System for compact stowage of segmented dish reflectors

Details System for compact stowage of segmented dish reflectors System for compact stowage of segmented dish reflectors

1999-04-08

2001-02-20

Le, Hoanganh (Department: 2821)

Communications: radio wave antennas

Antennas

Antenna components

C343S916000, C343S912000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06191757

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a system for stowing and deploying a segmented dish-like structure, such as a spacecraft/satellite antenna reflector. More particularly, the present invention relates to a unique system for stowing a segmented dish-like structure compactly yet allowing for relatively uncomplicated deployment thereof.
BACKGROUNF ART
Currently, there are three main types of deployable reflectors. The first type of deployable reflectors are mesh or membrane reflectors that include a tensioned mesh or metalized membrane supported by relatively stiff, foldable or collapsible ribs. When the ribs are in their unfolded or extended position, the mesh or membrane forms the reflecting surface of this type of reflector. Examples of this type of reflectors include the Astro Mesh reflector designed by Astro Aerospace, the wrapped rib design manufactured by Lockheed Martin, and the TDRS reflector designed by Harris. While these reflectors have a lower stowage volume, they have relatively poor surface accuracy.
The second type of deployable reflectors are semi-rigid shell reflectors. These reflectors have one or more relatively thin flexible shells which form the reflector surfaces. In operation, the shells are folded and/or strained in either the stowed or deployed configuration. Hughes Space and Communications' Springback, Harris' Concentrator, and Loral's Furlable are examples of this type of deployable reflectors. The semirigid shell reflectors generally provide better surface accuracy then the mesh reflectors, however they require larger stowage volumes which is undesirable.
The third type of deployable reflectors are segmented rigid surface reflectors. These reflectors consist of two or more rigid curved surface segments that are hinged together. Examples of this type of reflector, include Hughes Space and Communications' BSB reflector, TRW's rigid collapsible dish, and Dorneir's collapsible reflectors. If the number of segments can be minimized, this type of reflector can typically provide excellent surface accuracy. However, when this type of reflector is divided into a number of segments, the segments which are connected directly to an adjoining segment are difficult to fold and stow compactly because of their surface curvature. Thus, while the segmented rigid surface reflectors provide good surface accuracy, they currently require the largest stowage volume.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a system for folding a segmented rigid surface reflector that requires a lower stowage volume for a given overall size and number of segments.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system for folding a segmented rigid surface reflector through the use of one or more links that interconnect the individual segments.
In accordance with the objects of the present invention, a system for stowing and deploying a segmented dish-like structure is provided. The system includes a main body segment having a front surface and a rear surface. The main body segment is alignable with at least one additional segment to form a dish-like structure when in its deployed position. The at least one additional segment has a front surface and a rear surface. The at least one additional segment is moveable into a stowed position and out of alignment with the main body segment by at least one link member which is hingeably attached to the main body segment and the at least one additional segment. When the system is in a stowed positions the front surface of the main body segment is positioned generally parallel with respect to the front surface of the at least one additional segment. Further, the at least one link member is stowed in between the main body segment and the at least one additional segment when the dish-like structure is in a stowed position.
Additional advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the description that follows, and may be realized by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.


REFERENCES:
patent: 3717879 (1973-02-01), Ganssle
patent: 4529277 (1985-07-01), Gee et al.
patent: 4780726 (1988-10-01), Archer et al.
patent: 5969695 (1999-10-01), Bassily et al.
patent: 6028569 (2000-02-01), Bassily et al.

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