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Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)
Use finely patterned magnetic interfaces as the base mechanism to hold an object to another main body. A patterned magnetic face has a near field reach, but significant strength, excellent shear resistance, and able to perform functions based on pattern. A staggered or sequenced release of magnetic areas within the pattern allows for a separation event with reduced or eliminated shock. Electro-mechano-magnetic designs can be formed easily to match the task making them scalable and flexible. Eliminating need for stored pyro charges or compressed air can lead to safer designs.
Pyrotechnic separation events come with shock and debris and require extra design and safety measures, increasing cost/time. High-energy separation using pyrotechnics or compressed air generally utilize rigid structure, inhibiting scalability and flexibility, forcing constraints on store designs and capabilities. Spring/string release mechanisms considered too non-deterministic for critical use. Pyrotechnic systems, highly compressed air, spring and string release mechanisms. Patterned Magnetics provides another avenue for releasing payloads efficiently and cleanly with reduced shock and reduced safety process since there are no stored energetics involved. Patterned Magnetic systems should be more controllable, configurable, and more deterministic than anything else that is on the market today.
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