Satellite solar generator structure comprising bracing elements between panels
US6909042B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 25, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jun 21, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 25, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S136/292
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The satellite solar generator structure comprises a plurality of solar panels (PR, PS) each having a plane surface, the panels being disposed in superposition in said structure (ST), the structure including at least one rod (TI) holding said panels (PR, PS) pressed against one another, two successive panels being in contact via bearing points (AL) disposed at the peripheries of the panels. In this structure, spacers (CA) are distributed over the surfaces of the panels (PR, PS) and are disposed between pairs of successive panels in order to improve contact between two successive panels so that the structure presents better mechanical strength during the satellite launch stage. With this arrangement, a fraction of the forces is taken up by the spacers instead of being taken up by the panels, thus making it possible to optimize the solar generator, for example by reducing the weight of the panels constituting it.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.