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A solar array structure for use with satellites requiring large areas of solar arrays. Each array is a single continuous structure having continuous longitudinal members which in a stowed condition enable the panel to be wrapped around the satellite within its launch vehicle. In a deployed configura

A solar array structure for use with satellites requiring large areas of solar arrays. Each array is a single continuous structure having continuous longitudinal members which in a stowed condition enable the panel to be wrapped around the satellite within its launch vehicle. In a deployed configuration, the longitudinal members are reconfigured to provide substantially increased stiffness in the direction of winding.

대표청구항 ▼

A solar array having a stowed and a deployed configuration for use with a satellite, said array comprising: an array support frame comprising a pair of spaced-apart substantially parallel spanwise continuous structural members; and a solar array substrate which is supported by said frame and which h

A solar array having a stowed and a deployed configuration for use with a satellite, said array comprising: an array support frame comprising a pair of spaced-apart substantially parallel spanwise continuous structural members; and a solar array substrate which is supported by said frame and which has a major surface; each of said spanwise members including a deployable stiffener member and being fabricated of a material and having a stowed configuration in which said array support frame including said stiffener member can be wound about said satellite in a direction perpendicular to said major surface of said substrate without exceeding the yield stress of said spanwise members and which provides said spanwise members with a straightening force to unwind said array frame from said satellite; said stiffener members being deployed when said array is in its deployed configuration, said stiffener members in their deployed configuration providing said spanwise members with a substantially increased stiffness in said direction perpendicular to said major surface of said substrate.