Patent ID: 6311930
Filing Date: 2001-11-06
Classification: B64G,F16B

Abstract:
A tension release device for retaining a pin subject to a tension force and for selectively releasing the pin, the tension release device comprising:an actuator that develops a force at a selected time, based on a phase change of a substrate contained in the actuator,a shuttle connected to the actuator wherein the shuttle comprises a front part and a rear part, wherein an indentation is formed in the rear part,a pawl in combination with a pawl bearing, wherein the bearing provides a rolling engagement between the shuttle and the pawl,wherein, prior to the activation of the actuator, the pawl is held against the pin by engagement of the front end of the shuttle against the pawl bearing, andwherein, upon activation of the actuator, the shuttle moves away from the actuator to engage the pawl bearing in the indentation and release the pawl from the pin.