초록 ▼

A stowable reflector assembly includes a flexible reflector shell that is rolled into an essentially cylindrical shape and retained by remotely controlled clamps. An underlying folding structure is deployed by remote signal and forms an underlying structure upon which the flexible reflector unrolls.

A stowable reflector assembly includes a flexible reflector shell that is rolled into an essentially cylindrical shape and retained by remotely controlled clamps. An underlying folding structure is deployed by remote signal and forms an underlying structure upon which the flexible reflector unrolls. Magnetic strips and auxiliary retaining mechanisms align and retain the reflector on the underlying support and urge it to a position from which it can accurately reflect electromagnetic radiation.

대표청구항 ▼

A reflector assembly to focus electromagnetic waves, said reflector assembly being capable of being released from stowed configuration to a deployed configuration, said reflector assembly comprising: flexible reflector means for focusing said electromagnetic waves, said reflector means incorporating

A reflector assembly to focus electromagnetic waves, said reflector assembly being capable of being released from stowed configuration to a deployed configuration, said reflector assembly comprising: flexible reflector means for focusing said electromagnetic waves, said reflector means incorporating a desired surface contour in its deployed configuration for focusing said electromagnetic waves, said reflector means having an edge; support means positioned adjacent said reflector means, said support means providing a reference edge capable of supporting said reflector in substantially the same contour as the desired surface contour of the reflector means in its deployed configuration, said support means further comprising a support ring pivotally mounted to an underlying structure for movement of said reflector assembly from its stowed configuration to its deployed configuration; registration means interposed between said support means and said flexible reflector means for aligning said reflector means upon said support means; restraining means sized to maintain said flexible reflector means in said stowed configuration and deploying said reflector means from said stowed configuration to the deployed configuration; and guide means, engaged with said reflector means, for urging said flexible reflector means into said deployed configuration, whereby said restraining means releases said flexible reflector means from said stowed configuration and said registration means aligns said edge of said reflector means against said reference edge of said support means so that said reflector means deploys to said deployed configuration having the desired surface contour for focusing said electromagnetic waves.