Articulated set of sequentially opened solar generator panels
US6484972B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 22, 2002 |
| Grant date | Nov 26, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 22, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S136/292
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
At least three stacked panels are articulated by means of adjacent members so that they can pivot toward a deployed configuration. A mechanism includes an immobilizer mounted on a first member, cooperating with a second member to lock the two panels in the deployed configuration and constrained to rotate with a lug which can rotate on the first member and is abutted against a surface of a member constrained to rotate with the second member and configured so that, when the deployed configuration is reached, the lug escapes from it and brings the immobilizer into contact with the second member to bring about locking. A first finger of the mechanism, which is constrained to rotate with the lug, cooperates with a second finger of the third panel to hold it stacked until the two panels reach the deployed configuration, at which time rotation of the lug releases the second finger.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.