U.S. patent application number 16/633795 was filed with the patent office on 2020-06-25 for a multiple payload set and method for assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is RUAG SPACE AB. Invention is credited to Johan OHLIN, Magnus THENANDER.
Application Number | 20200198812 16/633795 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65040696 |
Filed Date | 2020-06-25 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200198812 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
THENANDER; Magnus ; et
al. |
June 25, 2020 |
A MULTIPLE PAYLOAD SET AND METHOD FOR ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A multiple payload set for a launch vehicle, wherein the
multiple payload set includes a plurality of payloads. The
plurality of payloads is interconnected via a non-self-supported
connection structure before assembly of the multiple payload set to
a dispenser body. Each payload includes first attachment means
attachable to the connection structure. The connection structure
includes second attachment means attachable to a ground support
equipment, GSE, during attachment of the multiple payload set to
the dispenser body.
Inventors: |
THENANDER; Magnus;
(Linkoping, SE) ; OHLIN; Johan; (Rimforsa,
SE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
RUAG SPACE AB |
Goteborg |
|
SE |
|
|
Family ID: |
65040696 |
Appl. No.: |
16/633795 |
Filed: |
July 28, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
July 28, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/SE2017/050797 |
371 Date: |
January 24, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B64G 1/641 20130101;
B64G 2001/643 20130101; B64G 1/402 20130101; B64G 1/64 20130101;
B64G 1/002 20130101; B64G 1/1085 20130101; B64G 1/645 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B64G 1/64 20060101
B64G001/64; B64G 1/00 20060101 B64G001/00 |
Claims
1. A multiple payload set for a launch vehicle, the multiple
payload set includes a plurality of payloads, wherein the plurality
of payloads are interconnected via a non-self-supported connection
structure before assembly of the multiple payload set to a
dispenser body, wherein each payload includes first attachment
means attachable to the connection structure, wherein the
connection structure includes second attachment means attachable to
a ground support equipment, GSE, during attachment of the multiple
payload set to the dispenser body.
2. A multiple payload set according to claim 1, wherein the
connection structure is designed to align the payloads according to
a predetermined pattern.
3. A multiple payload set according to claim 1, wherein the second
attachment means are arranged in connection to the first attachment
means and wherein the connection structure includes reinforcement
means arranged to mechanically connect the second attachment means
to the first attachment means to form a load bearing structure.
4. A multiple payload set according to claim 1, wherein each
payload includes the first attachment means and wherein the
connection structure includes a maximum number of second attachment
means corresponding to the number of first attachment means.
5. A multiple payload set according to claim 1, wherein the first
attachment means are separation devices.
6. A multiple payload set according to claim 1, wherein the
connection structure is a rail structure.
7. A payload dispenser comprising a multiple payload set according
to claim 1.
8. A payload dispenser according to claim 7, wherein the payload
dispenser includes rail unit ring brackets mounted onto an envelope
surface of the dispenser body.
9. A payload dispenser according to claim 8, wherein the rail unit
ring brackets includes through openings for receiving the first
attachment means on the multiple payload set during attachment of
the multiple payload set to the dispenser body.
10. A payload dispenser according to claim 7, wherein the dispenser
body is formed of one or more ring shaped bodies.
11. A payload dispenser according to claim 7, wherein the dispenser
body includes a plurality of panels, wherein at least one panel
includes at least one multiple payload set mounted onto the panel,
wherein the panels are attachable to each other forming a
self-supporting dispenser.
12. Ground support equipment, GSE, for a multiple payload set
according to claim 1, wherein the GSE includes at least two
longitudinally extending beams and at least two laterally extending
beams, wherein in an assembled state the beams form a frame
designed to fit to carry the subset of payloads, and wherein in a
collapsed state the longitudinal beams and/or the laterally
extending beams are designed to fit and be removed between two
neighboring payloads attached to the payload dispenser.
13. A GSE according to claim 12, wherein the longitudinally
extending beams includes third attachment means attachable to the
second attachment means in the multiple payload set.
