Chain driven, rail guided payload deployment system

Details Chain driven, rail guided payload deployment system Chain driven, rail guided payload deployment system

1991-09-30

1993-10-19

Barefoot, Galen

Aeronautics and astronautics

Spacecraft

Spacecraft formation, orbit, or interplanetary path

89 154, 124 1, 2441371, B64G 164

Patent

active

052538273

ABSTRACT:
A deployment system comprises a plurality of parallel linear guide rails, securely supported at their respective bases to a deployment portion of the spacecraft. Each of these linear guide rails contains a drive chain which is powered by a motor(s)/output gear box during the deployment sequence. The guide rail chain mechanisms are coupled to each other by means of drive shafts. Therefore, the drive shafts serve a dual purpose: 1) distribute power between the guide rail chain mechanisms as needed and 2) synchronize the guide rail mechanisms. A payload is provided having attach fittings located thereon for engagement with the linear guide rails. These fittings engage the drive chain. In this manner, the motion of the chain drives the payload fittings along the linear guide rails. During deployment, motion of the chains is produced by the motor(s), which accelerate the payload along the length of the guide rails. Since the length of the acceleration motion is large (versus the short strokes of spring loaded pistons), only small acceleration forces are required to reach the final separation velocity. At the ends of the guide rails, the chains pass over pulleys, reversing their direction. At this point, the payload fitting is allowed to disengage the chain and simply run off the ends of the guide rails.

REFERENCES:
patent: 2891636 (1959-06-01), Krieger et al.
patent: 4457401 (1984-07-01), Taylor et al.
patent: 5129601 (1992-07-01), Henkel

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