Stacking tie-rod release device for a deployable structure
US7410129B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 21, 2004 |
| Grant date | Aug 12, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 14, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/443
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention relates to devices for releasing the stacking tie-rods that are used for holding deployable structures, in particular solar panels of artificial satellites. The device of the invention is self-releasing in order to enable such deployable structures to be released via the top portion of the stacking column. The invention consists in holding together the members (101) that are to be deployed by means of a tie-rod (102) having a nut (111) screwed onto its free end. The force for holding the stack together is transmitted by modules (106, 107) which are themselves held together by said force. When the stacking tension is reduced, resilient means, such as two flat spring blades (112, 113), cause the modules to move away from the tie-rod, thus enabling the members of the deployable structure to be released.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.