PAYLOAD SEPARATION SYSTEM Russian patent published in 2006 - IPC B64G1/64 

FIELD: coupling and separation of spacecraft.

SUBSTANCE: proposed system includes separable holding device mounted between load-bearing structure and payload. Said device includes mechanical locks and fixing unit discretely located on load-bearing structure. Each lock has rod and holding and fixing members. One end of rod is secured on payload and other end is engageable with holding member of lock. Fixing member includes ropes engageable with fixing members and held on load-bearing surface by means of pyro device. Rod of lock has one-sided projection engageable with said holding member of lock. Lock fixing unit is provided with multi-beam central sprocket secured on load-bearing surface and held from turn by said pyro device. Sprocket beams are connected with fixing members of respective locks by means of radially tightened ropes whose ends are connected with sprocket beams eccentrically relative to axis of its rotation. When pyro device operates, sprocket turns and tension of ropes disappears; members of locks release rods. Under action of pushers, payload is separated from load-bearing structure.

EFFECT: reduction of loads on payload at separation; enhanced accuracy and reliability of separation of payload from launch vehicle.

4 dwg