Launch lock for spacecraft payloads
US6508437B1 · kind B1 · utility
29Cited by
8References
4Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 15, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jan 21, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 15, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T292/20
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A spacecraft payload, suspended by an isolator, is locked down during launch by using a compliant member to pull on a pin, clamping the payload against the launch lock. The payload is unlocked, after launch, by heating a shape memory alloy to move the pin to overcome the compliant member, releasing the payload from launch lock. The payload may be re-locked for reentry by heating another shape memory alloy to push the pin against the other shaped memory alloy.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.