Temporary linking device, especially for an artificial satellite lengthening piece, and method to free such a link
US5060888A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 30, 1990 |
| Grant date | Oct 29, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 30, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/21
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
So as to temporarily connect two elements, such as an artificial satellite lengthening piece and the body of this satellite, a device is used including a holding mechanism (22) of any structure and a freeing member (20) made of a form memory material. The holding mechanism (22) normally applies a holding mechanical tension between the elements. When it is desired to free these elements, the freeing member (20) is heated by, for example, a heating resistor (28) or by using solar energy, until it reaches the transformation temperature of the form memory material. The disposition of the freeing member (20) is such that its change of form suppresses the mechanical holding tension and creates a positive allowance between the elements.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.