Glenair, Inc.

Edwin E Vega

A release apparatus includes a coiled restraining wire with each end attached to a corresponding fuse wire. The fuse wires are supplied with respective actuation electric currents by respective independent current sources. Flow of actuation current through a fuse wire causes that fuse wire to break; breakage of either one or both fuse wires allows the restraining wire to partially uncoil and allow the release apparatus to transition from a retained condition to a released condition, by allowing disengagement of retention members from a release member that can then move out of the release apparatus. The release apparatus can be employed to attach a deployable component to a satellite or spacecraft, and can be readily repaired, refurbished or reset for repetitive ground testing.

Redundant fuse wires in a hold-down release apparatus

A release apparatus includes a coiled restraining wire with at least one end attached to a fuse wire. Actuation current through the fuse wire causes it to break; breakage of the fuse wire allows the restraining wire to partially uncoil and allow the release apparatus to transition from a retained condition to a released condition, by allowing disengagement a sleeve from retention members and disengagement of retention members from a release member that can then move out of the release apparatus. The sleeve isolates the restraining wire and fuse wire from load forces on the release member. Rolling bearings within the sleeve against the retention members reduces resistance to disengagement of the sleeve. The release apparatus can be employed to attach a deployable component to a satellite or spacecraft, and can be readily repaired, refurbished or reset for repetitive ground testing.

Retention sleeve with rolling bearings in a hold-down release apparatus

A hold-down release apparatus includes a housing, a reciprocating retention member, a release member, bias member(s), and a fuse wire. The retention member moves between retention and release positions and is biased toward the release position. With the retention member in the release position, the release member can move out of the housing; with the retention member in the retention position, the retention member obstructs the release member from moving out of the housing. The fuse wire obstructs movement of the retention member to the release position and holds the retention member in the retention position against the bias force. With an actuation current flowing through the fuse wire, the bias force breaks the fuse wire, allowing the retention member to move to the release position in response to the bias force, and the release member to move out of the housing.

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Chatsworth, CA, United States of America

Edwin E Vega