Space deployable domed solar concentrator with foldable panels a

Details Space deployable domed solar concentrator with foldable panels a Space deployable domed solar concentrator with foldable panels a

1987-01-27

1989-07-04

Sikes, William L.

Communications: radio wave antennas

Antennas

Antenna components

343912, 126438, 350613, 16225, H01Q 1520

Patent

active

048455113

ABSTRACT:
A space deployable solar energy concentrator is formed of a dome-shaped arrangement of compactly stowable flat panel segments mounted on a collapsible, space-deployable support structure of interconnected linear components. The support structure is comprised of a plurality of tensioned, curvilinear edge strips which extend in a radial direction from a prescribed vertex of a surrounding umbrella-like framework of radially extending rib members. Between a respective pair of radially-extending, curvilinear edge strips an individual wedge-shaped panel section is formed of a plurality of multi-segment lens panel strips each of which is supported in tension between the pair of edge strips by a pair of circumferentially extending catenary cord members connected to a pair of ribs of the surrounding umbrella-like framework. A respective lens panel strip is comprised of a plurality of flat, generally rectangular-shaped, energy-directing panels arranged side-by-side in the circumferential direction of the dome. Adjacent panels are interconnected by flexible U-shaped hinges which overlap opposing edges of adjacent panels and engage respective cylindrically-shaped, load distribution bars that slide within the flexible hinges. Because each U-shaped hinge is flexible, it is permitted to shift in the circumferential direction of the panel section to facilitate stowage and deployment of the dome.

REFERENCES:
patent: 3372396 (1968-03-01), Braccini
patent: 3509576 (1970-04-01), McLain
patent: 3574306 (1971-04-01), Alden
patent: 3576566 (1971-04-01), Cover et al.
patent: 3616487 (1971-11-01), Dearth
patent: 3717879 (1973-02-01), Ganssle
patent: 4231135 (1980-11-01), Fradin
patent: 4612550 (1986-09-01), Brucker et al.
patent: 4642652 (1987-02-01), Herbig et al.

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