US 5,785,280 A · Hybrid solar panel array

Abstract

A hybrid solar panel array is mounted on a satellite sidewall for movement between a stowed position proximate the satellite sidewall and a deployed position extending away from the satellite sidewall. The array comprises a yoke pivotally mounted on the satellite sidewall and first and second rigid solar panels, the first panel being pivotally mounted to the yoke, the first and second panels being hinged together. In one embodiment, a plurality of semi-rigid solar panels are pivotally mounted to the first and second rigid solar panels. In another embodiment, a flexible solar panel is attached to the rigid solar panels. Drive mechanisms are operable for moving the array from a stowed position proximate a satellite sidewall to a deployed position extending away from the satellite sidewall. The rigid panels are so moved in a synchronous operation and the semi-rigid and flexible solar panels are so moved in a sequential operation.

Claims16

Dependent claims

A hybrid solar panel array mounted on a satellite sidewall for movement between a stowed position proximate the satellite sidewall and a deployed position extending away from the satellite sidewall, said solar panel array comprising:

a yoke pivotally mounted on the satellite sidewall;
a first rigid solar panel pivotally mounted to said yoke;
a second rigid solar panel pivotally mounted to said first rigid solar panel along an axis distant from said yoke;
a plurality of semi-rigid solar panels pivotally mounted to said first and second rigid solar panels, respectively;
and
drive means for moving said solar panel array between the stowed position and the deployed position.

3 more elements

a yoke pivotally mounted on the satellite sidewall for rotation about a yoke hingeline;
a first rectangular rigid solar panel having first and second opposed lateral edges and first and second opposed transverse edges and being pivotally mounted to said yoke for rotation about a first panel hingeline;
a second rectangular rigid solar panel having first and second opposed lateral edges and first and second opposed transverse edges, said second rigid solar panel being pivotally mounted to said first rigid solar panel for rotation about a second panel hingeline at a mutually adjacent pair of said second and first transverse edges of said first and second rigid solar panels, respectively;
a flexible solar panel attached to said first and second rigid solar panels, respectively;
and drive means for moving said solar panel array between the stowed position and the deployed position.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Hybrid solar panel array

Life of this patent

Hybrid solar panel array

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16