Aeronautics and astronautics – Spacecraft – With payload accommodation
Patent
1998-07-22
2000-01-04
Carone, Michael J.
Aeronautics and astronautics
Spacecraft
With payload accommodation
160135, B64G 144
Patent
active
060100966
ABSTRACT:
Self-latching deployment apparatus for a multi-paneled solar array comprises at least first and second in-line panels pivotally connected together for rotation about an in-line hinge axis between stowed and deployed positions. A first deployment and locking mechanism maintains the in-line panels in the deployed position. First and second side panels are pivotally attached to opposite edges of the second in-line panel for rotation between stowed and deployed positions about secondary and tertiary hinge axes, respectively, transverse to the in-line hinge axis between the first and second in-line panels. A first restraint mechanism is engaged with the first side panel to temporarily overpower a drive mechanism for the first side panel and thereby temporarily maintain the first side panel in the stowed position but becomes disengaged from the first side panel when the first and second in-line panels reach the deployed position to enable the first side panel to move to the deployed position. A second restraint mechanism is engaged with the second side panel to temporarily overpower a drive mechanism for the second side panel and thereby temporarily maintain the second side panel in the stowed position but becomes disengaged from the second side panel when the first side panel reaches the deployed position to enable the second side panel to move to the deployed position.
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Bergin James S.
Carone Michael J.
Space Systems Loral, Inc.
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