Morphing self-stiffening array (MOSSA) and hinge
US12168529B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 20, 2022 |
| Grant date | Dec 17, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 7, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/45
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A self-deployable array of panels includes a plurality of panels, each panel having a first compressed panel thickness state and a second expanded panel thickness state, and including a spring bias element biased to the second expanded panel thickness state. A plurality of locking hinges hingedly couple each of the panels to an adjoining panel. Each locking hinge is biased to an open position. A release of stored potential energy of both of the spring bias element biased to the second expanded panel thickness state, and the locking hinges biased to the open position causes the self-deployable array of panels to self-deploy from a folded stowed state. A single part offset locking hinge is also described.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.