In this manner, the leaf element 210 retains its lateral strength and integrity to support high lateral forces.
- FIG. 8C illustrates a top and front profile of a preferred embodiment of a leaf element 810 having relatively small cuts 818 , as used in the aforementioned 59 leaf element, 38 inch diameter circular configuration. Also shown in FIG. 8C are end sections 816 . In this embodiment, the filament grooves 214 are formed such that the filament 320 is retained by the “C” shape formed within each of these end sections 816 . An “O” shape may also be used, but would require a threading of the filament through each “O”.
- FIG. 8E illustrates a preferred embodiment of the upper ring 201 , wherein elements 860 are spaced around the perimeter of the ring 201 , to react any shear forces that may occur.
- the cuts 818 are configured to allow for these elements 860 as the leaf element 810 is urged into the ring 201 .
- the elements 860 span the recess that forms the receiving surface for the leaf lip, and are preferably embodied as pins that are inserted into milled or drilled holes in the ring 201 , to avoid the need to form the recess of the ring 201 with web elements that span the recess.
- the elements 860 and cuts 818 are configured to prevent translation 865 of the leaf elements 810 with respect to the ring 201 when the leaf lips of the leaf elements 810 are operationally coupled to the receiving surface of the ring 201 .
- FIG. 9 illustrates mating electrical connectors 981 and 982 that are attached to the upper 201 and lower 202 rings, respectively.
- the connectors 981 and 982 may contain multiple electrical connections, as required. Note that in accordance with this invention, the electrical mating of the connectors 981 and 982 is effected by the same downward force 300 that effects the aforementioned alignment of leaf lip 211 and recess 212 .
- the arrangement of leaf elements 210 conforms to a structural form of the joined items.
- cylindrical shapes are common, and FIG. 2 illustrates a corresponding circular arrangement.
- FIGS. 10 A- 10 F illustrate other arrangements are possible as well, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 A- 10 F.
- FIG. 10A illustrates an example square or rectangular arrangement
- FIG. 10B illustrates an example open arrangement
- FIG. 10C illustrates an example triangular arrangement, and so on.
- These arrangements will typically correspond somewhat to the shape of the shape of the items being joined.
- the oval arrangement of FIG. 10D may be employed for connecting a wing of an aircraft to the fuselage, the oval shape corresponding somewhat to the profile of an airplane wing.
- FIG. 10E may be employed for a twin engine jet, such as used on an F- 14 or F- 15 aircraft.
- the example arrangement of FIG. 10F may be employed for six triangular shaped satellites that are mounted to a common launch vehicle.
- the perimeter formed by the arrangement of leaf elements 210 should be curved, such that a tensioning of the filament or band 320 will effect an urging of the leaf lip 211 of each leaf element 210 into the recess 212 of the upper ring 201 , or, as discussed below, such that an expansion of a ring or band will urge the leaf lips outward into a surrounding recess.
- the leaf lips 211 face the inside of the perimeter formed by the leaf element 210 .
- tensioning of the filament 320 about the perimeter has the effect of reducing the perimeter, forcing the leaf lips toward the center, and into the corresponding outward facing recess 212 .
- the orientation of the leaf lips 211 and recess 212 should correspondingly change, as illustrated by the arrows 321 and 321 ′ of FIG. 10E. That is, as illustrated in FIG.
- the leaf elements 210 are positioned such that a tensioning of the filament 320 has the effect of moving the leaf lips 211 in the directions 321 and 321 ′ into corresponding recesses 212 .
- some or all of the leaf lips and mating surface are oriented such that the mating surface is exterior to the leaf lips, relative to the radius of curvature forming each segment of the coupling perimeter, and the filament is in the form of a band that can transmit an outward force relative to the curvature, so that the leaf lips are forced outward to the mating surface.
- the leaf elements of this invention may be individually mounted, or segments of a plurality of leaf elements, may be provided to facilitate the creation of larger, and potentially more or less complex perimeters.
- arc segments comprising multiple leaf elements are provided, allowing circles and other curved perimeters to be created easily as a plurality of adjacent segments. The segmentation of large circumference coupling structures also eases shipping and handling complexities and costs.
- FIG. 11 illustrates, for example, a separation connector that contains dual rings of leaf elements 210 a , 210 b and leaf lips 211 a , 211 b on the lower ring 202 , and corresponding dual recesses 212 a and 212 b in the upper ring 201 .
- the placement of the protrusion on the leaf lip 211 and the recess 212 in the upper ring 201 can be reversed, such that a protrusion from the upper ring 201 is seated into a recess on the leaf lip 211 by the filament 320 .
- multiple protrusions may be placed on each leaf lip 211 , and multiple recesses 212 provided in the upper ring 201 to receive them.
- the upper ring 201 has a receiving surface that contains an inverse of the mating surface corresponding to the leaf lip 211 of each leaf element 210 ; preferred load bearing mating surface shapes are common in the mechanical arts.
- a pre-cocked spring for example, having a release mechanism that forces a sudden release of the plunger 231 may be preferred to provide an impact force on the leaf element 210 to overcome any binding that may occur between the leaf lip 211 and recess 212 .
- the use of a pre-cocked spring also allows the seating of the leaf lip 211 into the recess 212 via the resilience of the leaf element 210 , thereby eliminating the need for a tension filament 320 and its ancillary components in light load applications.