14. A method for assembling a payload dispenser, the method
comprising: attaching a plurality of payloads to a
non-self-supported connection structure via first attachment means
creating a multiple payload set; attaching a ground support
equipment, GSE, to the connection structure, the GSE, comprising
third attachment means and the connection structure comprising
second attachment means comprised in the connection structure being
connected to the first attachment means via reinforcement means,
wherein the third attachment means are attached to the second
attachment means when attaching the GSE to the connection
structure; transporting the ground support equipment, GSE, and the
attached multiple payload set; maneuvering the ground support
equipment, GSE, and the attached multiple payload set into position
with relation to a dispenser body; attaching the multiple payload
set to the dispenser body via the first attachment means; and
knocking down the GSE and removing the GSE pieces from the payload
dispenser by detachment of the third attachment means from the
second attachment means.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a multiple payload set for
a launch vehicle. The multiple payload set comprises a plurality of
payloads. The disclosure further relates to a payload dispenser
comprising a multiple payload set. The disclosure further relates
to a ground support equipment arranged to transport the multiple
payload set and a method for using the ground support equipment
during transport and assembly of the multiple payload set to the
payload dispenser.
BACKGROUND
[0002] It is today desirable to launch many payloads from each
launch vehicle in order to maximize the use of the launch vehicle.
The advance in technology allows for smaller payloads, for example
satellites, to carry out the same task as yesterday's payloads
which enables the possibility to launch more payloads without
increasing the weight too much. Furthermore, there is a desire to
launch a large plurality of payloads in the form of satellites that
are spread out in orbit to cover a large area on the ground. The
number of payloads can be hundreds and more. The present assembly
of payloads onto a dispenser body is done by attaching the payloads
one by one and attaching suitable connections between the payloads
during assembly. There is of course a need to minimize the space
between the payloads in order to be able to fit as many payloads as
possible to the dispenser body. Hence, one problem originates from
the fact that it becomes very difficult and time consuming in
practice to mount one satellite at a time on the dispenser body due
to a very limited space between the payloads. Hence, there is a
need to find an improved assembly of payloads to a dispenser body
that remedies the above deficiencies.
SUMMARY
[0003] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a method
for integration of a multiple payload set to a dispenser in a
launch vehicle. The multiple payload set comprises a plurality of
payloads. The disclosure further relates to a payload dispenser
comprising a multiple payload set. The disclosure further relates
to a ground support equipment arranged to transport the multiple
payload set and a method for using the ground support equipment
during transport and assembly where the previously mentioned
problems are avoided. This object is at least partly achieved by
the features of the independent claims. The dependent claims
contain further developments of the multiple payload set, the
payload dispenser and the method for assembly.
[0004] The plurality of payloads is interconnected via a
non-self-supported connection structure before assembly of the
multiple payload set to the dispenser body. Each payload comprises
first attachment means attachable to the connection structure. The
connection structure comprises second attachment means attachable
to a ground support equipment, GSE, during attachment of the
multiple payload set to the dispenser body.
[0005] The benefit of the multiple payload set is that a large
number of payloads can be mounted at the dispenser body at the same
time. The number of payloads can vary, but the more payloads that
can be pre-connected via the connection structure the better the
efficiency during assembly.
[0006] Here, non-self-supported connection structure refers to that
the structure between the payloads cannot support the multiple
payload set to be lifted and maneuvered. The connection structure
is intended to be as light weight as possible to reduce weight but
should support and collect signal cords inter-connecting the
payloads and connecting the payloads to a control unit. The signal
cords can be wire, optical fiber or any other suitable cord or bus.
One reason for connecting the payloads is to enable the possibility
to release the payloads in a certain order.
[0007] According to one example, the connection structure is a rail
structure. Here, rail structure refers to an array of
interconnected elongated portions. The elongated portion may be a
tube-like element with a cross-section being circular, oval, and
polygonal or a combination thereof. The tube-like element can be at
least partly open along its elongated direction. Hence, the
tube-like element, at least partly, may comprise U-shaped portions.
The tube-like element comprises openings in connection to another
tube-like element being connected to it. The connected tube-like
elements create the rail structure.
[0008] According to one example, the connection structure is
designed to align the payloads according to a predetermined
pattern. The alignment can be done by applying the connection
structure in a firm construction jig having a predetermined pattern
in which the connection structure fits. The payloads are then
applied to the connection structure in a predetermined pattern
according to the jig pattern. The GSE can then be applied to the
multiple payload set via the second attachment means to reinforce
and secure the multiple payload set to enable transport and
maneuverability of the multiple payload set without jeopardizing
the connection structure.
