Separation System

Abstract

An improved separation system comprising an inflation device which applies force directly to the frangible portions without the efficiency of shear plates. The assembly further comprising a means for limiting excess movement after fracture so that residual energy from the inflation device is applied to non-fractured portions of the assembly.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A separation device assembly comprising:
 A separation device having at least two attachment portions, at least one frangible portion, and at least one movement stopping element;   the attachment portions being arranged to fixedly connect to at least two separate structural components, with the attachment portions being joined to each other through at least one frangible portion,   with at least one movement stopping element positioned as to confine the post-fracture movements of at least one frangible portion to between one tenth to sixty times the elongation limit of the fracture plane material;   wherein an expansion cavity is formed between at least one attachment portion and at least one frangible portion;   further comprising, at least one inflation device located within the expansion cavity;   wherein the major axis of the inflation device is perpendicular to the fracture plane.   
     
     
         2 . The separation device assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the frangible portion or portions contain a groove or stress riser to facilitate fracturing. 
     
     
         3 . The separation device assembly of  claim 1 , wherein an inflation device is configured to apply force against the frangible portions of the separation assembly. 
     
     
         4 . The separation device assembly of  claim 1 , wherein at least one inflation device is inflated by at least one gas producing combustible load. 
     
     
         5 . The separation device assembly of  claim 1 , wherein at least one movement stopping element is integrally formed with at least one attachment portion. 
     
     
         6 . The separation device assembly of  claim 1 , wherein at least one movement stopping element is integrally formed with at least one attachment portion and integrally formed with at least one frangible portion. 
     
     
         7 . The separation device assembly of  claim 1 , wherein at least one movement stopping element is integrally formed with at least one frangible portion. 
     
     
         8 . The separation device assembly of  claim 1 , wherein at least one frangible portion is fastened to at least one attachment portion with at least one fastener. 
     
     
         9 . The separation device assembly of  claim 1 , wherein at least one frangible portion is bonded to at least one attachment portion. 
     
     
         10 . The separation device assembly of  claim 1 , wherein at least one frangible portion is integrally formed with at least one attachment portion. 
     
     
         11 . A method of separating portions of a structure at all locations along a three dimensional separation assembly, the method comprising:
 an inflation device deposited inside an expansion cavity used to fracture frangible portions, and also providing a stopping means which confines post fracture movements of any frangible portions to between one tenth to sixty times the elongation limit of the fracture plane material;   wherein the major axis of the inflation device is perpendicular to the fracture plane.