Solar array for satellite vehicles
US6423895B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 12, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jul 23, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 12, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A solar array according to this invention includes a solar blanket which is folded into adjacent panels that are hinged together in an accordion-folded mode at parallel hinges. A pair of foldable spines is fixed to the panels and runs the length of the array. The hinges are included in the spine. The spines are mounted at one end to a base plate, and also at the other end to a tip plate. The base plate is intended to be attached to the spacecraft structure with a yoke which will provide required standoff for rotational clearance during sun-tracking.A pantograph deployment structure extends between the two plates. It can be retracted for storage and extended to deploy the blanket. A conductive harness is attached to the blanket to collect current from the panels.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.