Retractable carrier-outrigger used on spacecraft - incorporates elements with ends shaped to fit together coaxially and pulled into line by releasable tensioner

摘要

The retractable carrier-outrigger, partic. for spacecraft, comprises several rigid elements in line, held together by a traction device connected to a tensioner. Element (3) mating faces have flat abutment surfaces (10,10') concentric with convex/concave spherical surfaces (11,11') ensuring coaxial alignment in the working position and ensuring centering about the longitudinal axis. A flexible traction device (6) passing through axial bores (12) in the element has one end fixed to the outermost (3a), carrying a mounting flange (5); the other to an anchor (16,17) associated with (e.g.) a helical spring (7). For retraction, the spring is compressed to release the elements; a trigger mechanism (19) holds it in that position.