[0009] The second attachment means are arranged in connection to
the first attachment means. The connection structure comprises
reinforcement means arranged to mechanically connect the second
attachment means to the first attachment means to form a load
bearing structure. Hence, the connection structure comprises at
least one reinforced portion in the position where the first
attachment means is attached to the connection structure. The first
attachment means is thus attached to the reinforcement means which
in turn connects the first attachment means to the second
attachment means so that the GSE can lift the multiple payload set
via the second attachment means. According to one example, the
first attachment means are also attachment means for the multiple
payload set to the dispenser body. The first attachment means can
be bolt that runs from and/or through the payload and/or through
the reinforcement means and/or through the dispenser body. The
first attachment means has fastening means that secures the first
attachment means in position, for example a nut or a similar devise
that can secure the multiple payload set in position on the
dispenser body. According to one example, the first attachment
means are separation devices that are interconnected to each other
for enabling separation of the payload from the dispenser body and
from the connection structure. Each separation device comprises two
portions interconnected to each other and secured to each other via
a secure and release means that upon activation separates the two
portions.
[0010] Depending on design, each payload comprises at least one
first attachment means. However, it has been shown that four first
attachment means gives a good symmetry and control when separating
the payload. However, the payload and multiple payload set is not
restricted to four attachment means. The number of second
attachment means is dependent on the design of the GSE, but a
maximum number of second attachment means corresponds to the number
of first attachment means. The GSE could be designed and arranged
to attach to one or more second attachment means on each side of
the multiple payload set on order to secure a tilting/lifting
operation. Here, the second attachment means secures the multiple
payload set in a X-Y plane hindering movement of the multiple
payload set in the X-Y plane with relation to the GSE. The GSE is
designed and arranged to interconnect all payloads in the multiple
payload set accordingly. The GSE has an elongation in the
X-direction and a width in the Y-direction. The GSE is designed and
arranged to create a bearing structure in the X-Y plane to hinder
that the multiple payload set moves in a Z direction being
perpendicular to the X-Y plane. According to one example, the GSE
is to be designed and arranged to connect solely to the second
attachment means. According to one example, the GSE is designed and
arranged to bear against further parts of the multiple payload set
in addition to just the second attachment means.
[0011] The GSE comprises at least two longitudinally extending
construction elements, hereinafter called longitudinal beams, and
at least two laterally extending beams, hereinafter called lateral
beams. The GSE is arranged to be assembled in connection to an
assembled multiple payload set. The different portions, i.e. the
beams, of the GSE is connected to the multiple payload set
according to the above and secured with relation to each other
forming a stiff and rigid GSE that can transport and maneuver the
multiple payload set. Depending on how the multiple payload set is
done and how the multiple payload set is oriented, the GSE can
either be assembled before being connected to the multiple payload
set or after being connected to the multiple payload set. One
advantage with the GSE is its versatility that allows for the
possibility to use the GSE regardless of the situation of the
multiple payload set.
[0012] After the multiple payload set has been transported and
maneuvered into position on the dispenser body, the multiple
payload set is secured to the dispenser body and the GSE shall be
removed. The GSE is arranged to be knocked down into a collapsed
state where at least parts of the assembled GSE are detached from
each other. The GSE is designed and arranged to fit between two
neighboring payloads so that the parts/beams can be removed in that
space.
[0013] Hence, in the assembled state the beams form a frame
designed to fit to carry the subset of payloads, and in a collapsed
state the longitudinal beams and/or the laterally extending beams
are designed to fit and be removed between two neighboring payloads
attached to the payload dispenser.
[0014] However, the beams in the GSE may comprise beam portions
arranged to be attached to each other to form the beams. The beams
can be disassembled into the beam portions to allow for easy
removal of the portions. The beams and beam portions can thus be
arranged to be removed between two adjacent payloads, but may also
be removed by extraction between the payloads and the dispenser
body.
[0015] The beam can be formed as one single entity or may be formed
by a number of parts, for example as a framework of parts that
gives a lightweight but strong construction. The different beams or
portions of the different beams may be formed as a single entity
while other beams or portions of the different beams may be formed
by a number of parts.
[0016] According to one example, the longitudinally extending beams
comprise third attachment means attachable to the second attachment
means in the multiple payload set. The third attachment means are
designed and arranged to correspond to the design and arrangement
of the second attachment means in order to secure the multiple
payload set in the X-Y plane and in the Z-direction when attached.
The second attachment means and the third attachment means can be
in any suitable form that allows for easy attachment and detachment
of the multiple payload set.
[0017] As mentioned above, the invention refers also to a payload
dispenser comprising a multiple payload set according to what has
been described above.
