Patent · US Expired

Systems for folding and stabilizing solar panels

US4384164A · kind A · utility

3Cited by
2References
16Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJul 13, 1981
Grant dateMay 17, 1983
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 13, 2001

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S136/292
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel system for folding and stabilizing flexible and continuous solar panels including fold lines. The folding system comprises a V-shaped element having arms whose free ends are fixed on both sides of the corresponding fold line of the panel, while the tip of the V is connected to the fold line itself by means of a pull sheet. The arms of the V-shaped element have a camber when the panel is unfolded, so as to exert a pulling force on the fold line, said folding systems being optionally associated with suitable stabilizing systems. The invention is useful in the folding and stabilizing of solar panels.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.