- An electromagnetic solenoid or hydraulic device may be used in lieu of the spring mechanisms 230 and/or 680 to provide an impact or continuous separation force via a piston.
- an impact force may be imparted by an explosive percussion device.
- Other urging means such as leaf springs and the like, are also common in the art.
- FIG. 12 illustrates, for example, a leaf element 910 having a leaf 915 and a base 917 connected by a hinge 916 .
- This embodiment allows for the coupling and decoupling of two devices without inducing a deformation of the leaf element 910 .
- This embodiment is particularly well suited for structures that are frequently coupled and decoupled, either during normal operation, or during operational tests.
- FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a preferred alternative embodiment, wherein the leaf elements, such as elements 910 , form an internal perimeter, and the mating surface 930 forms an outer perimeter.
- An expansion ring, or band, 920 is configured to exert an outward force, indicated by arrows 901 in FIGS. 13A and 13B, to urge the leaf elements outward, toward the mating surface 930 .
- An expansion device 950 is configured to facilitate the expansion of the band 920 to couple the leaf elements 910 to the mating surface 930 , and the release of the expansion of the band 920 to decouple the elements 910 and surface 930 .
- the expansion of the perimeter formed by the band 920 is effected by exerting a force that compresses the band 920 along the ring perimeter, and thus terms expansion and compression are used to describe the operation, depending upon whether the term applies to the dimension of the perimeter or the stresses within the material that forms the band 920 .
- the leaf elements include a retainer for the band 920
- the extraction of the leaf elements 910 from the mating surface 930 can be effected by reducing the perimeter of the band 920 , thereby pulling the leaf elements inward, potentially obviating the need for decoupling devices, such as the spring and plunger arrangement 230 of FIG. 2.
- the band 920 comprises an aluminum tube or rod approximately ⁇ fraction (3/16) ⁇ inch in diameter, formed into a perimeter, and including at least one location where it could be circumferentially expanded by the expansion device 950 , causing the diameter of the perimeter to increase, thereby urging the leaf elements into the groove, or grooves, of the mating surface.
- Alternative materials may also be used.
- the material of the band 920 should exhibit a low creep rate, to minimize the loosening over time caused by the contraction of the material under continuous load.
- the expansion device 950 may include any of a variety of devices that are commonly used to expand a ring.
- the device 950 is generally configured to urge the ends of a split ring apart, thereby increasing the perimeter of the ring, and may include, for example, a levered latch, a turnbuckle arrangement, a piston, and so on.
- the device 950 is also configured to reduce the diameter of the ring, back to its unexpanded perimeter.
- the expanding ring embodiment of FIGS. 13A and 13B is a more complex embodiment, it does provides some advantage over the tensioned arrangement discussed in the previous figures, particularly with regard to re-use.
- the simplest means for detensioning the band in a tensioned embodiment is to sever the band; the reuse of the tensioned coupling, therefore, will typically require a replacement of the tensioned band.
- the expansion band 920 will generally be attached to the expansion device 950 , and will be de-expanded via a non-destructive inversion of the expansion process (i.e.
- the separation connector 200 of this invention is particularly well suited for items that are expected to be uncoupled at some time, the ease of assembly of the separation connector 200 also warrants its use for applications that merely require a reliable and easy to assemble connection, such as assembling a pipeline. In these applications, for example, the requirements for the detensioning or de-expansion mechanism, if any, is minimal.
Abstract
Description
- This is a Divisional of application Ser. No. 09/848,886, filed May 4, 2001, which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. Pat. No. 6,227,493, filed Apr. 6, 1999, and issued May 8, 2001.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- This invention relates to the field of mechanical connectors, and in particular to connector assemblies for stage separation systems, such as satellite and missile systems.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- Transport systems, such as rockets that transport satellites into space, vessels that transport submerged sections of ocean structures such as oil platforms, and the like, require a means for securely fastening different items together for transport, and reliably and easily unfastening the items for deployment. Multi-stage rockets also require a means for fastening the stages together, and reliably unfastening the stages as each stage is spent. In other situations, such as aircraft carrier based aircraft, the items are transported or stored in a disassembled state and require a means for rapidly fastening the items for deployment, and reliably and easily unfastening the items for subsequent storage or transport.
- A variety of devices have been developed to secure two items together while also allowing the items to be separated quickly and reliably. In the aerospace industry, the common connection devices include bolts and bands that can be severed. Bolts are used to fasten the two items together, and an explosive charge is typically used to sever the bolts at the proper time, thereby unfastening the two items. Depending upon the application, ancillary devices such as springs may be used to urge the two items apart when the bolts are severed. To assure a reliable separation, the number of bolts used to fasten the two items is kept to a minimum; this results in load points at the bolts far in excess of the load imposed by a distributed fastening system.