[0018] According to one example, the payload dispenser comprises
rail unit ring brackets mounted onto an envelope surface of the
dispenser body. The rail unit ring bracket can have different
purposes depending on design of the multiple payload set and the
dispenser body. The rail unit ring bracket can serve as a
reinforcement structure for the dispenser body. The rail unit ring
bracket can also have specially designed parts that allows for easy
attachment of the payload assemblies to the dispenser body.
[0019] According to one example, the rail unit ring brackets
comprise through opening for receiving the first attachment means
on the multiple payload set during attachment of the multiple
payload set to the dispenser body.
[0020] The dispenser body is formed of one or more ring shaped
bodies. The ring shaped body can have a circular cross-section or
an oval cross-section or a polygonal cross-section or may be formed
in any suitable shape corresponding to the design of the dispenser
body. Here, cross-section refers to a plane running through the
entire rail unit ring bracket, i.e. in the radial direction with
respect to a centrum axle coinciding with the height direction of
the dispenser body.
[0021] According to one example, the dispenser body comprises a
plurality of panels, wherein at least one panel comprises at least
one multiple payload set mounted onto the panel. The panels are
attachable to each other forming a self-supporting dispenser. The
panel built dispenser body may have a polygonal cross-section
should the panels be flat, but may have circular or oval
cross-section should the panels have an arched surface.
[0022] The invention also refers a method for assembling a payload
dispenser, wherein the method comprises the following steps: [0023]
attaching a plurality of payloads to a non-self-supported
connection structure via first attachment means creating a multiple
payload set; [0024] attaching a ground support equipment, GSE, to
the connection structure, the GSE, comprising third attachment
means and the connection structure comprising second attachment
means comprised in the connection structure being connected to the
first attachment means via reinforcement means, wherein the third
attachment means are attached to the second attachment means when
attaching the GSE to the connection structure; [0025] transporting
the ground support equipment, GSE, and the attached multiple
payload set; [0026] maneuvering the ground support equipment, GSE,
and the attached multiple payload set into position with relation
to a dispenser body; [0027] attaching the multiple payload set to
the dispenser body via the first attachment means; [0028] knocking
down the GSE and removing the GSE pieces from the payload dispenser
by detachment of the third attachment means from the second
attachment means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0029] The disclosure will be described in greater detail in the
following, with reference to the attached drawings, in which
[0030] FIG. 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a dispenser
body;
[0031] FIG. 2a schematically shows a side view of a number of
payloads and a side view of a connection structure before the
payloads are connected to the connection structure;
[0032] FIG. 2b schematically shows a side view of a number of
payloads connected to the connection structure;
[0033] FIG. 2c schematically shows a front view of FIG. 2b;
[0034] FIG. 3a schematically shows a back view of a multiple
payload set;
[0035] FIG. 3b schematically shows a side view of the multiple
payload set in FIG. 3a;
[0036] FIG. 4a schematically shows a side view of a multiple
payload set according to FIGS. 2b and 3b with two payloads
connected to the connection structure;
[0037] FIG. 4b schematically shows a front view of a ground support
equipment, GSE, before attachment of the payload to the GSE;
[0038] FIG. 4c schematically shows a front view of two payload
assemblies attached to the ground support equipment, GSE,
before
[0039] FIG. 5a schematically shows a front view of an assembled GSE
according to one example;
[0040] FIG. 5b schematically shows a front view of a dis-assembled
GSE according to FIG. 5a;
[0041] FIG. 6a schematically shows a front view of an assembled GSE
according to one example;
[0042] FIG. 6b schematically shows a front view of a dis-assembled
GSE according to FIG. 6a;
[0043] FIG. 7 schematically shows a rail unit ring bracket
according to one example attached to the dispenser body in FIG.
1;
[0044] FIG. 8 schematically shows a top view of an assembled
payload dispenser according to one example;
[0045] FIG. 9 schematically shows a side view of the assembled
payload dispenser according to FIG. 8,
[0046] FIG. 10 schematically shows a top view of an assembled
payload dispenser according to one example;
[0047] FIG. 11 schematically shows a side view of the assembled
payload dispenser according to FIG. 10, and wherein;
[0048] FIG. 12 schematically shows a flow chart of a method.
DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0049] Various aspects of the disclosure will hereinafter be
described in conjunction with the appended drawings to illustrate
and not to limit the disclosure, wherein like designations denote
like elements, and variations of the described aspects are not
restricted to the specifically shown embodiments, but are
applicable on other variations of the disclosure.
