Large rigid deployable structures and method of deploying and locking such structures
US8550407B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 2011 |
| Grant date | Oct 8, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 18, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/66
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention is situated in the field of telecommunication satellites. A deployable structure with which such a satellite may be equipped and a method of deploying the deployable structure is provided. The deployable structure includes: a set of primary panels, a set of secondary panels, primary articulation systems, each primary articulation system enabling a primary panel to be caused to pivot relative to another primary panel about a primary axis, the primary axes being substantially parallel to the primary panels, and secondary articulation systems, each secondary articulation system being associated with a secondary panel and enabling said panel to be caused to pivot relative to another panel about a secondary axis parallel to said panels, the deployable structure being configured in such a manner that, in a deployed configuration, the front surfaces of the panels form a substantially continuous overall surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.