Deployable radiator panel system
US12006071B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 4, 2021 |
| Grant date | Jun 11, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 19, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF28F2280/105
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A deployable radiator panel system for a small spacecraft includes fusible metal thermal hinge having a hinge leaf affixed to a spacecraft fixed radiator panel and the corresponding hinge leaf affixed to a deployable radiator panel with fusible metal filling the interstices between knuckles of each leaf to provide a conductive heat transfer path from the spacecraft fixed radiator panel through its leaf to the intervening fusible metal and then to the deployable radiator panel leaf and finally to the deployable radiator panel. A method is provided to heat and melt the fusible metal, release the deployable radiator panel from a stowed position, apply torque to open the fusible thermal metal hinge and latch the deployable radiator panel in a deployed position, and cool and solidify fusible metal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.