Process and apparatus for the release of a prestress initially applied to a mechanism such as a bearing on board a space vehicle
First Claim
1. Apparatus for the release of a prestress or preload initially applied by prestressing or preloading means between the moving parts of a mechanism on board a space vehicle, when the latter is in the operational mode, said apparatus comprising a member made from a shape memory material associated with the prestress or preload means, so as to control a release of the prestress or preload applied between said parts under the effect of a change to its shape, when clearing a phase change temperature of the shape memory material.
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Accused Products
Abstract
In space vehicles, mechanisms such as ball bearings (14, 14'"'"') are subject to an initial preload or prestress enabling them to withstand the vibrations caused by the launch and without leading to any clearance or play. A member (34) made from a shape memory material e.g. makes it possible under the effect of its elongation, to release said preload when the vehicle is in the operational mode. The control of the release can take place by means of a heating resistor (36), whose energization leads to the member (34) clearing its shape change temperature.
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Citations
10 Claims
- 1. Apparatus for the release of a prestress or preload initially applied by prestressing or preloading means between the moving parts of a mechanism on board a space vehicle, when the latter is in the operational mode, said apparatus comprising a member made from a shape memory material associated with the prestress or preload means, so as to control a release of the prestress or preload applied between said parts under the effect of a change to its shape, when clearing a phase change temperature of the shape memory material.
- 8. Process for the release of a prestress initially applied between the moving parts of a mechanism carried on a space vehicle, when the latter is in the operational mode, comprising controlling a shape change of a shape memory material member associated with said mechanism, so as to obtain a release of the prestress applied between the parts by making said member clear a phase change temperature of the shape memory material.
Specification