Hybrid solar panel array
US5785280A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 20, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jul 28, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 20, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/18848
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A hybrid solar panel array is mounted on a satellite sidewall for movement between a stowed position proximate the satellite sidewall and a deployed position extending away from the satellite sidewall. The array comprises a yoke pivotally mounted on the satellite sidewall and first and second rigid solar panels, the first panel being pivotally mounted to the yoke, the first and second panels being hinged together. In one embodiment, a plurality of semi-rigid solar panels are pivotally mounted to the first and second rigid solar panels. In another embodiment, a flexible solar panel is attached to the rigid solar panels. Drive mechanisms are operable for moving the array from a stowed position proximate a satellite sidewall to a deployed position extending away from the satellite sidewall. The rigid panels are so moved in a synchronous operation and the semi-rigid and flexible solar panels are so moved in a sequential operation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.