Folding thin-film deployable panel structure

Abstract

Abstract A deployable panel structure for a spacecraft solar ray and other used. The panel structure has a support mounting a deployable boom attached to a folding panel including a number of panel sections hinged edge-to-edge along parallel hinge lines normal to the extension axis of the boom. The folding panel is extendable with the deployment boom from a stowed configuration wherein the panel sections are folded accordion-fashion into confronting face-to-face relation flat against one side of the support to a deployed configuration wherein the panel sections are disposed edge-to-edge substantially in a common plane containing the boom. The panel sections comprise thin-film substrates attached to the deployment boom by tab-like extensions having outer apertured portions which slidably receive the boom and inner neck portions which twist to accommodate folding and unfolding rotation of the panel sections relative to the boom during retraction and extension movement of the panel between its stowed and deploys configurations. These tabs provide the panel with minimum overall folded thickness in its stowed configuration and produce minimal distortion of the panel section substrates in deployed configuration. The folding panel may be reinforced along its hinge lines to prevent buckling and may be provided alon its longitudinal edges with electrical bus conductors which serve the dual function of electrical and mechanical hinge connections between adjacent panel sections.

Inventors

• 👤 P Dillard

Bibliographic Details