Hold Down & Release Mechanisms (HDRM) and actuators for space applications

The resettable actuators and low-shock Hold-Down & Release Mechanisms are devices that firmly fix a payload in a satellite during transportation or launch. When the satellite reaches the desire position in orbit, the mechanism releases the payload by electrical activation.

ARQUIMEA’s HDRM mechanims (REACT) are available in two different motorization options based either on TiNi or SMARQ® Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) technology. For a perfect performance and test, our mechanisms and actuators for space provide in-field manual reset capability to the end user and covers wide actuation temperature ranges.

Typical applications for HDRM include hold-down and release of deployable solar arrays, antennas, booms and masts, reflectors, cover doors, scientific instruments, shutter mechanisms, large structures, launch locks for gimbals, thrusters, stage separation, caging mechanisms, etc.

ARQUIMEA’s SMA actuators are based on a two-stage mechanism: structural and trigger. The Structural assembly is responsible of holding the high external loads in a safe and reliable way, while the trigger is responsible of transforming the system into a bistable structure that is self-motorized to effectively release the main bolt.

The device is electrically activated with a customizable interface. The total amount of energy is effectively transformed into heat to induce the transformation of the Shape Memory Alloy thus motorizing the system with a redundant trigger.