The invention relates to a separation device for a spacecraft or launcher. The separation device includes an inner housing divided into at least two portions locked to each other by a locking device in a locking position. The locking device is arranged to move between a locking position and a releasing position. The separation device includes an initiator including means for providing high pressure fluid to an expansion chamber when the separation device is switched from a locked state to a released state. The high pressure fluid in an expansion chamber moves the locking device from the locking position to the releasing position when the separation device is switched from the locked state to the released state. The separation device comprises a dampening arrangement arranged to attenuate a peak load when the separation device is switched from the locked state to the released state.

A drogue bridle separation assembly may comprise a housing and a pyrotechnic fastener. The housing may define a riser channel and a fastener opening. The pyrotechnic fastener may be configured to extend through the fastener opening and the riser channel. The pyrotechnic fastener includes a charge configured to undergo an exothermic reaction in response to an electrical signal.

The invention relates to a separation device for a spacecraft or launcher. The separation device includes an inner housing divided into at least two portions locked to each other by a locking device in a locking position. The locking device is arranged to move between a locking position and a releasing position. The separation device includes an initiator including means for providing high pressure fluid to an expansion chamber when the separation device is switched from a locked state to a released state. The high pressure fluid in an expansion chamber moves the locking device from the locking position to the releasing position when the separation device is switched from the locked state to the released state. The separation device includes a dampening arrangement arranged to attenuate a peak load when the separation device is switched from the locked state to the released state.

For screw release, an apparatus includes a boss, a screw secured to the boss, and a force release component connected to one of the boss and the screw. The force release component releases a portion of the screw from the boss in response to a specified force.

For screw release, an apparatus includes a boss, a screw secured to the boss, and a force release component connected to one of the boss and the screw. The force release component releases a portion of the screw from the boss in response to a specified force.

A screw includes a screw head, a threaded shaft, and a force release component connecting the screw head to the threaded shaft. The force release component releases the screw head from the threaded shaft in response to a specified force. The specified force is substantially along a screw axis in-line with the threaded shaft.

A sacrificial washer has a longitudinal central axis and comprises a cup and a cap. The cup includes a cup base wall extending transversely with respect to the axis, a cup radially outer wall extending outwardly away from the cup base wall, and a cup inner diameter. The cup includes a cap base wall extending transversely with respect to the axis and spaced axially away from the cup base wall, and a cap radially inner wall extending inwardly away from the cap base wall and having a cap inner diameter.

An explosive bolt is provided for securing a brace in tension. The bolt includes a bar, a pair of explosives, a pair of detonators and a pair of anchors. The bar has opposing longitudinal ends and an outer thickness. Opposing bores extend inwardly from the longitudinal ends to corresponding depth ends. First and second notches reduce the thickness proximate to the corresponding depth ends. A center rod separates the notches from each other. Each explosive correspondingly inserts into a corresponding bore to a corresponding depth end. Each detonator correspondingly inserts into the corresponding bore. Each anchor secures the bar to the brace. In further embodiments, the longitudinal ends include helical male threads, and the anchors are nuts having helical female threads.

An axially separable fastener for securing a structure is provided to detach upon command of an electric signal. The fastener includes a metal bolt, an external nut, a frangible ampoule containing a liquid metal eutectic and an internal plug. The bolt has a metal shank with proximal and distal ends. The shank includes a first head at the proximal end, and a first helical external thread and an axial bore with a first helical internal thread at the distal end. The fastener secures a structure in compression between the first head and the external nut. The external nut screws onto the first external thread. The ampoule contains a liquid metal eutectic. The ampoule is insertable into the bore. The internal plug includes a second head, an actuator mechanism, and an auger opposite thereto. The internal plug has a second helical external thread between the second head and the auger for screwing into the bore along the first internal thread. Upon receipt of the signal, the internal plug axially drives the auger towards the proximal end into the ampoule to release the eutectic, thereby fracturing the bolt.

A trim panel assembly includes a trim panel configured to be removably connected to a pillar of a vehicle body structure. A connecting member includes a first part connected to the trim panel and a second part configured to be connected to the pillar. The first part is configured to be separable from the second part. A fastening member is connected between the first and second parts of the connecting member to limit a separation distance of the trim panel when the first part separates from the second part.