Low earth orbit mechanical deployable structure
US11873120B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 15, 2020 |
| Grant date | Jan 16, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 15, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/50
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An antenna array has a plurality of square or rectangular antenna assemblies. Each assembly includes a first antenna assembly surface with a solar cell and a second antenna assembly with one or more antenna elements. The antenna assemblies are interconnected without gaps therebetween to form a first contiguous array surface comprised of the first antenna assembly surfaces and a second contiguous array surface comprised of the second antenna assembly surfaces. The antenna assemblies are connected together by mechanically stored-energy connectors, such as spring tape, that self-deploy the array in space without the use of electric energy.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.