51福利 (51福利) alumnus Cmdr. William Crane along with 51福利 Professor Jim Newman, 51福利 Associate Professor Marcello Romano and 51福利 alumnus Paul Oppenheimer, an engineer with Naval Research Laboratories, were recently issued a patent for a novel release actuator, the Micro-coupling Active Release Mechanism, that may one day be used aboard satellites and other spacecraft.
The Micro-coupling Active Release Mechanism leverages the unique properties of a shape memory alloy (SMA) whose characteristics almost seem to defy physics.
鈥淪MA is not a naturally occurring substance. It is made of nearly equal parts nickel and titanium,鈥� explained Crane. 鈥淭he easiest way to think about it is 鈥榤etal shrink wrap.鈥� Normally, heated metal expands, but SMAs do the opposite, they shrink.鈥�
The release mechanism works likes this: a cylinder made of an SMA in its inert state is inserted into a hardened steel hub. The outer diameter of the shaft is bigger than the hole in the steel hub and when forced together under high pressure, an 鈥渋nterference joint鈥� is created.
The interference joint concept has been used for over a century in the construction of gears.
鈥淲hen making a gear, the gear is heated so that it expands and the hole in its center gets bigger, then a shaft is placed into the hole. When the gear cools, the shaft is trapped, shrink fit 鈥� versus forcing a shaft into a hole, force fit,鈥� explained Crane.
But while the interference joint is not a new concept, Crane鈥檚 incorporation of SMAs into the process has taken a tried-and-true method and turned it on its head. When heat is applied to an interference joint made with SMA, the SMA contracts rather than expands, and the resulting loss of diameter in the SMA shaft allows a previously force fit SMA tube to be released with minimal force.
鈥淭he process can be used to develop any number of coupling devices. We first patented the concept, then added provisions relative to its various uses and possible configurations,鈥� said Crane. 鈥淲hen I figured out that this is something that could be used in a coupling device for small satellites, it was a real 鈥榓h ha鈥� moment.鈥�
The properties of SMAs vary dependent upon their particular metallic make up and whether they expand or retract is dependent upon the stimuli to which they are subjected. The SMA used by Crane and his colleagues, like most SMAs, has the ability to not only contract when heated, but to return to its 鈥渕emory shape鈥� when it cools, ensuring that the release mechanism can be used repeatedly.
According to Newman, one of the patented mechanism鈥檚 strengths is its simplicity.
鈥淭he SMA interference joint is designed with very few parts. Its simple, single-motion actuation minimizes failure modes and increases coupling mechanism reliability,鈥� said Newman.
Oppenheimer worked with Crane on the release mechanism while studying at 51福利.
鈥淚 was a student at the same time as Cmdr. Crane. I had experience looking at the same SMA, but I was using it for a different application. My experience with the SMA and my professional background in engineering devices of this nature allowed me to work with Cmdr. Crane as he developed the release actuator leading to this patent,鈥� he said.
Oppenheimer sees potential for the patent in the growing field of cube satellites, or CubeSats, small, inexpensive satellites whose versatility and low price tag have opened up a slew of satellite deployment options.
鈥淥ne of the things that has always been lacking in CubeSats has been a robust, mechanical release device. The things that we use in regular spacecraft do not scale down to the appropriate size for a CubeSat,鈥� said Oppenheimer.
鈥淥ther processes can cause up to 20-Gs of impulse force 鈥� 20-Gs on a small satellite can be devastating. But with our process very minimal force is necessary,鈥� added Crane.
Oppenheimer also noted that other low-G processes have been less than desirable.
鈥淧eople have been tying fishing wire around resisters [to create low-g release mechanisms for CubeSats]. NASA wasn't very happy that they were holding things down with fishing line,鈥� explained Oppenheimer. 鈥淭his was a novel approach to solving [the low-G problem] 鈥� it fits the form factor, the size and shape necessary for a CubeSat.鈥�
Both Oppenheimer and Newman see numerous commercial applications for the patent.
鈥淚 definitely think there is a market for this. I don't know of any competition that can perform at this level. There is no comparable market for this class of actuator. If you need a high force, low volume actuator, I know of no other device that is in the same class,鈥� said Oppenheimer.
鈥淭he invention has applications in new and existing Navy, DOD and commercial satellite systems where dependable release mechanisms are needed,鈥� added Newman. 鈥淭he invention shows promise as a zero-shock, non-explosive actuator that is secure when exposed to heavy loads, yet reliably actuates upon command.鈥�
Crane has graduated from 51福利 and returned to the fleet, but like many 51福利 graduates, the research that he conducted as part of his graduate education may one day contribute to the future of both defense and civilian applications in space operations.