Applications

Typical applications include:

• Antennas
• Scientific instruments
• Solar arrays
• Reflectors
• Satellite, spacecraft payloads
• Booms and masts
• Stage separation
• Caging mechanisms

Key Features

• Extremely low release shock
• Redundant or non-redundant actuation circuit
• Near simultaneous release of multiple hold-down points (<10 ms)
• Internal torque containment
• Allows up to 6° of angular misalignment
• Extended operating temperature range
• Can be operated with pyrotechnic initiation circuitry
• Range safety friendly
• Space-rated materials
• Factory refurbishment

EBAD release device technology provides significant advantages.

Low Shock — There are three sources of shock with traditional pyrotechnic release devices; those include the pyrotechnic initiator and the resulting transfer of kinetic energy within the mechanism. The EBAD approach eliminates both of these sources of shock. There is no pyrotechnic initiator required so there is no initial shock and the restraint wire release mechanism is also not a significant contributor to shock.

A third source of shock is the energy stored in the release rod itself as well as any of the other components that are in the preload path. The nature of EBAD device’s gentle release of preload allows this stored energy to be dissipated over the release event minimizing the stored energy contribution to shock as well.

Fast Acting — With respect to shock, the action of EBAD devices is quite gentle yet the release event itself is still very fast. Since the fuse wire is extremely small the release event can be triggered in milliseconds. This capability allows multiple EBAD devices to be used in parallel where simultaneous release is required, such as large solar array panels and spacecraft stage separations.

Reliable —With simplicity comes reliability. The basic design of the EBAD NEA^® HDRM is very simple with a minimum of moving components. The devices are robust and not sensitive to extreme environments or contaminants. High reliability is supported both analytically and by an extensive history of successful operation in mission critical applications.

Light Weight — EBAD devices offer extremely high preload release capacities versus unit mass. Some EBAD NEA^® HDRM models have specific preload release capacities greater than 300N/g.

Temperature Insensitive — The simplicity of the EBAD release device mechanism is an asset not just for reliability but also with respect to temperature sensitivity. EBAD NEA^® HDRMs are insensitive to extreme temperatures. Specific EBAD NEA^® HDRMs have been qualified for operation at temperatures as low as 25K. The extreme low mass of the fuse wire results in actuation performance that insensitive to initial conditions.

Low Risk — EBAD NEA^® HDRMs have an extensive history of use on a broad variety of spaceflight applications and are currently the baseline release device of choice on most major spacecraft buses. This history of reliability and mission success makes the NEA^® HDRM our customers’ low risk option.

Compatible — EBAD NEA^® HDRM devices have been designed to work with existing pyro firing circuits. The flexibility of the design however also allows operation with lower firing current if required.

Key features of EBAD’s non-pyro NEA® Hold Down Release Mechanism (HDRM) include having extremely low release shock, near simultaneous release of multiple hold-down points, redundant actuation circuits with low current needs, and the widest operating temperature range. With minimal moving components, the NEA® HDRM’s relatively simple split spool design allows for high reliability. These crucial products for the space and satellite industries also work within extended operating temperature ranges and, if needed, could be operated with pyrotechnical initiation circuitry.

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