Patent ID: 6494407
Filing Date: 2002-12-17
Classification: B64G,Y10T

Abstract:
A joint (4) on a spacecraft (1) for holding together a first craft part (2) and a second craft part (3), detachable from the first craft part (2), where the joint (4) comprises a first flange (5) fixed on the first craft part (2), and a second flange (6) fixed on the second craft part (3), and a number of clamps (7) having a first (7a) and a second (7c) clamp lip, the said clamps, distributed about the periphery of the flanges (5, 6), being designed to transfer radial forces from a tightening device (8), fitted to the clamps (7), so as to fasten the two flanges (5, 6) together, whereby the first flange (5) is clamped between a first clamp surface (7b) on the first clamp lip (7a), and a separation surface (6b) on the second flange (6), the said surfaces (7b, 6b) forming an acute angle &dgr;,characterised in that, the apex of the angle &dgr; is directed in towards the spacecraft (1).