Shear tie device
US6168116A · kind A · utility
9Cited by
7References
20Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 21, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jan 2, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 21, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/2224
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A spacecraft, such as a satellite, includes a panel array comprised of a plurality of panels that are stacked together and secured to the side of the satellite during launch. At least one shear tie device is configured to couple the panels together in shear to increase the resistance to deformation of the stack of panels. The shear tie device preferably comprises a male member that mates with a female member. A plurality of fingers secure the male member within the female member during launch. Upon reaching orbit, a bladder is inflated which deforms the fingers and releases the male member from engagement with the female member.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.