[0050] FIG. 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a dispenser
body 1 for a launch vehicle (not shown). The dispenser body 1 is
arranged to carry a payload 2 and multiple payload set 3, see FIG.
2, to be dispensed from the launch vehicle at a predetermined point
in time. In FIG. 1 the dispenser body 1 has a circular
cross-section, but alternatives to this are possible. For example,
the dispenser body 1 may have a polygonal cross-section as shown in
FIG. 10 or an oval cross-section (not shown) or any other suitable
shape. The dispenser unit may be uniform in a longitudinal
direction X or may vary in shape in the longitudinal direction X.
Here, longitudinal direction X refers to a height direction of the
dispenser body 1. The dispenser body is limited in a radial
direction R by an envelope surface of the dispenser body 1. Here,
the radial direction R is a direction perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction X. The dispenser body 1 comprises a through
channel 4 in the longitudinal direction X. The dispenser body 1 has
an inner surface 5 facing towards the channel 4 and an outer
surface 6 facing away from a centre of the dispenser body 1.
[0051] The dispenser body 1 can be made in one piece, as shown in
FIG. 1, or may be made from a number of dispenser body elements 7.
The dispenser body elements 7 may be ring formed parts that are
stacked onto and attached to each other in the longitudinal
direction along laterally extending joints 8, see for example FIG.
11. The dispenser body elements 7 may be panels 9 that are attached
to each other along longitudinally extending joints 10 as seen in
FIG. 10. The dispenser body 1 may also be built from a combination
of ring formed parts and panels, for example as shown in FIGS. 10
and 11 combined.
[0052] In FIG. 1 a number of rail unit ring brackets 11, shown in
FIG. 7, are mounted onto the envelope surface 12 of the dispenser
body 1. The rail unit ring brackets 11 comprise through openings 13
for receiving the first attachment means 17, see FIG. 8, on the
multiple payload set 3 during attachment of the multiple payload
set 3 to the dispenser body 1. The rail unit ring bracket through
openings 13 are aligned with openings 14 in the dispenser body for
allowing the first attachment means 17 to extend into the channel 4
so that the first attachment means 17 can be secured in position to
the dispenser body 1. For example, the first attachment means 17
can be secured in position against the inner surface 5 of the
dispenser body 1 via a nut and bolt arrangement. According to
another example, the first attachment means 17 can be secured in
position to the dispenser body 1 via the rail unit ring brackets
11. According to another example, see for example according to FIG.
10, the multiple payload set 3 can be mounted onto the dispenser
body 1 either directly or via adapters.
[0053] FIG. 2a schematically shows a side view of a number of
payloads 2 and a side view of a connection structure 16 before the
payloads are connected to the connection structure 16.
[0054] FIG. 2b schematically shows a side view of a number of
payloads 2 connected to the connection structure 16.
[0055] FIG. 2c schematically shows a front view of FIG. 2b. FIGS.
2a-2c schematically shows a multiple payload set 3 for a launch
vehicle. The multiple payload set 3 comprises a plurality of
payloads 2. The payloads 2 are interconnected via a
non-self-supported connection structure 16 before assembly of the
multiple payload set 3 to the dispenser body 1.
[0056] FIG. 3a schematically shows a back view of a part of the
multiple payload set in FIGS. 2a-2c with one payload 2 attached to
the connection structure 16.
[0057] FIG. 3a shows that each payload 2 comprises first attachment
means 17 attachable to the connection structure 16. The connection
structure comprises second attachment means 18 attachable to a
ground support equipment, GSE, 19 before and during attachment of
the multiple payload set to the dispenser body 1. The GSE 19 is
shown in FIGS. 4, 5a, 5b, 6a and 6b.
[0058] The second attachment means 18 are arranged in connection to
the first attachment means 17 and the connection structure
comprises reinforcement means 15 arranged to mechanically connect
the second attachment means 18 to the first attachment means 17 to
form a load bearing structure 20. The second attachment means 18
are formed such that the GSE 19 can easily be connected and
disconnected. The load bearing structure 20 shall transfer load
from the payload 2 to the GSE 19 in order to hold the payload
assemblies 3 in place when the GSE 19 is moved horizontally and
also tilted vertically with the payload assemblies 3 attached to
the GSE 19. The GSE 19 shall be stiff enough to allow for moving
the payload assemblies 3 accordingly without compromising the
non-self-supported connection structure between the payloads 2.