- Belt structures are commonly used to provide for a distributed load. A belt structure that is commonly employed to fasten items together is a “V-band”, typified by U.S. Pat No. 4,715,565, incorporated by reference herein. The V-band includes a tension belt for securing a plurality of retainers against camming surfaces on flange members on separable spacecraft component parts. A typical V-band embodiment consists of an upper ring attached to the payload, a lower ring attached to the launch vehicle, and a clampband that is circumferentially tensioned to the flanges of the upper and lower rings, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The
upper ring 101 andlower ring 102 each have flanges that, when joined, form a “V”shaped projection 150A. The clampband consists of abelt 110 and a plurality ofclamps 120. Each of theclamps 120 has arecess 150B corresponding to the shape of theprojection 150A of the upper 101 and lower 102 rings. When thebelt 110 is tensioned, therecesses 150B of theclamps 120 are compressed against theprojections 150A, thereby securing the upper 101 and lower 102 rings together. - The
belt 110 is conventionally tensioned by bolts (not shown) that are in line with thebelt 110, and explosive bolt cutters are used to sever the bolts to release the tension. When the tension in thebelt 110 is released, theclamps 120 are free to separate from theprojection 150A, thereby decoupling the upper 101 and lower 102 rings. The conventional V band structure also includes means, such as springs, for urging theclamps 120 apart from theprojection 150A, to provide for a reliable separation. Means are also provided to retain thebelt 110 andclamps 120 after separation, to minimize the occurrence of “space junk”. - For V-bands to work properly, the tension required in the
tensioning belt 110 is relatively high (about 3800 pounds for a 38 inch diameter; 6800 pounds for a 66 inch diameter). This high tension requires radial stiffeners in therings - Another structure that is commonly used to provide for an easily separable connection is an explosive frangible joint, as typified by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,685,376 and 5,390,606. An explosive detonating cord is placed within a contained space that forms the frangible joint between the two items. Separation is achieved by detonating the cord within the contained space, forcing a rapid crack propagation through the frangible joint. Although the weight of an explosive frangible joint is less than that of an equivalent sized V-band, it is still substantial (as much as 17 pounds for a 38 inch diameter joint). The destructive nature of this separation system precludes testing of the joints that are actually flown.
- Each of the aforementioned separation connectors also imparts a substantial shock to the connected items upon separation, and the explosive nature of the devices used for separation introduce a risk of personal injury, particularly during pre-launch assembly and testing. Because of the shock effects, such separation connectors are not commonly used on items that are routinely disassembled for storage or transport.
- It is an object of this invention to provide a separation connector that is light weight. It is a further object of this invention to provide a separation connector that allows for repeated testing. It is a further object of this invention to provide a separation connector that allows for separation with minimal shock effects. It is a further object of this invention to provide a method for connecting components that is simple, secure, and reliable. It is a further object of this invention to provide a connector component that is stiff, strong, and easy to use.
- These objects and others are achieved by a separation connector that comprises a plurality of leaves with leaf lips that are secured within a mating surface by a tensioned band in one embodiment, and a compression band in another embodiment. The leaves and mating surface are designed such that the tension or compression required on the band is significantly less than the tension required on a V-band. A shear structure is also provided that minimizes translation of the leaves with respect to mating surface. In a preferred embodiment, the tensioned band is detensioned by a thermal device that melts, decomposes, or severs the band, and the compressed band is decompressed by a contraction or removal of an expansion element. When the band is detensioned or decompressed, springs urge the leaves away from the mating surface, thereby allowing for the separation of the connected items. Preferably, the leaves are hinged, allowing for ease of coupling and decoupling to the mating surface. Multiple sections of leaf elements can be employed to form a perimeter structure corresponding to the structure of the mating surface.
- The invention is explained in further detail, and by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
- FIG. 1 illustrates an example prior art V-band separation connector.
- FIG. 2 illustrates an example separation connector in accordance with this invention.
- FIGS.3A-3D illustrate the coupling of two items via an example separation connector in accordance with this invention.
- FIG. 4 illustrates an example vehicle coupling system in accordance with this invention.
- FIG. 5 illustrates an example tension and detension system in accordance with this invention.
- FIG. 6 illustrates an example spring mechanism for urging a separation of the separation connector in accordance with this invention.
- FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative example separation connector in accordance with this invention.
- FIGS.8A-8E illustrate an example embodiment of a leaf element of a separation connector in accordance with this invention.
- FIG. 9 illustrates an example electrical connector of a separation connector in accordance with this invention.
- FIGS.10A-10F illustrate example alternative configurations of the leaf elements of separation connectors in accordance with this invention.
- FIG. 11 illustrates an example dual separation connector in accordance with this invention.
- FIG. 12 illustrates an example hinged leaf element in accordance with this invention.
- FIGS.13A-13B illustrate an example alternative configuration wherein the coupling is achieved via an expansion ring that holds each leaf element in position via compression in accordance with this invention.
