초록 ▼

A mechanism (10, 100) is disclosed for deploying a mechanism, such as an air foil or antenna (14, 102, 104) which utilizes a pivot axle (16) and a torsion spring (18) to pivot the erectable surface to the erected position. A locking pin 22 can be provided to lock the erectable surface (14) in the er

A mechanism (10, 100) is disclosed for deploying a mechanism, such as an air foil or antenna (14, 102, 104) which utilizes a pivot axle (16) and a torsion spring (18) to pivot the erectable surface to the erected position. A locking pin 22 can be provided to lock the erectable surface (14) in the erected position. In one embodiment, a wing (102) and a control fin (104) can be deployed about a single axis.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A hinge and locking mechanism to deploy a member, comprising:a support base;an erectable member;a pivot axle secured to one of the support base and erectable member and pivotally engaged to the other, with the erectable member for rotation about a first axis between a sto

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A hinge and locking mechanism to deploy a member, comprising:a support base;an erectable member;a pivot axle secured to one of the support base and erectable member and pivotally engaged to the other, with the erectable member for rotation about a first axis between a storage position and an erected position; anda spring element urging the erectable member to rotate in a first direction about the first axis to the erected position,wherein the pivot axle has a first portion of larger diameter and a second portion of smaller diameter, the spring element having a first end, the pivot axle receiving said first end of said spring element, andwherein the erectable member has a first barrel for receiving the large diameter portion of the pivot axle and a second barrel for receiving a portion of the smaller diameter portion of the pivot axle.