Non-explosive releasable coupling device

• US 7,422,403 B1
• Filed: 10/25/2004
• Issued: 09/09/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 10/23/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: TiNi Alloy Company
• Original Assignee: TiNi Alloy Company
• Inventors: Martynov, Valery, Johnson, A. David, Bokaie, Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): Saether; Flemming
• Application Number:
  US10/972,745
• Time in Patent Office: 1,415 Days
• Field of Search: 411/DIG.2, 411/82.5, 411/390, 411/392, 411/387, 411/383
• US Class Current: 411/82.5
• CPC Class Codes: B23P 11/025 by using heat or cold
• CPC Class Codes: B64G 1/641 Interstage or payload connectors docking systems B64G1/646
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 2200/77 Use of a shape-memory material
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 35/00 Screw-bolts; Stay-bolts; Screw-threaded studs; Screws; Set screws F16B33/008 takes precedence; joining sheets or plates using screws with two separate threads F16B5/0275; using screws with adjustment sleeves F16B5/0283; thread cutting screws F16B25/00
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 5/02 by means of fastening members using screw-thread F16B5/0004 takes precedence; construction of screw-threaded connections F16B25/00 - F16B39/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 411/02 Temperature modification

Abstract

A device and method for holding or clamping components together, and with the clamping being selectively loosened to permit the components to move through a predetermined distance without being fully released. A bolt has its head end attached to one component and its threaded end attached to the other component. A portion of the bolt'"'"'s shank is formed with a necked-down portion. An actuator of shape memory alloy material is mounted about the bolt. When energized by heat, the actuator expands and exerts a great force which stretches the bolt, permanently deforming the bolt. This enables limited movement of the components while still restraining them from separating.

Claims

1. A device for holding a first and a second component together, the device comprising:

a bolt having a first end configured to secure to a first component, and a second end configured to secure to a second component, the bolt having a shank including a necked-down portion configured to concentrate axial stress;

a head near the first end;

a nut mounted about the second end, the second end extending through the nut for securing to the second component;

an actuator fitted about the shank between the head and the nut, the actuator being formed of a shape memory alloy material that is configured to elongate axially against the head and nut in response to being heated through the material'"'"'s crystalline phase change transformation temperature;

wherein the bolt is configured to convert from a compressed configuration to an elongated configuration by heating the actuator and elongating the necked-down portion to plastically deform the bolt.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the first end comprises threading configured to secure the first component.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the first end comprises internal threading configured to secure the first component.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the second end comprises threading configured to secure the second component.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the second end comprises external threading configured to secure the second component.