Tension decoupler device
View Patent ↗A tension decoupler includes first rupture members, arranged in parallel to each other, and second rupture members, arranged in parallel to each other and parallel to the first rupture members. The first rupture members and the second rupture members are designed to break only when the load applied to the decoupler device reaches or exceeds a predetermined load value, and the second rupture members are designed to have sufficient fatigue strength as long as the applied load does not reach the predetermined load value.
1. A tension decoupler device connecting two parts of a structure and fitted with rupture members, the rupture of which causes decoupling of said parts when they break, the decoupler comprising:
a first tension transmitting element connected to a first part of said structure, said first tension transmitting element configured to apply a tension load to said first part of said tension decoupler device;
a second tension transmitting element connected to a second part of said structure, said second tension transmitting element configured to apply the tension load to said second part of said tension decoupler device;
a set of first rupture members arranged parallel to each other; and
a set of second rupture members arranged parallel to each other and parallel to the first rupture members,
wherein each first rupture member is designed to break at a first predetermined individual member tension load value, each second rupture member is designed to break only at a second predetermined individual member tension load value which is higher than said first predetermined individual member tension load value, said second rupture members are designed to resist fatigue as long as a tension load on each of said first rupture members does not reach said first predetermined individual member tension load value, and said first and second parts of said tension decoupler device are coupled together by said set of first rupture members and said set of second rupture members.
2. The decoupler device according to claim 1 , wherein a number of first rupture members is greater than a number of second rupture members.
3. The decoupler device according to claim 1 , wherein a number of first rupture members is less than a number of second rupture members.
4. The decoupler device according to claim 1 , wherein the first rupture members and the second rupture members are distributed around a circular flange and the first rupture members and the second rupture members follow a regular alternating distribution along at least one average line of said flange.
5. The decoupler device according to claim 4 , wherein the first rupture members are grouped in pairs and the second rupture members are grouped in pairs, and each pair of first rupture members is located between two pairs of second rupture members.
6. The decoupler device according to claim 4 , wherein all the first rupture members are located on a first average line of the flange and all the second rupture members are located on a second average line of the flange, both average lines being concentric.