Release apparatus for a holddown device

US6073914A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Daimler-Benz Aerospace AG · DE

Inventors

• Martin Roth · Starnberg, DE
• Robert Apfelbeck · Biberach an der Riß, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 1, 1997
• Grant date: Jun 13, 2000
• Expiry date: Dec 1, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T29/49874
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A release element for a holddown device, on a solar generator, for example, with a retaining bolt which is under pretension in the direction of its lengthwise axis, releases the retaining bolt from its pretensioned position. Pretensioning force is exerted on the retaining bolt through thread located at the end of retaining bolt into a corresponding internal thread in the release device. Internal thread is located half in a housing of release device and half in an opener. Opener is inserted pivotably in a cutout of housing and held in place by a wire coil wound around housing and opener. To release retaining bolt, the wire coil is released by fuse elements and expands to a larger diameter, releasing the retaining bolt.