- FIG. 2 illustrates an
example separation connector 200 for connecting anupper ring 201 andlower ring 202 in accordance with this invention. For ease of understanding, the invention is presented in the context of an aerospace transport system; other applications will be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the principles presented herein. The upper 201 and lower 202 rings are typically fastened to the items being connected (401, 402 in FIG. 4), such as a launch vehicle and satellite. Alternatively, the upper 201 and lower 202 rings may be an integral part of the items being connected. As used herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, and “rings” are used for ease of reference and understanding. Alternative arrangements, configurations, and orientations will be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art, in view of the principles of the invention presented herein. Also for ease of reference, various aspects of the invention are initially disclosed with regard to an example configuration wherein the leaf elements form an outer perimeter about a mating surface. A complementary arrangement, having the mating surface forming the outer perimeter, is also presented, and illustrated in FIG. 13. The application of each of the aspects of this invention to the complementary structure of FIG. 13 will be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art. - The
example separation connector 200 includesleaf elements 210 secured to thelower ring 202 that each have aleaf lip 211 that conforms to arecess 212 in theupper ring 201. Theleaf elements 210 also include afilament groove 214 that is used to position a filament (320 in FIG. 3D) about a perimeter formed by theleaf lips 211. As discussed below, theleaf elements 210 are typically circularly arranged, although other arrangements may be used to conform to alternatively shaped connected items. An eight leaf configuration is illustrated in FIG. 2 for clarity, although additional leaf elements may be employed. For example, a preferred embodiment for Athena, Atlas, Delta, Pegasus, and other launch vehicles, uses 59leaf elements 210 for a 38 inch diameter upper 201 and lower 202 ring design. Also illustrated in FIG. 2 are eightspring elements 230 withplungers 231 whose function is detailed below; in a preferred embodiment, twospring elements 230 are provided perleaf element 210. In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the upper 201 and lower 202 rings are radially stiffened by introducing acircumferential step surfaces spring elements 230 and other devices discussed further herein. - FIGS.3A-3D illustrate a detailed view of the operation of the
separation connector 200 for connecting the upper 201 and lower 202 rings. In FIG. 3A, theupper ring 201 is urged 300 into theleaf elements 210 of thelower ring 202. In accordance with one aspect of this invention, theleaf elements 210 are arranged so that the unbiased position of theleaf lips 211 conform to the location of therecess 212 in theupper ring 201; that is, in a preferred embodiment, when theleaf lip 211 is seated in therecess 212, theleaf element 210 is in a substantially unbiased and unstressed position. Theupper ring 201 is shaped to provide aninclined perimeter surface 305 that deforms theleaf elements 210 outward 310 as theupper ring 201 is urged 300 into theleaf elements 210. - FIG. 3B illustrates the result of further downward urging300 on the
upper ring 201. Thespring element 230 is designed to exert a force, via theplunger 231, that is larger than the resilient inward force exerted by the resilience of thedeformed leaf element 210. That is, thespring element 230 andplunger 231 are designed such that the urging 300 of theupper ring 201 into theleaf elements 210 continues to deform theleaf element 210 outward 310. - FIG. 3C illustrates the result of further downward urging300 on the
upper ring 201. In a preferred embodiment, theleaf element 210 is designed to provide asurface 316 that operates in conjunction with asurface 306 on theupper ring 201 to resist downward movement of theupper ring 201 when theleaf lip 211 of theleaf element 210 is adjacent thematching recess 212 in theupper ring 201. - In accordance with this invention, a circumferential band or
filament 320 is placed in thefilament groove 214 of theleaf element 210, and tensioned to exert aninward force 321 to urge theleaf lips 211 of theleaf elements 210 into the conformingrecess 212 in theupper ring 201. In a preferred embodiment of this invention, thefilament 320 is a polymer having a high strength and stiffness to weight ratio, such as KEVLAR™ (Dupont) or VECTRAN™ (Hoechst Celanese). It is significant to note that the tension of thefilament 320 need only overcome the aforementioned force of thesprings 230 in order to urge theleaf lips 211 into therecess 212. For improved load bearing potential, thefilament 320 is further tensioned, as discussed below. It is also significant to note that in the tensioned position of FIG. 3D, theleaf elements 210 are in their substantially unstressed, non-deformed, positions, thereby providing near maximum load bearing potential. Theleaf lip 211 of eachleaf element 210 and therecess 212 of theupper ring 201 are designed to conform as closely as practical, thereby distributing the potential compression and expansion loads throughout the bearing surfaces 311 of theleaf lip 211 andrecess 212. As discussed below with reference to FIGS. 8A-8D, to reduce manufacturing costs, theleaf element 210 is preferably flat, whereas therecess 212 is typically curved, and some stress is introduced as theflat leaf element 210 is tensioned to conform to therecess 212. In a preferred embodiment, eachleaf element 210 is less than two inches long and the perimeter of theupper ring 201 at therecess 212 is typically over 30 inches, and thus the stress induced by the bending of theleaf element 210 to conform to therecess 212 is minor. In a maximum loadbearing embodiment, flats are introduced in therecess 212 to conform to the flat profile of theleaf lip 211, as illustrated in FIG. 8B and discussed further below. - Although the bearing surfaces311 are illustrated as being significantly sloped, for ease of illustration, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the bearing surfaces 311 should be substantially perpendicular to the lines of compression and expansion forces, the inclination being provided to ease the release of the
leaf lip 211 from therecess 212. In a preferred embodiment, to provide asubstantial bearing surface 311 while allowing for an ease of release is of theleaf lip 211, the slopes of the bearing surfaces 311 is 15 degrees. - As is evident from the sequence of FIGS.3A-3D, the connection of items via a
separation connector 200 in accordance with this invention is a relativelysimple press 300 andtension 321 process. In a typical staged assembly process, as illustrated for example in FIG. 4, eachstage 401 is merely positioned above theprior stage 402 and lowered until theleaf lips 211 of theleaf elements 210 of thelower ring 202 are adjacent therecess 212 of theupper ring 201. The lowering or urging of thestage 401 into thelower ring 202 has the effect of increasing the perimeter formed by theleaf lips 211, due to thesloped perimeter 305 of theupper ring 201. If thefilament 320 is placed about the perimeter before the stages are positioned, sufficient slack is provided to allow the perimeter of theleaf lips 211 to be expanded. When theleaf lips 211 are adjacent therecess 212, the perimeter of theleaf lips 211 is subsequently returned to its original diameter by a tensioning of thefilament 320, typically via a ratchet or other tension retaining device. - Illustrated in FIG. 5 is an
