Egan Chiu

Title: Egan Chiu and a Rigid-Framed Flexible Panel Solar Array.

Introduction

Egan Chiu is an inventor based in Alameda, California, whose patent work includes an approach to mounting and deploying flexible photovoltaic panels. His listed patent is titled “Rigid-framed flexible panel solar array,” and the invention addresses the structure and deployment of solar panel assemblies.

Latest Patents

Chiu’s listed patent describes solar panel assemblies with frames made from modular segments. Receiving features in the frames accept spline elements that secure the perimeter of a flexible photovoltaic panel and apply radial tension across it.

The design also includes a stowage mechanism that holds the assemblies in a stack, using a rod assembly passed through apertures in their frames. Self-opening hinges attached between selected frames form part of a deployment mechanism that moves the assemblies from the stacked arrangement into a deployed configuration. Chiu is credited with 1 patent.

Career Highlights

Chiu is associated with Lockheed Martin Corporation. His patent illustrates an engineering approach to combining flexible photovoltaic panels with rigid frames and mechanisms for compact storage and deployment.

Collaborations

The provided information lists John L. Gibb and Phuc Huu Phan as Chiu’s coworkers. Their names are associated with his professional context, though the supplied details do not specify their roles in the patent.

Conclusion

Egan Chiu’s patent focuses on a framed, tensioned flexible solar panel system designed to stow compactly and deploy through self-opening hinges. It represents his documented contribution to solar array design.