Device for controlling a relative rotation between two articulated elements and a deployable mechanical structure, particularly for a space vehicle, using at least one device of this type
US6298662A · kind A · utility
9Cited by
3References
9Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 27, 2000 |
| Grant date | Oct 9, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 27, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE05Y2900/502
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
To control a relative rotation between two elements (10, 12), such as flaps of a deployable mechanical structure, on a space vehicle, a torsion bar (16) is used made of a bistable shape memory alloy, heated over its whole length by heaters stuck on the bar and retained by hooping rings. A stop (22) restricts pivoting to the pre-set pivoting angle to be controlled. Excess pivoting of the torsion bar (16) is applied to a mechanical fuse (18), interposed between the bar and one (12) of the elements.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.