Deployable antenna reflector
AssigneeUnited States of America as represented by the Administrator of NASA
InventorsJuan M. Fernandez, Andrew F. Paddock, Kevin DeMarco
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Self-deploying reflector array architectures include stacked multiple panels attached to a central panel by sets of heat actuated flexible hinges on their non-functional sides create surface of revolution, cylindrical and flat reflector arrays in accordance with panel curvature. Robotic in-space assembly of multiple smaller arrays allows for creation of reflector array of 10 or more meters to support S-band and above RF (≥2 GHz) transmission.
Claims16
An antenna reflector array having at least a stowed position and a deployed position, the array comprising:
- multiple panels and a central panel, each of the multiple and central panels including a functional side and a non-functional side, wherein in the stowed position, the multiple and central panels are in a compact configuration;
- at least one heat actuated flexible hinge formed of a shape memory composite (“SMC”) substrate, each of the at least one flexible hinge being connected at a first end thereof to a non-functional side of one of the multiple panels and at a second end thereof to the non-functional side of the central panel, the at least one heat actuated flexible hinge being controllable between a first shape and a second shape;
- and
- further wherein, when each of the at least one heat actuated flexible hinge changes from the first shape to the second shape, the multiple panels connected thereto are moved from a first position to a second position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.