Flexible satellite for deployment from attachment hub
US10773835B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 30, 2017 |
| Grant date | Sep 15, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 12, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/645
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An exemplary satellite includes a pair of payloads coupled to one another by a flexible boom, where the flexible boom is configured to enable easy manual engagement of the pair of payloads with an associated attachment hub, and also to provide a passive release force for deploying at least one of the payloads in a direction outwardly from the attachment hub. Potential energy for enabling the passive release is provided as stored strain energy in the flexible boom when flexed for attachment of the payloads to the attachment hub. The strain energy is released upon release of at least one of the payloads from the attachment hub, which release may be by way of a non-complex, non-exotic attachment mechanism. Additional payloads may be connected in series to the pair of payloads, with a flexible boom connecting adjacent payloads. The additional payloads may be released from the attachment hub via a non-complex or complex attachment mechanism.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.