Aerospatiale Societe Nationale Industrielle

Pierre Poveda

Georges Marello

Michel Louis

Jacques Auternaud

Christian Roux

Jean Foucras

Jean Bartevian

Thierry De Mollerat Du Jeu

Eric Blanc

Philippe Bertheux

In order to connect two adjacent elements (E1,E2) joined, for example, onto a satellite solar panel, an antifriction joint (10) is used. The deployment kinematics of the joint enable deployment to be done extremely accurately. The joint comprises two braces (12,14) suitable for rolling one onto the other by two cylindrical surfaces (12a,14a). Guiding of rolling is ensured by two flexible members, such as rolling plates (16,28) extremities are secured to the braces and which pass by crossing between the cylindrical surfaces (12a,14a). A traction prestressing stored in the plates avoids any stray movement between the braces, especially at the time of deployment. The drive torque ensuring the automatic deployment of the joint and its end-of-travel locking are ensured by elastic bands (36) connecting the two braces and each formed of two superimposed plates. Successive joints may be joined using a synchronization deployment mechanism.

Self-motorized antifriction joint and an articulated assembly, such as a

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Le Cannet Rocheville, France

Pierre Poveda