Patent ID: 8757553

Claim:
An active tie-rod device for holding and smoothly releasing space appendages, the active tie-rod device comprising: a fixed base; an active tie-rod screwed into the fixed base; a retractable release mechanism that holds the active tie-rod in place when the active tie-rod device is in a stowed position; and a nut for tensioning the active tie-rod against the retractable release mechanism, wherein said active tie-rod includes a heater having a structure disposed on an internal or external surface of the active tie-rod, and wherein said active tie-rod includes a material having a high coefficient of thermal expansion, the high coefficient of thermal expansion being greater than or equal to approximately 20×10 6 , so that heating the active tie-rod by the heater urges a first end of the active tie-rod away from a second end of the active tie-rod, thereby retracting the retractable release mechanism for the active tie-rod, and consequently effecting a smooth release of the space appendages, the first end of the active tie-rod being opposite the second end of the active tie-rod.