초록 ▼

A deployable reflector having an umbrella-like structure in which a plurality of tubular parabolically curved ribs are connected end-wise to a central hub by associated strain energy hinges, which are flexible and spring-like in characteristic, creating a spring force when stressed. A thin pliant me

A deployable reflector having an umbrella-like structure in which a plurality of tubular parabolically curved ribs are connected end-wise to a central hub by associated strain energy hinges, which are flexible and spring-like in characteristic, creating a spring force when stressed. A thin pliant metal coated film material is shaped for expansion into a parabolic shape serves as the reflective surface. Rib anchors, suitably radially extending pockets, attached to the backside of the material receive the ribs that radially extend from the hub. When stowed and restrained, such as by a cable, the curved ribs are all held down, collapsing the parabolic shape of the material, and stressing the hinges, which produce a counter-biasing force. When the restraining force is released to deploy the reflector, the biasing force created in the spring-like flexible hinges automatically pivots the ribs outwardly, pulling the material into its parabolic shape.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A deployable reflector, comprising:pliant reflective material defining a reflective parabolic surface when deployed, said pliant reflective material being symmetrically configured about a central opening and having a circular outer periphery when deployed, said pliant ref

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A deployable reflector, comprising:pliant reflective material defining a reflective parabolic surface when deployed, said pliant reflective material being symmetrically configured about a central opening and having a circular outer periphery when deployed, said pliant reflective material having a front side for reflecting energy and a backside;a hub, said hub located in said central opening in said pliant reflective material;a plurality of ribs of predetermined length evenly distributed about said hub, said ribs being of a parabolic shape along said predetermined length;a corresponding plurality of strain energy hinge means, each of said strain energy hinge means for connecting an end of a respective one of said plurality of ribs to said hub to bias said ribs for pivotal movement relative to said hub from a folded position alongside the axis of said hub to a deployed position radially outwardly extending from said hub and for holding said ribs in said deployed position; anda plurality of rib anchoring means, each of said rib anchoring means for anchoring a respective one of said plurality of ribs to the backside of said material, each said plurality of rib anchoring means comprising a tubular sleeve, each of said tubular sleeves for ensleeving a portion of a respective one of said ribs, said tubular sleeves being attached to said backside of said material and extending from said central opening radially outwardly to said periphery, wherein said ribs pull on said anchoring means to deploy and hold said material in a generally parabolic configuration when said ribs are pivoted to said deployed position, wherein said ribs pull sideways on said tubular sleeves to deploy and hold said material in a generally parabolic configuration, when said ribs are pivoted to said deployed position.