Spool assembly with integrated link-wire and electrical terminals for non-explosive actuators used in electro-mechanical structural separation devices

Abstract

An improved spool assembly for non-explosive actuators used in electro-mechanical structural separation devices. The spool assembly includes two spool halves each having external surfaces and a generally flat internal surface, a unitary and integral internal member made of an electrically conductive material and having a link-wire portion and two electrical terminal portions, and an external wrap-wire wound around the two spool halves and having a connecting end connected to the link-wire portion of the unitary and integral internal member such that the wrap-wire tightly binds the two spool halves together to form a spool for retaining an external structural member. When an electrical current of a sufficient magnitude is applied through the electrical terminal portions of the unitary and integral internal member, the link-wire portion of the unitary and integral internal member will be heated, which reduces its tensile strength to a magnitude below a tensile stress exerted thereon by the connecting end of the wrap-wire, causing the link-wire portion of the unitary and integral internal member to be broken, which in turn causes the wrap-wire to be loosened, allowing the two spool halves to separate apart which permits displacement of the external structural member.