초록

A large area solar photovoltaic power module comprises a plurality of flexible large area solar panels interconnected by a flexible hinge. The module may thus be folded and subsequently rolled into a compact, stowable cylindrical configuration.

대표청구항 ▼

A stowable, deployable large area solar module comprising: a plurality of discrete, interconnected, flexible, large area solar panels; hinge means operatively disposed on said panels so as to provide for the relative planar displacement of the folded panels of said module when said panels are folded

A stowable, deployable large area solar module comprising: a plurality of discrete, interconnected, flexible, large area solar panels; hinge means operatively disposed on said panels so as to provide for the relative planar displacement of the folded panels of said module when said panels are folded in overlying sandwiched relationship; said hinge means also operatively disposed so as to provide for the folded panels to be rolled into a stowable, substantially cylindrical configuration; said hinge means comprising: a plurality of hinge knuckles associated with at least one edge of each large area panel, each of said knuckles including a passage therethrough adapted to receive pintle means, the knuckles of adjacent panels disposed in a spaced apart, generally coplanar, interdigitating relationship; and, flexible pintle means disposed so as to sequentially pass through said interdigitating knuckles, whereby said spaced apart knuckles allow for a degree of planar displacement of adjoining large area panels relative to one another, as well as allowing for the folding of said panels in a sandwiched relationship and said flexible pintle means allows for said panels to be rolled into said substantially cylindrical configuration.