US 10,239,642 B1 · Hinge and lock mechanism for roll-out solar array

Abstract

A roll-out solar array includes a first mandrel having first and second ends and a second mandrel having first and second ends. A hinge extends between the first and second mandrels, such that the roll-out solar array can transition between a stowed position where the mandrels are in a substantially parallel configuration and a deployed position where the mandrels are in a series configuration. A latch may be provided to lock the roll-out solar array in the stowed configuration.

A roll-out solar array comprising:

a first mandrel having a length extending between a first and second end thereof, the first mandrel being substantially cylindrical and having a longitudinal axis upon which the first mandrel is able to rotate;
a second mandrel having a length extending between a first and second end thereof, the second mandrel being substantially cylindrical and having a longitudinal axis upon which the second mandrel is able to rotate;
a first elastic roll-out boom having a plurality of configurations ranging from a stowed configuration wherein the first elastic roll-out boom is rolled onto the first mandrel to a deployed configuration wherein the first elastic roll-out boom is fully extended, the first elastic roll-out boom having a first end and a second, opposing, end wherein a longitudinal axis is defined between the first and second ends of the first elastic roll-out boom when the first elastic roll-out boom is in the deployed configuration;
and
a second elastic roll-out boom having a plurality of configurations ranging from a stowed configuration wherein the second elastic roll-out boom is rolled onto the second mandrel to a deployed configuration wherein the second elastic roll-out boom is fully deployed, the second elastic roll-out boom having a first end and a second, opposing, end wherein a longitudinal axis is defined between the first and second ends of the second elastic roll-out boom when the second elastic roll-out boom is in the deployed configuration;
a first hinge attached to the first end of the first mandrel and the first end of the second mandrel and extending therebetween;
a first root support structure having a first end and an opposing second end, the first root support structure attached to the first elastic roll-out boom;
a second root support structure having a first end and an opposing second end, the second root support structure attached to the second elastic roll-out boom;
and
a second hinge attached to the first end of the first root support structure and a first end of the second root support structure, the second hinge configured to articulate in order to allow transition of the roll-out solar array between the stowed and deployed configurations;
a latch fixedly attached to the second root structure and releasably attached to the first root structure, such that when the latch is engaged with the first root structure the roll-out solar array is locked in the stowed configuration;
and
a latch release for disengaging the latch from the first root support structure, wherein the roll-out solar array has a first, stowed configuration and a second, deployed, configuration, further wherein when in the stowed configuration the first mandrel and second mandrel are positioned in parallel arrangement to form a compact structure, and when in the deployed configuration the first mandrel and second mandrel are positioned in series, the articulation of said hinge allowing transition between the stowed and deployed configurations of the roll-out solar array, and further wherein the latch release comprises a rotatable handle.

10 more elements

Description4,238 words

Summary1,478 words

#Not Applicable.

#The disclosed device relates generally to the field of solar arrays for space-based applications, and more specifically to a hinge and lock mechanism for a roll-out solar array.

#The term solar array, as defined herein, pertains to a structure that is stowable in a small volume for shipment and launch, and that is deployable when in space to expose a large surface area of photovoltaic collectors (solar cells) to the sun, and that is attached to certain spacecraft vehicles to provide power for spacecraft operations.

Brief description of the drawings9 figures

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a hinged roll-out solar array.

#FIG. 2 is a close view of hinge structures associated with one embodiment of a hinged roll-out solar array.

#FIG. 3 is a close view of a fastening mechanism associated with one embodiment of a hinged roll-out solar array.

Detailed description2,568 words

#The term “solar array” means a structure that is stowable in a small volume for shipment and launch, and that is deployable when in space to expose a large surface area of photovoltaic collectors (solar cells) to the sun, and that is mechanically and electrically attached to a spacecraft vehicle to provide power for spacecraft operations.

#The term “flexible solar array” means a solar array that includes a rollable or foldable thin flexible blanket or substrate to which the solar cells are mounted.

#The term “roll out boom” means a thin-walled metallic or composite reinforced slit-tube (open section) or closed section hollow structural member. One or more booms can be used as the primary longitudinal deployment and deployed structural member of the solar array. The thin-walled elastic nature of the booms allows them to be flattened and rolled up into an extremely compact stowage volume.

Facts

Application

15/082,058Filed 28 Mar 2016

Granted

26 Mar 2019

Term ends

24 Oct 2036

Estimated · how

20 years from earliest known nonprovisional domestic filing plus recorded patent term adjustment, including 210 days of adjustment. Maintenance-fee lapses, terminal disclaimers and statutory extensions have not been checked. The continuity chain may be incomplete; this is not an enforceability determination.

Classification12 codes

B64G 1/443
Using radiation, e.g. deployable solar arrays: photovoltaic cell arrays
B64G 1/2225
Characterised by the manner of deployment: rolling or unfurling
B64G 1/2228
For deploying structures between a stowed and deployed state: characterised by the hold-down or release mechanisms
B64G 1/44
Arrangements or adaptations of power supply systems: using radiation, e.g. deployable solar arrays

Timeline

28 Mar 2016Application filedUS 15/082,058
26 Mar 2019GrantedUS 10,239,642 B1
18 Mar 2021Assigned to Adams Street Credit Advisors LP, AS Collateral Agentpatent security agreement
25 Feb 2026Assigned to Loadpath, LLCrelease of security interest
12 Oct 2026TodayWithin its term
24 Oct 2036Term endsEstimated, includes 210 days of adjustment

Hinge and lock mechanism for roll-out solar array

Life of this patent

Hinge and lock mechanism for roll-out solar array

Life of this patent

Life of this patent

Abstract

Drawings

Drawings

Claims1

Description4,238 words

Drawings

Classification12 codes

Life of this patent

Description4,238 words