Z-fold flexible blanket solar array
US12028016B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 10, 2021 |
| Grant date | Jul 2, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 30, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02S30/10
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A solar array structure for a spacecraft includes one or a pair of flexible blanket or other foldable solar arrays and a deployable frame structure. The deployable frame structure includes a T-shaped yoke structure, a T-shaped end structure, and one or more rigid beams, the T-shaped yoke structure connectable to the spacecraft. When deployed, the frame structure tensions the flexible blanket solar array or arrays between the T-shaped yoke structure and the T-shaped end structure. When stowed, the flexible blanket solar array or arrays are folded in an accordion manner to form a stowed pack or packs between the cross-member arms of the T-shaped yoke structure and the T-shaped end structure, also stowed in its own Z-fold arrangement. The cross-member arms of the T-shaped end structure can include a solar array that can provide power before deployment while the flexible blanket solar array is stowed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.