Articulated assembly of solar panels for space vehicle, comprises panels linked by Carpentier joints, stacked as concertina, retained by pyrotechnic cables and released to form rigid structure

摘要

Solar panels (4,5,6,7) are connected together by Carpentier joints (11) and are turned to the sun by a rotation mechanism (2) and stirrup (3). Before launch the panels are folded as a concertina by bending the Carpentier joints and retaining the panels with cables and pyrotechnic units. In orbit the pyrotechnic units are released and the panels erect to form a rigid structure An Independent claim is also included for : A space vehicle which uses the solar panel assembly