Deployable support structure
US7588214B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 15, 2004 |
| Grant date | Sep 15, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 12, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01Q15/20
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A support structure (1) is provided comprising a plurality of curved surfaces A, B hingedly interconnected along their edges such as to provide effective deployment in two separate stages. Preferably, the structure has only two curved surfaces hingedly interconnected at a single non-planar hinge line. In FIG. 1(a), the two sheets A, B are coplanar in that they lie in the same horizontal plane, permitting the structure to be in a flat, first stage deployment position. In Figure (b), the structure is fully deployed in a second stage deployment position by bringing sheet A out of plane through some angle in relation to the position of sheet B, resulting in both sheets becoming curved. The structure has utility in various space-based as well as terrestrial reflective and absorbing applications, and bears definite advantage in terms of weight saving, high stiffness and well-defined surface precision.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.