Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1983
Title: Innovations of Barry N Smith
Introduction
Barry N Smith is an accomplished inventor based in Palos Verdes Estates, California. He is known for his innovative contributions to the field of aerospace engineering, particularly in the development of deployable structures for spacecraft.
Latest Patents
One of his notable patents is the Ultra Lightweight Folding Panel Structure. This invention is designed for spacecraft solar cell arrays and other collapsible panel structures. The panel structure consists of several panel sections mounted edge to edge along parallel hinge lines. These hinges allow the panels to be collapsed in an accordion fashion toward a support. The panels are attached to and deployed by an extendable boom, which can be extended from and retracted to the support. In the deployed configuration, the panels form a planar surface, with the boom being essentially coplanar. The panel sections are made from multiple layers of thin film insulative substrate, which is stiffened with ribs formed during the manufacturing process. The hinges are made of the same material as the substrate and are bonded to the edges of the panel. This bonding occurs while the panels are in a folded, face-to-face position, ensuring maximum stored energy and out-of-plane stiffness in the deployed configuration. Power from the solar cells is collected by a ribbon cabling system that is integrally or separately formed with the substrate and hinge system, minimizing stowed size and mechanical complexity.
Career Highlights
Barry N Smith works at TRW Limited, where he has made significant contributions to aerospace technology. His work has been instrumental in advancing the capabilities of deployable structures used in space applications.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Barry has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Hans S Rauschenbach and Saul Bashin. These collaborations have further enhanced the innovative nature of his work.
Conclusion
Barry N Smith's contributions to the field of aerospace engineering, particularly through his patent for the Ultra Lightweight Folding Panel Structure, demonstrate his commitment to innovation. His work continues to influence the design and functionality of spacecraft systems.