Patent ID: 8579535

Claim:
An active release mechanism comprising: a bushing connectable to a first component, the bushing having a recess; a shape memory alloy (SMA) cylindrical ring positioned within the recess and connectable to a second component, wherein the SMA cylindrical ring is press-fit into the recess of the bushing to form an interference joint that releases when the SMA cylindrical ring is heated to a transformation temperature that causes the SMA cylindrical ring to reduce in size; a retaining bolt for attaching the SMA cylindrical ring to the second component, the retaining bolt comprising: a bolt shaft having a bolt shaft diameter; and a bolt head having a bolt head diameter; wherein the bolt shaft diameter is smaller than an inner diameter of the SMA cylindrical ring; and wherein the bolt head diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the SMA cylindrical ring; wherein the bolt shaft passes through the inner diameter of the SMA cylindrical ring and extends out from the SMA cylindrical ring for attachment to the second component; and further wherein the bolt head does not pass through the inner diameter of the SMA cylindrical ring; and a heating device in contact with at least one of the bushing and the SMA cylindrical ring, the heating device for heating the SMA cylindrical ring to the transformation temperature, wherein when the interference joint is released, the SMA cylindrical ring and the retaining bolt separate from the bushing allowing the first component to separate from the second component.