Patent ID: 8708322

Claim:
A payload launch lock mechanism, comprising: a base; a preload clamp rotationally mounted on the base and configured to releasibly restrain a payload; a fastener extending, along an axis, through the preload clamp and into the base, the fastener supplying a force to the preload clamp sufficient to restrain the payload and including a first end section, a second end section, and a necked-down section, the necked-down section disposed intermediate the first end section and the second end section and having a diameter less than the first end section and the second end section; a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator disposed between the base and the preload clamp, the SMA actuator adapted to receive electrical current and configured, upon receipt of the electrical current, to supply a force that causes the necked down section of the fastener to elongate without fracturing, wherein the preload clamp, in response to the elongation of the necked down section, rotates about the axis and releases the payload.