Articulated assembly of solar generator panels and space vehicle
US7513461B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 17, 2003 |
| Grant date | Apr 7, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 5, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/50
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention relates to an articulated assembly (1) comprising at least two panels (4-7) which are positioned close to a solar generator. The aforementioned panels are articulated in pairs such they can pivot between a stacked configuration, in which the panels are stacked on top of one another, and an unstacked or deployed position, in which the panels are disposed essentially in one plane, said panels being interconnected by means of a hinge. According to the invention, the hinge element is formed by at least one Carpentier coupling (11) which performs the following two functions: (i) in the stacked configuration and during deployment, the coupling generates a permanent driving torque which moves the panels into the unstacked configuration; and (ii), in the unstacked configuration, the coupling provides a mechanical restraint for the panels.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.