Electricity: magnetically operated switches – magnets – and electr – Magnets and electromagnets – Work or object holding type
Reexamination Certificate
2002-06-19
2003-11-18
Barrera, Ramon M. (Department: 2832)
Electricity: magnetically operated switches, magnets, and electr
Magnets and electromagnets
Work or object holding type
Reexamination Certificate
active
06650212
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to remotely operable latching assemblies. More particularly, the present invention relates to remotely operable latching assemblies that utilize magnetic forces to supply both the latching force and the releasing force for the latch assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In many applications it is desirable to utilize a latching system to releasably secure two or more structures together. In particular, spaced-based applications often utilize remotely operable latch systems to releasably hold one component to another. For example, a payload may be releasably attached to a space launch vehicle for launch and released once orbit is attained. Alternatively, the payload itself may utilize remotely operable latches for one or more purposes, such as deploying solar panels after separation from a launch vehicle.
Various remotely operable latching systems are available for space-based applications. For example, a number of pyrotechnic separation systems exist that utilize some sort of explosive charge to release objects held relative to one another. One drawback of these systems is the inability to test the actual components that will be utilized for the space-based application. As will be appreciated, once these pyrotechnic systems are “activated,” one or more of their components is destroyed. Therefore, until the moment of activation, it is unknown whether these untested components will properly function.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an objective of the present invention to provide a remotely operable latch assembly for releasably holding two objects relative to one another.
It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a latch that provides a mechanically advantageous holding force for securing two objects together.
It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a remotely operable latch assembly having little or no power requirements while in a latched position.
It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a remotely operable latch assembly that is resettable to allow for non-destructive testing of the latch assembly.
It is a further objective to provide a latch assembly that is simple to manufacture and that utilizes readily obtainable parts.
These and additional objectives are achieved by the present invention which provides an electromagnetic latching assembly operable to apply a mechanically advantageous force for holding a first structure relative to a second structure and which may be remotely actuated to release these structures from one another. In this regard, a first retaining force is utilized to maintain the latching assembly in a closed position while the latching assembly secures the first and second structures together with a second holding force. Preferably, the retaining force will be smaller than the resulting holding force by at least an order of magnitude. The latching assembly utilizes a magnet to apply the retaining force that maintains the latch in the closed position, and a selectively actuateable electromagnet to open the latch assembly and thereby release the first and second structures from one another. Generally, the present invention is embodied in a latching assembly that utilizes at least one, and more preferably two levers interconnected to a frame to provide the mechanically advantageous holding force.
An electromagnetic latch assembly of a first aspect of the present invention includes: a frame that is interconnectable with a first member and contains at least a first aperture; a first lever interconnected to the frame that is pivotable between a first holding position and a first release position; a second lever interconnected to the frame that is pivotable between a second holding position and a second release position and comprising at least a second aperture; a permanent magnet associated with the first lever; and an electromagnet operatively associated with the first lever. Each of the first and second levers contains a free end that is operable to pivot relative to the frame. Further, when the latch assembly is in a closed position, the free end of the second lever is retained under the free end of the first lever. When the latch assembly is in the closed position, the permanent magnet applies a holding force that maintains the first lever in the first holding position and thereby holds the second lever in the second holding position. When the first and second levers are in the first and second holding positions, the aperture contained within the frame as well as an aperture associated with the second lever are disposed in an adjoining relationship and collectively define a third aperture. In this closed position, a second structural member may be disposed through this third aperture and restrained from being pulled back through this third aperture. In this regard, the first and second structural members are interconnected when the latch assembly is closed (i.e., the first and second levers are in the first and second holding positions).
Various refinements exist of the features noted in relation to the first aspect of the present invention. Further features may also be incorporated in the first aspect of the present invention as well. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. As noted, both the first and second lever are pivotable between holding and release positions. Any way of interconnecting the first and second levers to the frame in a manner that allows them to pivot between these positions may be utilized. Irrespective of the type of interconnection, the first and second levers will pivot about first and second axes, respectively. In one embodiment, the free end of the first lever will extend at least partially toward the pivot axis of the second lever and the free end of the second lever extends at least partially toward the pivot axis of the first lever. This allows a portion (e.g., the free end) of the second lever to be retained beneath at least a portion of the first lever. In a further embodiment, the axes of these levers will be substantially parallel to one another allowing the first and second lever to pivot directly towards one another. In this embodiment, the free end of the second lever will be restrained beneath a portion of the first lever.
In order for the free end of the second lever to be retained beneath the first lever when the axes of the levers are substantially parallel, the length of the second lever, as measured between the pivot axis of the second lever and the free end of the second lever, will be shorter than the distance between the pivot axes of the two levers. In a further embodiment of the parallel axes orientation, the first lever will be long enough to extend beyond the pivot axis of the second lever. In this configuration, the extending free end of the first lever may be restrained to maintain the latch assembly in the closed position. In this regard, the lever arm between where a restraining force is applied to the first lever and the pivot axis of the first lever will be greater than the lever arm between where the free end of the second lever is restrained beneath the first lever and the pivot axis of the first lever. That is, a mechanically advantageous use of leverage may be realized.
The permanent magnet and electromagnet of the assembly are utilized to restrain the first lever in the first holding position when the latch assembly is closed and provide a releasing force that allows the first and second levers to move from their holding positions to their release positions, respectively. In this regard, the permanent magnet may be attached in any appropriate manner to any point along the length of the first lever such that the magnet is able to magnetically couple to a ferromagnetic surface and restrain the first lever in the holding position when desired. In order to maximize the restraining force provided by the permanent magnet to the first lever, the permanent magnet will generally be attached near or toward the free end of the first lever. That
Barrera Ramon M.
Lockheed Martin Corporation
Marsh & Fischmann & Breyfogle LLP
LandOfFree
Electromagnetic latch does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Electromagnetic latch, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Electromagnetic latch will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3178062