[0059] The non-self-supported connection structure 16 may be a tube
or the like that can house cables, contacts, attachment means etc.
According to one example, the connection structure 16 is a rail
structure interconnecting the payloads 2. In the example, the
cables connect various applications within and between each
multiple payload set. For example, the payload assemblies 3 can be
attached to the dispenser body 1 via separation devices, i.e. the
first attachment means 17, which separates dependent on a signal
from a control unit (not shown). The connection of all separation
devices to the control unit allows for timing of the separation of
payloads 2. According to one example, there are four separation
devices per multiple payload set 3 for symmetry reasons. Hence,
each multiple payload set 3 comprises first attachment means 17 for
attachment to the dispenser body 1 during attachment of the
multiple payload set 3 to the dispenser body 1.
[0060] According to FIG. 3a the multiple payload set 3 comprises
four first attachment means 17, four second attachment means 18 and
four reinforcement means 25 for creating the load bearing structure
20. It should be noted that a different number of first attachment
means 17, second attachment means 18 and reinforcement means 25 are
possible.
[0061] FIG. 3b schematically shows a side view of the multiple
payload set 3 in FIG. 3a. FIG. 3b shows that the second attachment
means 18 are made in the form of hooks that can engage the GSE 19.
The second attachment means 18 can be arranged in other forms than
hooks as long as the second attachment means 18 cooperates with
third attachment means 24 of the GSE 19.
[0062] FIG. 4a schematically shows a side view of two payloads 2
connected to the connection structure 16 according to FIGS. 2b, 2
c, and FIG. 4b schematically shows a front view of a ground support
equipment, GSE, 19 before attachment of the multiple payload set 3
to the GSE.
[0063] FIG. 4c schematically shows a front view of two payload
assemblies 3 attached to the ground support equipment, GSE, 19
before attachment of the payload assemblies to the dispenser body
1.
[0064] FIG. 5a schematically shows a front view of an assembled GSE
19 according to one example. FIG. 5a shows that the GSE 19
comprises two longitudinally extending beams 21 and five laterally
extending beams 22. The laterally extending beams 22 give the GSE
19 support and strength to manoeuvre the payload assemblies without
compromising the connection structure. The number of laterally
extending beams 22 can vary dependent on the design. Should the
longitudinally extending beams 21 be formed as a framework of
beams, then the number of laterally extending beams 22 can be less.
For example, FIG. 6a shows a front view of an assembled GSE 19
according with only two laterally extending beams 22.
[0065] FIGS. 5a and 6a shows the GSE 19 in an assembled state where
the beams (21; 22) form a frame designed to fit and carry the
subset of payloads. FIGS. 5b and 6b show a front view of a
dis-assembled GSE 19 according to FIGS. 5a and 5b respectively. In
the collapsed state the longitudinal beams 21 are designed to fit
and be removed between two neighbouring payloads 2 attached to the
payload dispenser body 1. FIG. 6b shows that the longitudinal beams
21 comprise beam portions arranged to be attached to each other to
form the longitudinal beam 21. The longitudinal beam 21 can be
disassembled into the beam portions to allow for easy removal of
the portions. FIG. 6b also shows that the lateral beams 22
comprises beam portions for the same purpose. The lateral beams and
beam portions may also be arranged to be removed between two
adjacent payloads.
[0066] According to one example, the longitudinally extending beams
21 comprise third attachment means 24 attachable to the second
attachment means 18 in the multiple payload set 3. The third
attachment means 24 can as an alternative be positioned on the
laterally extending beams 22 or a combination of the longitudinally
extending beams 21 and the laterally extending beams 22.
[0067] FIG. 7 schematically shows a rail unit ring bracket 11
according to one example attached to the dispenser body 1 in FIG.
1. The rail unit ring bracket 11 comprises through openings 13 for
receiving the first attachment means 17, see FIG. 8, on the
multiple payload set 3 during attachment of the multiple payload
set 3 to the dispenser body. The rail unit ring bracket through
openings 13 are aligned with through openings 14 in the dispenser
body 1 for allowing the first attachment means 17 to extend into
the channel 4 so that the first attachment means 17 can be secured
in position to the dispenser body 1. The rail unit ring bracket 11
comprises an assembly surface 23 arranged to receive the multiple
payload set. In FIG. 7, the assembly surface 23 is flat, but other
shapes are possible to accommodate and fit against the multiple
payload set 3. The multiple payload set 3 may comprise an assembly
surface that corresponds in shape to the assembly surface 23 of the
rail unit ring bracket 11. In FIG. 7, the through openings 13 for
receiving first attachment means 17 are positioned in the assembly
surface. According to another example, the through openings 13 for
receiving first attachment means 17 are positioned outside the
assembly surface 23.
