US3603433A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Low onset rate energy absorber
Assignee: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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Filing: 1970-03-31
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Granted: 1971-09-07
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Expires: 1990-03-31
Abstract
Abstract A low onset rate energy absorber for decelerating a moving mass at a controlled rate without amplification of loads through the system. The embodiment disclosed is in the form of a strut assembly for the crew couch of the Apollo command module. It includes a rod of substantially uniform diameter having one end arranged to receive the force of the moving mass thereagainst in a generally axial direction. A plurality of washers is mounted on the rod in spaced-apart and force-fitting relationship. It includes thrust means arranged to receive the force in the generally axial direction and for initially contacting and axially stroking an end one of the washers and sequentially stroking others of the washers along the rod in response to a force applied in the axial direction. The energy absorber uses friction as a direct means of converting the energy to heat.
Inventors
- 👤 William H Keathley
- 👤 Clarence J Wesselski
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 09:01
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16F; F16F7/00; F16F7/08; F16F7/09; F16F7/12; F16F7/125; F16F2236/00; F16F2236/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
112 words
In an energy absorbing structure, the combination comprising: a rod of substantially uniform diameter along the major length thereof and having one end arranged to receive the force of a moving mass thereagainst in a generally axial direction; a plurality of spaced apart washers mounted on said rod in force fitting relationship therewith; and thrust means arranged to receive said force in said generally axial direction and for initially contacting and axially stroking an end one of said washers and sequentially stroking others of said washers along said rod in response to a force applied thereto in said generally axial direction, whereby the energy of said force is absorbed during said stroking.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
112 words
In an energy absorbing structure, the combination comprising: a rod of substantially uniform diameter along the major length thereof and having one end arranged to receive the force of a moving mass thereagainst in a generally axial direction; a plurality of spaced apart washers mounted on said rod in force fitting relationship therewith; and thrust means arranged to receive said force in said generally axial direction and for initially contacting and axially stroking an end one of said washers and sequentially stroking others of said washers along said rod in response to a force applied thereto in said generally axial direction, whereby the energy of said force is absorbed during said stroking.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention as claimed in claim 1 wherein: the stroking portions of said rod are coated with a dry film lubricant.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said rod is of INCONEL and said washers are of annealed stainless steel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said washers have an initial inside diameter about 2.5 percent smaller than the diameter of said rod.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
59 words
The invention as claimed in claim 1 including; a second plurality of spaced apart washers mounted on said rod in force fitting relationship therewith, said second plurality of washers being arranged for contact by said thrust means and for axially stroking on said rod when the force of a moving mass is applied in the opposite generally axial direction.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The invention as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said thrust means includes a thrust ring mounted about said rod and arranged for relative movement therewith during said stroking.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
43 words
The invention as claimed in claim 6 wherein: said rod forms part of a strut; and including a tubular sleeve connected to a said thrust ring to form another part of said strut which is provided with means for absorbing normal expected loads.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
The invention as claimed in claim 1 wherein: the spacing between said washers is varied to provide a predetermined varying rate of deceleration of said moving mass during said stroking.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The invention as claimed in claim 2 wherein: said lubricant is of the fluorocarbon type.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
41 words
The invention as claimed in claim 7 wherein: there is a plurality of plastically deformed toroidal members between the tubular sleeve and an outer tubular member of the strut, said toroidal members by cyclic deformation absorbing a portion of the load.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-09-06 | 1975-03-08 | 1975-09-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-09-06 | 1979-03-08 | 1979-09-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-09-06 | 1983-03-08 | 1983-09-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |