Main Part List
PTFE Sealed Quick Disconnect Body
This part manufactured by Swagelok can quickly and safely disconnect from 1/4 inch tubing. When the front section of the outer shell (right end in the picture to the left) is actuated towards the back section, the mechanism releases and seals the propellant fill or vent plumbing line. These QD systems allow for the rocket to be filled and vented simultaneously right up until launch to ensure the propellant tanks are completely full of liquid oxygen and methane.
QD Body Actuation Sleeve
The purpose of this part is to provide a mount for which the quick disconnect body above can be actuated by pneumatic pistons. The current design slides over the QD body and is tack welded on, but one design improvement might be having a small taper in diameter that can physically push against one of the groves on the front section of the QD body. The 'plate' section of the sleeve provides two holes for the pistons to be mounted to, which will push against the rocket body for actuation.
Piston Rod Body Mount
Provides a mounting surface to the cylindrical rocket body so that when pneumatic piston are pressurized to actuate the QDs, the force is distributed across a large surface area of the rocket body to avoid deformation. This part will most likely have to be milled with the 5 axis mill because of the relatively complex geometry.
Pneumatic Piston System
With gaseous nitrogen, this system utilizes high pressure to exert a force through the piston rod seen in the far right of the image to the left. Two pistons are used, and the rods are attached by threading to the body mount seen in the section above.