Deployable thin membrane apparatus
US9550584B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 8, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jan 24, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 15, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/66
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A deployable thin membrane apparatus for use with a spacecraft is provided. The apparatus includes a flexible membrane structure and a deployment mechanism for transitioning the membrane structure from an undeployed state towards a deployed state in which the membrane can perform a function needed by a spacecraft. In one embodiment, the deployment mechanism includes a plurality of pantographs that each engage the membrane structure, a rotatable disk structure that engages and coordinates the transition of the pantographs from an undeployed state towards a deployed state, and a spring system for providing energy that is used to rotate the disk structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.