Sequential or simultaneous activation of locking connectors

摘要

The sequential and/or simultaneous activation of locking joints which connect together the various components of an assembly employs a change of state in an element which forms part of each joint/connector. In a particular example of the principle, a sliding member (6) is locked within a housing by means of a pivoted lever (8,10,11). A cavity in the sliding member (6) is completely filled with water (1) as the active substance and is sealed by a flexible diaphragm (9). On freezing the water, an expansion takes place which moves the lever (10) upwards to release the member.