Rover release mechanism
Four releasable Frangibolts securely bind the robot to the lander deck.
These are stiff and strong during flight, and they reliably,
intentionally release after landing. The secure mechanical coupling
between lander and rover is essential since guidance avionics reside in
the rover, but require a high fidelity of dynamic coupling with the
lander deck. The high stiffness is also essential to preclude flexure
during launch and flight maneuvers. The bolts are pre-notched to
establish precise, predictable breaking conditions. The intentional
breaking is induced by heating a cylinder of TiNi memory metal that
surrounds the notched bolt. The expanding memory metal tensions the
bolt beyond its tensile limit. The bolt breaks, as predicted, at the
notch.
Bookmark/Search this post with:
