For secure locking and quick release of two objects, this device uses a spring-loaded slotted bolt, locked in position by two retainer arms. When these retainer arms are freed from contact, the bolt is ejected and the objects released

Clayton, L. B.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

Arm 
Cylinder 
Plate to be 
released 
Vehicle 
Fefii964
NASA TECH BRIEF
Brief 63-10420 
This NASA Tech Brief is issued by the Technology Utilization Division to acquaint industry 
with the technical content of an innovation derived from the NASA space program. 
Simple Mechanism Combines Positive Locking and Quick-Release Features 
The problem: To design a simple device which 
would hold two objects together securely and quickly 
release them on demand. 
The solution: A quick-release mechanism shown in 
cross section. 
How it's done: One object, such as a plate, is held 
to another object, such as a vehicle, by a spring-loaded 
slotted bolt, which is locked in position by two 
retainer arms. The retainer arms are constrained from 
movement by a locking cylinder. To release the plate,
a detent is actuated to lift the locking cylinder and 
rotate the retainer arms free from contact with the 
slotted bolt head. As a result of this action, the 
spring-loaded bolt is ejected and the plate is released 
from the vehicle. 
Notes: 
1. Actuation of the slidable detent can be initiated by 
a squib, a fluid-pressure device, or a solenoid. 
2. The principle of this device can be employed 
(continued overleaf) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and S pace Administration. Neither the United States Gosern-
ment, nor NASA, nor any person acting on behalf of NASA: A. Makes 
any warranty or representation, express or implied, with respect to the 
accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information contained in
this document, or that the use of any information, apparatus, method, 
or process disclosed in this document may not infringe privately-owned 
rig hts; or B. Assumes any liabilities with respect to the use of, or for 
damages resulting from the use of, any information, apparatus, method, 
or process disclosed in this document.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19630000071 2020-03-11T16:47:40+00:00Z
wherever a positive engagement that can be quickly 
released on demand is required. Some suggested 
applications of this principle are in coupling 
devices for load-carrying carts or trucks, hooks or 
pickup attachments for cranes, and quick-release 
mechanisms for remotely controlled manipulators.
Patent status: NASA encourages commercial use 
of this innovation. No patent action is contemplated. 
Source: Lafayette B. Clayton 
Hughes Aircraft Company under NASA contract to
Jet Propulsion Laboratory (WO04) 
Brief 63-10420


Simple mechanism combines positive locking and quick-release features

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