example tension device 550 anddetension device 570 that are mounted on thelower ring 202. In the example embodiment of FIG. 5, afree end 320A of thefilament 320 is secured to thedetension device 570 and, as illustrated by dashed lines, is routed 320A-320B through thedetension device 570. Alternatively, thefilament 320 may be a continuous loop that is sized to be slightly larger than the largest perimeter formed when theleaf lips 211 are deformed by the insertion of theupper loop 201, thereby obviating the need to secure it to thedetension device 570. Thefilament 320 is routed about the perimeter formed by the leaf lips ofleaf elements 210A-210N, where N symbolizes the total number ofleaf elements 210. Thefilament groove 214 of at least one of theleaf elements 210A-210N is shaped so as to retain thefilament 320 after it is detensioned. This retention also aids therouting 320B-320C of thefilament 320 about the perimeter. Thefilament end 320D is routed through thedetension device 570, as indicated by dashed lines, and secured to thetension device 550. If thefilament 320 is continuous, the portion of thefilament 320 that is adjacent thetension device 550 is secured to thetension device 550. A rotation of thetension wheel 560 in thedirection 565 tensions thefilament 320 about the perimeter formed by the leaf lips ofleaf elements 210A-210N. In a preferred embodiment, thetension wheel 560 is ratcheted 562 to retain the tension. In a preferred embodiment, a 450 pound tension has been calculated to be sufficient to support an axial load of over 140,000 pounds and lateral moment over 825,000 inch-pounds using the aforementioned 38 inch diameter configuration of 59leaf elements 210. In this configuration, theleaf elements 210 are made of aluminum alloy (6061-T6), approximately two inches tall, two inches wide, and less than a quarter inch thick. Theleaf lip 211 andrecess 212 are also less than a quarter inch in depth. The upper 201 and lower 202 rings are made of aluminum alloy (7075-T7). - The release of the connection between the upper201 and lower 201 rings is effected by detensioning the
filament 320. In a preferred embodiment, two redundant electricthermal line de-tensioners filament 320 to its melting point, or decomposition point, and redundantly detensions both ends 320A-B, 320C-D within 30 seconds. An example thermal line detensioner is detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,540,873, and is incorporated by reference herein. Depending upon thefilament 320 material composition, the detensioning occurs as a result offilament 320 stretching or breaking, or both, at or near its melting or decomposition point. Alternative detensioning means, common in the art, can be used as well. For example, the tension wheel 360 may contain a clutch or latch that can be remotely released. In like manner, thetension device 550 may include an electric motor, that allows for remote tensioning as well as detensioning. Because the tension on thefilament 320 is substantially less (about ⅛th) than the conventional V-band tension, and because the thermal detensioning process is a relatively slower process, the shock that is introduced by the de-tensioning of thefilament 320 is substantially less than the shock that is introduced by the de-tensioning of the conventional V-band. The preferred use of a thermal line de-tensioner also avoids the shock effects and risk of potential injury typically associated with explosive de-tensioning means. - When the
filament 320 is detensioned, theleaf elements 210 are urged by thespring element 230 andplunger 231 to the deformed positions illustrated in FIGS. 3B and 3C. Ancillary devices are employed in a preferred embodiment to urge the upper ring from the lower ring. FIG. 6 illustrates anexample spring device 680 that urges theupper ring 201 from thelower ring 202 in adirection 600. In a preferred embodiment,multiple springs 680 are affixed to thelower ring 202 to provide a uniform upward 600 urging force; theupper ring 201 is keyed to thelower ring 202, and abutton 681 from eachspring 680 seats thespring 680 into acorresponding recess 682 in theupper ring 201. Because thedirection 600 is opposite to thedirection 300, the sequence of operations illustrated in FIGS. 3C-3B-3A is retraced, thereby separating the upper 201 and lower 202 rings. - It is important to note that, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, the
plunger 231 urges theleaf element 210 outward 310 such that agap 375 exists between the farthest extent of theleaf lip 211 and theinclined surface 305 of theupper ring 201. In this manner, when theplunger 231 releases the coupling of theleaf elements 210 from theupper ring 201 by urging theleaf lip 211 from therecess 212, theleaf elements 210 are not obstructed by theupper ring 201. When theleaf lip 211 falls away, or is urged away, from theplunger 231 in a directionopposite direction 300 in FIG. 3A, the resilient force of theleaf element 310 against theinclined surface 305 of theupper ring 201 further urges the separation of theupper ring 201 from thelower ring 202 in the direction opposite todirection 300, resulting in the decoupled state illustrated in FIG. 2. - It is significant to note that upon separation, the primary components of the
separation connector 200 remain intact; only thefilament 320 is affected by the decoupling process. As mentioned above, in a preferred embodiment, one or more of thefilament grooves 214 are formed so as to retain thefilament 320 after it is detensioned. Because only thefilament 320 is affected by the decoupling process, a separation connector in accordance with this invention allows for rapid and efficient coupling and decoupling during prelaunch test and assembly. - FIGS.7A-7B illustrate an alternative embodiment of a
separation connector 200′. Items having the same function as in prior figures are illustrated with the same reference numeral. In this alternative embodiment, the unbiased and unstressed position of theleaf element 710 is positioned such that agap 775 exists between theleaf lip 211 and the farthest extent of thelower bearing surface 711 of theupper ring 201 when theleaf element 710 is in an unbiased position, as illustrated in FIG. 7A. As illustrated in FIG. 7B, thefilament 320 in this embodiment is used to tension and deform theleaf element 710 so as to seat theleaf lip 211 of theleaf element 710 into therecess 212 of theupper ring 201. Note the example C-shapedfilament groove 214 in FIG. 7B; the C-shape retains the filament after detensioning, as discussed above. In this embodiment, when thefilament 320 is detensioned, the resilience of theleaf element 710 forces theleaf element 710 to its unbiased position shown in FIG. 7A, thereby releasing theupper ring 201 from thelower ring 202. As would be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art, the use of the resiliency of theleaf element 710 to urge theleaf lip 211 from therecess 212 obviates the need for thespring structures 230 of FIG. 2, but the reduced load bearing capabilities of the deformed and stressedleaf elements 710 of this embodiment limits its use to a reduced load, as compared to the substantiallyunstressed leaf elements 210 of FIG. 2. - The foregoing illustrates the principles of the invention. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements which, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the invention and are thus within its spirit and scope. The following alternative embodiments illustrate such varied arrangements.
