Launch lock assemblies including axial gap amplification devices and spacecraft isolation systems including the same

• Main Authors: Barber, Tim Daniel, Davis, Torey, Young, Ken, Hindle, Timothy
• Format: Patent
• Language: English; French; German
• Published: 20.12.2017
• Subjects: AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; BLASTING; COSMONAUTICS; DESIGNING, MANUFACTURING, ASSEMBLING, CLEANING, MAINTAINING ORREPAIRING AIRCRAFT, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS ORMACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS,CLIPS, WEDGES, JOINTS OR JOINTING; ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVEFUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; GROUND OR AIRCRAFT-CARRIER-DECK INSTALLATIONS SPECIALLYADAPTED FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH AIRCRAFT; HANDLING, TRANSPORTING, TESTING OR INSPECTING AIRCRAFTCOMPONENTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; HEATING; LIGHTING; MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL; TRANSPORTING; VEHICLES OR EQUIPMENT THEREFOR; WEAPONS

Embodiments of a launch lock assembly (34, 42) are provided, as are embodiments of a spacecraft isolation system (20) including one or more launch lock assemblies (34, 42). In one embodiment, the launch lock assembly (34, 42) includes first and second mount pieces (36, 38, 44, 46), a releasable clamp device (64), and an axial gap amplification device (66). The releasable clamp device (64) normally maintains the first and second mount pieces (36, 38, 44, 46) in clamped engagement; and, when actuated, releases the first and second mount pieces (36, 38, 44, 46) from clamped engagement to allow relative axial motion therebetween. The axial gap amplification device (66) normally residing in a blocking position wherein the gap amplification device (66) obstructs relative axial motion between the first and second mount pieces (36, 38, 44, 46). The axial gap amplification device (66) moves into a non-blocking position when the first and second mount pieces (36, 38, 44, 46) are released from clamped engagement to increase the range of axial motion between the first and second mount pieces (36, 38, 44, 46).