Connector concept is based on characteristics of friction between sliding surfaces and consists of two packs of foil strips. Advantages of this connector are - separation is smooth and shock-free, and connector can also act as a seal. Equation for computing tensile load-carrying capability is also given

Jewett, H. R., Jr.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

May 1971	 Brief 71-10146 
•
NASA TECH BRIEF 
Lewis Research Center 
NASA Tech Briefs announce new technology derived from the U.S. space program. They are issued to encourage 
commercial application. Tech Briefs are available on a subscription basis from the National Technical Information 
Service, Springfield; Virginia 22151. Requests for individual copies or questions relating to the Tech Brief program may 
be directed to the Technology Utilization Office, NASA, Code KT, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
Simple, Shock-Free, Quick-Release Connector: A Concept 
A simple, shock-free, quick-release connector con-
cept is based on the characteristics of friction be-
tween sliding surfaces. The connector (Figure 1) con-
sists of two packs of foil strips. In each pack, 
F Foil Pack 
LUH 
Figure 1. Connector Schematic 
the strips are fastened together at one end. At the 
other end, the foil strips in the two packs are 
interleaved. If pressure is applied to squeeze the 
interleaved strips together, the friction force between 
the leaves is substantially increased, and the inter-
leaved packs will withstand a tensile load. Relieving 
the pressure reduces the friction between the leaves 
and allows the two packs to be easily separated. 
By constructing each pack from a multiple number 
of foil strips, the friction force can be multiplied, 
and a high tensile load-carrying capability can be 
achieved with a relatively low compressive force. 
The equation for computing the tensile load-
carrying capability is:
F = MNn 
where: F = tensile load-carrying capability, i.e., total 
friction force (in lb) 
/1 = coefficient of friction 
N = compressive force normal to foil leaves 
(in lb) 
n = number of sliding surfaces in contact. 
i.e., number of leaves.
A conceptual configuration of the connector is 
shown in Figure 2. One pack of leaves is fastened 
to a support structure; the other is fastened to the 
supported load. Compressive force is applied to the 
Inflatabi 
Separa 
Direct
Pack 
Figure 2. Conceptual Configuration 
interleaved packs by an inflatable tube. Metal plates 
on either side back up the interleaved packs and 
the inflatable tube in order to contain the com-
pressive force. In such a configuration, 50 leaves 
(25 in each pack) of aluminum foil (coefficient of 
friction 1.0) with 6.45 cm 2
 (I in. 2 ) of compressed 
area could support a load of 227 kg (500 Ibs) 
with 68.9 kN/m 2
 (10 psi) pressure in the inflatable 
tube.
(Continued ocrtea() 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National
	 Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States
	 information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
	 will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19710000145 2020-03-17T02:24:07+00:00Z
The advantages of this connector are: (1) separa-	 3 
tion is smooth and shock-free; and (2) the connector 
can also act as a seal. 
Notes: 
1. This development is in the conceptual stage only 
and, as of the date of publication of this docu-
ment, neither a model nor prototype has been 
constructed. 
2. The coefficient of friction may be lower if there 
are any oil particles on the surface or if some 
sheets of foil start to slip ahead of others.
No additional documentation isavailable. Specific 
questions, however, may be directed to: 
Technology Utilization Officer 
Lewis Research Center 
21000 Brookpark Road 
Cleveland, Ohio 44135 
Reference: B71-10146 
Source: Harvey R. Jewett, Jr., of

General Dynamics Corp.
under contract to

Lewis Research Center

(LEW-1 1178) 
Patent status: 
No patent action is contemplated by NASA. 
Brief 71-10146	 Category 07


Simple, shock-free, quick-release connector - A concept

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