Vehicle device separation system with telescoping piston springs
US10914551B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 12, 2018 |
| Grant date | Feb 9, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 12, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF41F5/00
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An ejector system for ejecting/separating a store, such as a weapon, from a launch platform includes a pair of spring assemblies that each include nested springs that are contained in a housing when the spring assemblies are in a compressed configuration. To separate the store from the aircraft the spring assemblies each move from the initial compressed configuration to an extended configuration, using the potential energy stored in the springs when compressed. The extension of the springs extends the springs mostly out of the spring assembly housings, extending telescoped sleeves of the spring assemblies. The extension of the spring assemblies provides a safe and steady way of separating the store from the launch platform, while having the advantages of being reusable, low cost and low weight, not producing any debris, and providing a softer push than may be produced by other separation mechanisms, such as the use of pyrotechnic devices.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.