- As illustrated in FIG. 8A, the
upper ring 201 is circular, whereas theleaf elements 210 are substantially flat elements arranged in a circular perimeter. The meeting of theflat surface 811 of theleaf element 210 andcurved perimeter 812 of therecess 212 in theupper ring 201 provides contact only where theflat surface 811 is tangent 815 to thecurved perimeter 812. This configuration introduces a stress on theleaf elements 210 to conform to thecurved perimeter 812. Where maximum load bearing potential is required,flats 825 as in FIG. 8B are used. Alternatively (not shown), theleaf lips 211 may be formed as a curved surface to conform to acurved perimeter 812. In these embodiments, because the resiliency of the leaf element does not act to urge theleaf lip 211 out of therecess 212, greater strength springs 230 are required to urge theleaf lip 211 out of therecess 212. Each of these alternatives requires a more complex manufacturing process. - In a preferred embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 8C, the
leaf element 810 containscuts 818 that allow for a lower stress deformation of theleaf lip 211 to better conform to a curved perimeter when thefilament 320 is circumferentially tensioned, as illustrated in FIG. 8D. This embodiment allows for the manufacture of aconstant depth recess 212 in theupper ring 201 and a substantiallyflat leaf element 810; it also provides for a more uniform distribution of load within therecess 212. As illustrated in FIG. 8D, the tensioning of the filament (not shown) introduces a curvature to theleaf element 810, and the resiliency of theleaf element 810 will cause theleaf lip 211 to spring back to its original flat shape when the filament is detensioned, thereby acting to urge the extremities of theleaf lip 211 out of therecess 212. It should be noted that, in a preferred embodiment, thecuts 818 are shallow, and do not extend intoupright portion 830 of theleaf element 810. In this manner, theleaf element 210 retains its lateral strength and integrity to support high lateral forces. FIG. 8C illustrates a top and front profile of a preferred embodiment of aleaf element 810 having relativelysmall cuts 818, as used in the aforementioned 59 leaf element, 38 inch diameter circular configuration. Also shown in FIG. 8C areend sections 816. In this embodiment, thefilament grooves 214 are formed such that thefilament 320 is retained by the “C” shape formed within each of theseend sections 816. An “O” shape may also be used, but would require a threading of the filament through each “O”. - FIG. 8E illustrates a preferred embodiment of the
upper ring 201, whereinelements 860 are spaced around the perimeter of thering 201, to react any shear forces that may occur. In this embodiment, thecuts 818 are configured to allow for theseelements 860 as theleaf element 810 is urged into thering 201. Theelements 860 span the recess that forms the receiving surface for the leaf lip, and are preferably embodied as pins that are inserted into milled or drilled holes in thering 201, to avoid the need to form the recess of thering 201 with web elements that span the recess. Theelements 860 andcuts 818 are configured to preventtranslation 865 of theleaf elements 810 with respect to thering 201 when the leaf lips of theleaf elements 810 are operationally coupled to the receiving surface of thering 201. - Typically, some electronic communication or power transmission is required between the connected items. FIG. 9 illustrates mating
electrical connectors connectors connectors downward force 300 that effects the aforementioned alignment ofleaf lip 211 andrecess 212. - In a preferred embodiment, the arrangement of
leaf elements 210 conforms to a structural form of the joined items. In the aerospace industry, cylindrical shapes are common, and FIG. 2 illustrates a corresponding circular arrangement. In accordance with the principles of this invention, other arrangements are possible as well, as illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10F. FIG. 10A illustrates an example square or rectangular arrangement; FIG. 10B illustrates an example open arrangement; FIG. 10C illustrates an example triangular arrangement, and so on. These arrangements will typically correspond somewhat to the shape of the shape of the items being joined. For example, the oval arrangement of FIG. 10D may be employed for connecting a wing of an aircraft to the fuselage, the oval shape corresponding somewhat to the profile of an airplane wing. The complex shape of FIG. 10E may be employed for a twin engine jet, such as used on an F-14 or F-15 aircraft. The example arrangement of FIG. 10F may be employed for six triangular shaped satellites that are mounted to a common launch vehicle. These and other configurations and shapes will be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the principles presented herein. It is important to note that the perimeter formed by the arrangement ofleaf elements 210 should be curved, such that a tensioning of the filament orband 320 will effect an urging of theleaf lip 211 of eachleaf element 210 into therecess 212 of theupper ring 201, or, as discussed below, such that an expansion of a ring or band will urge the leaf lips outward into a surrounding recess. In the conventional forms of FIG. 2, and FIG. 10A-10D, theleaf lips 211 face the inside of the perimeter formed by theleaf element 210. As illustrated by thearrows 321 of FIG. 10A tensioning of thefilament 320 about the perimeter has the effect of reducing the perimeter, forcing the leaf lips toward the center, and into the corresponding outward facingrecess 212. If the orientation of the radius of curvature changes, the orientation of theleaf lips 211 andrecess 212 should correspondingly change, as illustrated by thearrows leaf elements 210 are positioned such that a tensioning of thefilament 320 has the effect of moving theleaf lips 211 in thedirections recesses 212. In an alternative arrangement, some or all of the leaf lips and mating surface are oriented such that the mating surface is exterior to the leaf lips, relative to the radius of curvature forming each segment of the coupling perimeter, and the filament is in the form of a band that can transmit an outward force relative to the curvature, so that the leaf lips are forced outward to the mating surface. - To facilitate manufacturing and assembly, the leaf elements of this invention may be individually mounted, or segments of a plurality of leaf elements, may be provided to facilitate the creation of larger, and potentially more or less complex perimeters. In a preferred embodiment, arc segments comprising multiple leaf elements are provided, allowing circles and other curved perimeters to be created easily as a plurality of adjacent segments. The segmentation of large circumference coupling structures also eases shipping and handling complexities and costs.
