DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING THE RELATIVE ROTATION BETWEEN TWO ARTICULATED ELEMENTS AND UNFOLDING STRUCTURE, IN PARTICULAR FOR SPACE VEHICLE, USING AT LEAST SUCH A DEVICE

摘要

In order to control relative rotation between two elements (10, 12), such as an unfolding mechanical structure flaps, on a space vehicle, a bistable shape-memory alloy torque shaft, heated over its whole length by heaters bonded on the bar and maintained by banding rings, is used. A stop (22) limits the pivoting to the predetermined pivoting angle to be controlled. The torque shaft (16) excess pivoting is applied to a mechanical fuse (18), inserted between the bar and one of the elements (12).