[0068] According to one example, the rail unit ring bracket 11
surrounds the dispenser body 1 and reinforces the dispenser body
1.
[0069] FIG. 8 schematically shows a top view of an assembled
payload dispenser 15 according to one example including a dispenser
body according to FIG. 1 and rail unit ring brackets 11 according
to FIG. 7. FIG. 8 shows the first attachment means 17 running
through the multiple payload set and the dispenser body 1 attaching
the multiple payload set 3 to the dispenser body 1.
[0070] FIG. 9 schematically shows a side view of the assembled
payload dispenser 3 according to FIG. 8.
[0071] FIG. 10 schematically shows a top view of an assembled
payload dispenser 15 according to one example where the dispenser
body 1 comprises a plurality of panels 9, wherein at least one
panel 9 comprises at least one multiple payload set mounted onto
the panel. The panels are attachable to each other forming a
self-supporting dispenser.
[0072] FIG. 11 schematically shows a side view of the assembled
payload dispenser 15 according to FIG. 10.
[0073] FIG. 12 schematically shows a flow chart of a method for
assembling a payload dispenser 15 according to what has been
discussed in connection to FIGS. 1-11. The method comprises the
following steps:
[0074] Box 121: [0075] attaching a plurality of payloads to a
non-self-supported connection structure (16) via first attachment
means (17) creating a multiple payload set (3);
[0076] Box 122: [0077] attaching a ground support equipment, GSE,
(19) to the connection structure (16), the GSE, (19) comprising
third attachment means (24) and the connection structure (16)
comprising second attachment means (18) comprised in the connection
structure (16) being connected to the first attachment means (17)
via reinforcement means (25), wherein the third attachment means
(24) are attached to the second attachment means (18) when
attaching the GSE (19) to the connection structure (16);
[0078] Box 123: [0079] transporting the ground support equipment,
GSE, (19) and the attached multiple payload set (3);
[0080] Box 124: [0081] maneuvering the ground support equipment,
GSE, (19) and the attached multiple payload set (3) into position
with relation to a dispenser body (1);
[0082] Box 125: [0083] attaching the multiple payload set (3) to
the dispenser body (1) via the first attachment means (17);
[0084] Box 126: [0085] knocking down the GSE (19) and removing the
GSE pieces from the payload dispenser by detachment of the third
attachment means (24) from the second attachment means (18).
[0086] It will be appreciated that the above description is merely
exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present
disclosure, its application or uses.
[0087] While specific examples have been described in the
specification and illustrated in the drawings, it will be
understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various
changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements
thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure
as defined in the claims. Furthermore, modifications may be made to
adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
present disclosure without departing from the essential scope
thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not
be limited to the particular examples illustrated by the drawings
and described in the specification as the best mode presently
contemplated for carrying out the teachings of the present
disclosure, but that the scope of the present disclosure will
include any embodiments falling within the foregoing description
and the appended claims. Reference signs mentioned in the claims
should not be seen as limiting the extent of the matter protected
by the claims, and their sole function is to make claims easier to
understand.
REFERENCE SIGNS
[0088] 1. dispenser body [0089] 2. payload [0090] 3. multiple
payload set [0091] 4. channel [0092] 5. inner surface of dispenser
body [0093] 6. outer surface of dispenser body [0094] 7. dispenser
body elements [0095] 8. laterally extending joints [0096] 9. panels
[0097] 10. longitudinally extending joints [0098] 11. rail unit
ring brackets [0099] 12. envelope surface [0100] 13. through
openings in rail unit ring brackets [0101] 14. through openings in
dispenser body [0102] 15. assembled payload dispenser [0103] 16.
non-self-supported connection structure [0104] 17. first attachment
means [0105] 18. second attachment means [0106] 19. ground support
equipment, GSE [0107] 20. load bearing structure [0108] 21. two
longitudinally extending beams [0109] 22. laterally extending beams
[0110] 23. rail unit ring bracket assembly surface [0111] 24. third
attachment means [0112] 25. reinforcement means
* * * * *