- As would be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of this disclosure, the load-bearing capacity of the separation connector may be increased by a variety of common mechanical design techniques. FIG. 11 illustrates, for example, a separation connector that contains dual rings of
leaf elements leaf lips lower ring 202, and correspondingdual recesses upper ring 201. - A variety of other configurations and applications will also be evident in light of this disclosure. For example, the placement of the protrusion on the
leaf lip 211 and therecess 212 in theupper ring 201 can be reversed, such that a protrusion from theupper ring 201 is seated into a recess on theleaf lip 211 by thefilament 320. In like manner, multiple protrusions may be placed on eachleaf lip 211, andmultiple recesses 212 provided in theupper ring 201 to receive them. That is, in accordance with this invention, theupper ring 201 has a receiving surface that contains an inverse of the mating surface corresponding to theleaf lip 211 of eachleaf element 210; preferred load bearing mating surface shapes are common in the mechanical arts. - In like manner, alternatives to the
spring mechanisms 230 of FIG. 2, and 680 of FIG. 6 will be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art. A pre-cocked spring, for example, having a release mechanism that forces a sudden release of theplunger 231 may be preferred to provide an impact force on theleaf element 210 to overcome any binding that may occur between theleaf lip 211 andrecess 212. The use of a pre-cocked spring also allows the seating of theleaf lip 211 into therecess 212 via the resilience of theleaf element 210, thereby eliminating the need for atension filament 320 and its ancillary components in light load applications. An electromagnetic solenoid or hydraulic device may be used in lieu of thespring mechanisms 230 and/or 680 to provide an impact or continuous separation force via a piston. In like manner, although an embodiment without explosives is typically preferred, an impact force may be imparted by an explosive percussion device. Other urging means, such as leaf springs and the like, are also common in the art. - Note that although the
leaf element 210 has been presented thus far as a single integral structure, alternative structures are feasible, including a multiple component leaf element. FIG. 12 illustrates, for example, aleaf element 910 having aleaf 915 and a base 917 connected by ahinge 916. This embodiment allows for the coupling and decoupling of two devices without inducing a deformation of theleaf element 910. This embodiment is particularly well suited for structures that are frequently coupled and decoupled, either during normal operation, or during operational tests. - FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a preferred alternative embodiment, wherein the leaf elements, such as
elements 910, form an internal perimeter, and themating surface 930 forms an outer perimeter. An expansion ring, or band, 920 is configured to exert an outward force, indicated byarrows 901 in FIGS. 13A and 13B, to urge the leaf elements outward, toward themating surface 930. Anexpansion device 950 is configured to facilitate the expansion of theband 920 to couple theleaf elements 910 to themating surface 930, and the release of the expansion of theband 920 to decouple theelements 910 andsurface 930. Note that the expansion of the perimeter formed by theband 920 is effected by exerting a force that compresses theband 920 along the ring perimeter, and thus terms expansion and compression are used to describe the operation, depending upon whether the term applies to the dimension of the perimeter or the stresses within the material that forms theband 920. If the leaf elements include a retainer for theband 920, the extraction of theleaf elements 910 from themating surface 930 can be effected by reducing the perimeter of theband 920, thereby pulling the leaf elements inward, potentially obviating the need for decoupling devices, such as the spring andplunger arrangement 230 of FIG. 2. - Preferably, the
band 920 comprises an aluminum tube or rod approximately {fraction (3/16)} inch in diameter, formed into a perimeter, and including at least one location where it could be circumferentially expanded by theexpansion device 950, causing the diameter of the perimeter to increase, thereby urging the leaf elements into the groove, or grooves, of the mating surface. Alternative materials may also be used. Preferably, the material of theband 920 should exhibit a low creep rate, to minimize the loosening over time caused by the contraction of the material under continuous load. - The
expansion device 950 may include any of a variety of devices that are commonly used to expand a ring. Thedevice 950 is generally configured to urge the ends of a split ring apart, thereby increasing the perimeter of the ring, and may include, for example, a levered latch, a turnbuckle arrangement, a piston, and so on. Correspondingly, thedevice 950 is also configured to reduce the diameter of the ring, back to its unexpanded perimeter. - Although the expanding ring embodiment of FIGS. 13A and 13B is a more complex embodiment, it does provides some advantage over the tensioned arrangement discussed in the previous figures, particularly with regard to re-use. As discussed above, the simplest means for detensioning the band in a tensioned embodiment is to sever the band; the reuse of the tensioned coupling, therefore, will typically require a replacement of the tensioned band. Conversely, the
expansion band 920 will generally be attached to theexpansion device 950, and will be de-expanded via a non-destructive inversion of the expansion process (i.e. a release of a latch, an opposite turning of a turnbuckle, a release of a piston, and so on), thereby facilitating its re-use. Additionally, because theband 920 is in compression when under load, the likelihood of crack growth and failure is substantially less than that of a tensioned band. - Although the
separation connector 200 of this invention is particularly well suited for items that are expected to be uncoupled at some time, the ease of assembly of theseparation connector 200 also warrants its use for applications that merely require a reliable and easy to assemble connection, such as assembling a pipeline. In these applications, for example, the requirements for the detensioning or de-expansion mechanism, if any, is minimal. - These and other configurations and structures will be evident to one of ordinary skill in the mechanical arts, and are included within the intended scope of the following claims.
