Gravitational and/or pneumatic restrain and release mechanism for an external airborne load
Mechanism for restraining and releasing an external airborne load through pneumatic ejection wherein the load supports are made hollow so as to form a tank for the compressed air. The load supports consist of monolithic metal bodies made using an additive manufacturing process.
1 . Restrain and release mechanism for an external airborne load, comprising
a central body having at ends thereof a pair of load supports each provided with a pair of protruding arms, and at least one releasable load locking device,
a pair of telescopic stems movable within respective cylinders associated to said load supports and operated by a compressed air from a first retracted inoperative position, to a second extended push position,
wherein said load supports are made hollow to form storage tanks to hold the compressed air prior to actuation of the telescopic stems;
a pneumatic connection connecting said tanks with each other such that the compressed air is at a uniform pressure to provide such uniform pressure to the pair of telescopic stems; and
ducts connecting the tanks to thrust chambers to provide compressed air from the tanks to the thrust chambers to actuate the telescopic stems.
2 . Mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein said load supports embody said cylinders.
3 . Mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein each of said load supports consists of a hollow monolithic metal body formed as a single piece by additive manufacturing, and defining internal pressure cavities structurally integrated in the load-support body and configured to store the compressed air.
4 . Mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein each of said load supports consists of an inverted Y-shaped body, having an upper central section provided with an internal seat forming said cylinder to house said telescopic stem, and from which a pair of support arms branch out inferiorly.
5 . Mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein said central body comprises a pneumatic connection which connects said hollow load supports together.
6 . Mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein each of said stems comprises a lower end plate and it is maintained in said retracted position by the pressure exerted by the constrained load on said plate.
7 . System according to claim 6 , wherein said load support consists of a swiveling pad arm.
8 . System for constraining an external load for use in the aeronautical and aerospace industries, comprising a restrain and release mechanism according to claim 1 .