US Patent 10518912 Payload joint

A payload joint (10) for detachably attaching to each other two adjacent construction elements (2) in a spacecraft and/or launch vehicle, the payload joint (10) comprises two opposing clamps (11a, 11b) and two opposing flanges of the construction elements collaborating with angled surfaces of the clamps (11a, 11b). The payload joint comprises a bolt that connects the clamps (11a, 11b) and drives them towards each other when tightening the payload joint (10). The payload joint (10) further comprises a bolt cutter (101) arranged for cutting the bolt upon activation.