THE SPACE EXPLORERS

We intend to develop a novel cutting device to replace the NASA Frangibolt, which is used for cutting wires and step cutting and can be used only once. To meet the requirements of the future aerospace industry, the design of our device must reduce the size and decrease the force generated during collisions. In addition, our device must function vertically to prevent collisions between separated objects. 

Our new device is a non-pyrotechnic separation bolt. The purpose of this device is to perform separation between launch vehicle and payload and also between payloads such as satellites. Operation begins with the propulsion motor; the motor unlocks the main body by rotating 45 degrees. After actuation, the spring on the pin is released and generates an action-reaction force to release challenging objects through its elastic potential energy. The development of this device is to solve the problem of conventional pyrotechnic devices, such as mass and reusability. The mass of this device is 60 to 80 grams, which is less than that of conventional pyrotechnic devices. In addition, the device will be reusable, which will increase the efficiency of the testing process and have a positive impact on implementation. Our design was made according to the standard structural unit. We used a standard M-12 bolt as the main component, which is easy to install and operate. The advantage of this unit is that it has a standard size and is suitable for the requirements of NASA, including atmospheric pressure and harsh temperature conditions. In addition, the unit could be modular in design. For example, the unit may include a module for cutting cables, which facilitates recycling and deployment of parachutes. In terms of manufacturing, materials are widely available in the market, so production costs are low. Moreover, the device is 100 percent recyclable, which best meets aerospace requirements. Therefore, we hope that our device can reduce the deployment cost, improve the reusability and promote the future progress of the aerospace industry. Therefore, this device is not only suitable for this challenge, but also for the future aerospace industry. Since this device has a simple and concrete design, it can be used in a variety of applications beyond the aerospace industry, such as the automobile industry, maritime transport, fire hydrant systems, etc.

The design concept of our device is flexible. The device is able to adapt to different working environments, different module modes, and corresponding size changes. Therefore, our device has great potential in terms of multiple usability, future prospect, technical capabilities, and application diversity.

2021 NASA SPACE SPACE APPS CHALLENGE

THE SPACE EXPLORERS

The separation unit that we developed is aimed to replace NASA frangibolt. This non-reusable aerospace component is used for wire-cutting, separation heat shields, and also satellite separation, and even the separation between antennas and solar panels. The structure must narrow down the size and also reduce the force created by the collision. And execute the separation as straight as a ramrod, which is to prevent collision of separate parts，and can be used on the ground repeatedly without replacing any single component. Which is to meet the requirements of microsatellites and aerospace industries in the future.

When we were designing this very device, we used tons of digitalized tools, for modeling and profiling. After much meticulous consideration and calculation, and visualize results in order to make it much easier for us to add up and analyze. And we even made it reader-friendly so that the judges can easily read and understand how this project works. Which is perfect for emerging in software and hardware integration.

This design was made in the light of a general structural unit. This assembly of this project is an M-12 standard screw, which is rather easy to install and operate. This device can be properly installed, without switching any initial designs. Aside from that, while fulfilling multiple requirements, this device is also far more capable than the requirements that NASA gave us, such as the air pressure and the harsh operating temperature. We can assure you, this device is made for this challenge and the future of the aerospace industry.

And because of this uncluttered and reliable design, it can also be used in multiple different fields. Such as the automobile industry, maritime transport, and even the fire hydrant system. All of the above-mentioned requires to conduct separation or wire-cutting. Due to the design concept of our product, we do adjust for numerous usage environments, module-changing or scaling up or down. All of the above-mentioned have been put into consideration so that this design has outstanding versatility, time-transgressive, technical prowess, and unbounded potential.

研發的分離裝置目的是取代NASA標準雷管這種一次性的航太零件，用於纜線切斷與隔熱罩分離乃至衛星分離，天線與太陽能板的展開。此設計必須大幅縮小大小與觸發瞬間產生的力道，並盡可能的筆直完成分離的動作以避免分離物相撞，並且可以在地面重複測試時不必更換任何料件，以滿足微衛星與未來航太產業的需求。

在設計時，我們使用了許多數位化的工具，乃至建模與性能分析，皆有經過縝密的考慮與計算，並且圖形化與圖表化成果，易於我們統整與分析，甚至是使評審易於閱讀與理解專案的運作。可謂走在軟體與硬體結合的浪潮之中。

本設計完全根據標準零件庫製作。本方案的組合件外型為M-12標準螺絲，易於安裝與操作，且不需要更動任何原先設計即可安裝本產品。此外在滿足諸多條件下依然可以承受官方要求數倍的應力與嚴苛的操作溫度，為完全為本挑戰與未來航太產業量身訂做。

由於簡單且可靠且容易的設計，也可以拓展其他方面的應用， 如汽車、船舶、消防救災系統等等需要執行分離動作或切割纜線的部分。

由於本設計的設計理念，根據不同使用情境進行調整、模組更換或是等比例縮放皆有被納入考量，因此本設計的泛用性、前瞻性、技術力及應用潛力皆不可限量。