Patent ID: 8636253

Claim:
A space deployable solar array panel comprising a rollable, flexible structure that forms a cylindrical package for stowage and a longitudinal, substantially rectangular planar structure upon deployment, wherein said cylindrical package is configured to store elastic energy such that, upon unrolling deployment, the release of said elastic energy positions said solar array panel into a taunt, aligned, and fully functional deployed configuration; further comprising a top surface, a bottom surface opposite said top surface, two ends, and two open sides, wherein a first end of said two ends comprises a tip end, wherein a second end of said two ends comprises a root end opposite said tip end, wherein said bottom surface is connected to both said root and said tip, and wherein said top and said bottom surfaces are mutually connected by an elastic structural system, wherein said elastic structural system provides structural alignment and support of said solar array panel in said deployed configuration; further comprising: a. A solar blanket assembly, wherein said solar blanket assembly defines said bottom surface of said solar array panel, wherein said solar blanket assembly is comprised of a flexible substrate supporting an array of solar cells, and b. A flexible refractive lens assembly, wherein said refractive lens assembly defines said top surface of said solar array panel, wherein said refractive lens assembly comprises a set of flexible lenses supported by two or more supportive frames, wherein said refractive lens assembly is spatially offset from said solar blanket assembly by said elastic structural system such that optimal concentration of solar radiation upon said array of solar cells is achieved.