Claims (12)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US09/966,671 US6390416B2 (en) | 1999-04-06 | 2001-09-28 | Reusable, separable, structural connector assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/287,038 US6227493B1 (en) | 1999-04-06 | 1999-04-06 | Reusable, separable, structural connector assembly |
US09/848,886 US6343770B2 (en) | 1999-04-06 | 2001-05-04 | Reusable, separable, structural connector assembly |
US09/966,671 US6390416B2 (en) | 1999-04-06 | 2001-09-28 | Reusable, separable, structural connector assembly |
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US09/848,886 Division US6343770B2 (en) | 1999-04-06 | 2001-05-04 | Reusable, separable, structural connector assembly |
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US20020014558A1 true US20020014558A1 (en) | 2002-02-07 |
US6390416B2 US6390416B2 (en) | 2002-05-21 |
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US09/287,038 Expired - Lifetime US6227493B1 (en) | 1999-04-06 | 1999-04-06 | Reusable, separable, structural connector assembly |
US09/848,886 Expired - Lifetime US6343770B2 (en) | 1999-04-06 | 2001-05-04 | Reusable, separable, structural connector assembly |
US09/966,671 Expired - Lifetime US6390416B2 (en) | 1999-04-06 | 2001-09-28 | Reusable, separable, structural connector assembly |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US09/287,038 Expired - Lifetime US6227493B1 (en) | 1999-04-06 | 1999-04-06 | Reusable, separable, structural connector assembly |
US09/848,886 Expired - Lifetime US6343770B2 (en) | 1999-04-06 | 2001-05-04 | Reusable, separable, structural connector assembly |
Country Status (5)
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US (3) | US6227493B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1202905B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE294733T1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE60019933D1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2000059783A2 (en) |
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-
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- 2000-03-02 AT AT00950196T patent/ATE294733T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2000-03-02 WO PCT/US2000/005172 patent/WO2000059783A2/en active IP Right Grant
- 2000-03-02 DE DE60019933T patent/DE60019933D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
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- 2001-05-04 US US09/848,886 patent/US6343770B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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WO2004027343A1 (en) * | 2002-09-23 | 2004-04-01 | The Boeing Company | Apparatus and method for releaseably joining elements |
US7367738B2 (en) | 2002-09-23 | 2008-05-06 | The Boeing Company | Apparatus and method for releaseably joining elements |
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US20040064145A1 (en) * | 2002-09-30 | 2004-04-01 | Ball Robert J. | Force specific impacting device |
EP1405617A2 (en) * | 2002-09-30 | 2004-04-07 | DePuy Products, Inc. | Force specific impacting device |
EP1405617A3 (en) * | 2002-09-30 | 2005-08-03 | DePuy Products, Inc. | Force specific impacting device |
US7172598B2 (en) | 2002-09-30 | 2007-02-06 | Depuy Products, Inc. | Force specific impacting device |
CN107521718A (en) * | 2017-07-04 | 2017-12-29 | 西安飞机工业(集团)有限责任公司 | A kind of method of fluid sealant amount of contraction between survey aircraft covering |
CN108423199A (en) * | 2018-04-23 | 2018-08-21 | 陕西中天火箭技术股份有限公司 | A kind of gunpowder makees movable barrel type interstage |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US6343770B2 (en) | 2002-02-05 |
US6390416B2 (en) | 2002-05-21 |
US6227493B1 (en) | 2001-05-08 |
DE60019933D1 (en) | 2005-06-09 |
US20010017337A1 (en) | 2001-08-30 |
ATE294733T1 (en) | 2005-05-15 |
WO2000059783B1 (en) | 2001-07-05 |
EP1202905B1 (en) | 2005-05-04 |
EP1202905A2 (en) | 2002-05-08 |
WO2000059783A2 (en) | 2000-10-12 |
WO2000059783A3 (en) | 2001-05-03 |
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