Apr 14, 2026

US12601577 - Quick disconnect coupler for rocket motor

A system for coupling sections of a platform. In an example, the coupler system includes a cylindrical housing to be attached to a first section; a spin member within the housing configured to rotate about a longitudinal platform axis; a groove pattern etched into the spin member; a plunger, within the spin member, configured to move linearly along the longitudinal axis; a first spring configured to cause the linear plunger movement in response to acceleration of the platform; a guide pin attached to the plunger, extending radially outward toward the housing, configured to travel along the groove pattern with plunger movement; a ball coupler mechanism to provide mechanical attachment of the coupler system to a second section; and a second spring configured to rotate the spin member, such that movement of the plunger and rotation of the spinner cause the ball coupler mechanism to disengage from the second section.

Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
Inventors: Jacob W. Miska, Jason H. Batchelder, Matthew F. Chrobak
Filing date: 2025-02-05

The patent describes a quick disconnect coupler system designed for aeronautical platforms, featuring a cylindrical housing, a rotating spin member, and a plunger mechanism that facilitates the coupling and uncoupling of sections. The system utilizes springs and a ball coupler mechanism to ensure secure attachment and easy disengagement in response to platform acceleration.

Claim 1

1 . A coupler system for coupling first and second sections of an aeronautical platform, the coupler system comprising: a cylindrical housing configured to be fixedly attached to the first section; a spin member disposed within the housing and configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the platform; a groove pattern etched into the spin member; a plunger disposed within the spin member and configured to move linearly along the longitudinal axis; a first spring configured to cause the linear movement of the plunger in response to acceleration of the platform; a guide pin attached to the plunger, the guide pin extending radially outward toward the housing and configured to travel along the groove pattern as the plunger moves; a ball coupler mechanism configured to provide mechanical attachment of the coupler system to the second section; and a second spring configured to rotate the spin member, such that a combination of the movement of the plunger and the rotation of the spinner cause the ball coupler mechanism to disengage from the second section. a cylindrical housing configured to be fixedly attached to the first section; a spin member disposed within the housing and configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the platform; a groove pattern etched into the spin member; a plunger disposed within the spin member and configured to move linearly along the longitudinal axis; a first spring configured to cause the linear movement of the plunger in response to acceleration of the platform; a guide pin attached to the plunger, the guide pin extending radially outward toward the housing and configured to travel along the groove pattern as the plunger moves; a ball coupler mechanism configured to provide mechanical attachment of the coupler system to the second section; and a second spring configured to rotate the spin member, such that a combination of the movement of the plunger and the rotation of the spinner cause the ball coupler mechanism to disengage from the second section.

Google Patents

https://patents.google.com/patent/US12601577

USPTO PDF

https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/12601577