Erecting device for solar generators for a spacecraft

Abstract

Abstract 1. A device (9) for moving away and folding out a solar panel (1) for satellite of the type with several flaps (1A, 1B, 1C) initially folded up in accordion pleats against the satellite (3), and intended for bringing said panel to a folded out configuration in which the flap (1A) closest to the satellite is at a minimum distance therefrom, such device (9), connected on the one hand to an orientation shell (8), connected to the satellite and having a rotational axis (Z-Z) perpendicular to the satellite axis (X-X), through articulation about a first axis (V-V) perpendicular to the axis (Z-Z) of the orientation shell (8), and on the other hand, to said flap (1A) closest to the satellite through articulation about a second axis (4A) parallel to the first axis (V-V) in the folded out configuration, being characterized in that it is formed from two beams (9A, 9B) of respective lenghts a and b measured perpendicularly to said first (V-V) and second (4A) axes, respectively, and articulated to one another about a third axis (W-W) which is substantially transverse thereto and makes with the first and second axes (V-V, 4A) respective angles alpha and beta, with such lengths and angles satisfying the equation system : a + b = E alpha + beta a sin (alpha + beta) = D b-a cos (alpha + beta) = L/2 where : - E is the required distance in the folded out configuration between the first and second axes (V-V, 4A) ; - D is the distance in the folded up configuration between the transverse planes of the satellite comprising the rotational axis (Z-Z) of the orientation shell (8) and the orientation axis (YS-YS) of the solar panel ; and - L is the distance between two adjoining articulation axes (4A, 4B, 4C) of the flaps (1A, 1B, 1C) of the solar panel (1).

Inventors

• 👤 Pierre André Poveda
• 👤 Gérard Barkats
• 👤 George Marello

Bibliographic Details