Patent ID: 8616502
Filing Date: 2013-12-31
Classification: B64G,H02S,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A deployable solar panel assembly comprising: a housing; a solar panel receivable in the housing; a first support structure disposed on the housing proximate a first lateral edge of the solar panel, and a second support structure disposed on the housing proximate an opposite lateral edge of the solar panel, the first and second support structures each including an extension member connected to the housing and a pair of tethering members pivotably connected to the housing, separately from the connection of the extension member to the housing, on opposite sides of the housing; wherein, with respect to each support structure, the pair of tethering members are foldable against the exterior of the housing and, upon deployment, a distal end of each tethering member of the pair projects outward from the side of the housing on which the tethering member is pivotably connected; and wherein, with respect to each support structure, and upon deployment, the distal end of the solar panel is supported in an extended position by the extension member, and supported against displacement out of the plane of the panel by tethers connecting the distal end of the solar panel to the distal ends of the pair of tethering members.