Supporting structure for a solar sail of a satellite
US6609683B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 24, 2002 |
| Grant date | Aug 26, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 24, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/50
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A supporting structure for a solar sail of a satellite is formed by support arms which are connected in a swiveling manner with a solar panel through unfolding joints, and a film is stretched between the support arms. A longitudinal connector is arranged parallel to one side edge of the solar panel, which has support arms that are arranged in a joint direction in the plane of the film and form at least one U-shaped supporting structure between which the film of the solar sail can be stretched. Corner connectors are arranged in the interior angle areas between the longitudinal connector and the support arms. This arrangement simplifies known constructions while maintaining the existing functional safety in order to allow for achieving a noticeable weight reduction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.