TiNi Aerospace's Frangibolt family of actuators are designed for deployment of a wide variety of stowed appendages. The principle of operation is simple: a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) cylinder elongates to fracture a bolt element thereby achieving separation of two or more components. The Frangibolt actuator comprises of a cylinder of Nitinol (Nickel-Titanium) SMA and a specially designed (integrated) heater.  The family of actuators shown are designed to release loads up to 5,000 lbf.

The SMA actuated Pinpullers manufactured by TiNi Aerospace may be used to secure and release numerous spacecraft deployables. Pin retraction is achieved by coupling the recovery characteristics of Shape Memory Alloy with TiNi's patented detent mechanism. In each case Nitinol (Nickel-Titanium) in the form of wire is used to trigger energy release stored in a loaded compression spring. TiNi's off the shelf Pinpullers range in force from 5 to 100 lbs.

TiNi's Ejector Release Mechanism (ERM) is a uniquely simple and effective device which offers both high load holding capability and fast actuation time. The principal of operation is that a bolt is threaded into the coupler section of the Actuator and used to secure a spacecraft deployable. On command, however, the coupler section can be released by powering the Actuator.

To complement the Frangibolt and Pinpuller product lines, TiNi Aerospace has developed and qualified a host of other SMA actuators. These include Isolation Valves, Ejectors, De-Couplers, and Rotary Actuators. TiNi Aerospace prides itself on the unique ability to quickly and efficiently engineer new actuator embodiments using our core SMA technology.

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