Thales

Alcatel

Rodolphe Chaix

Christian Daval

Silvain Legrand

A device for deploying and aiming structural elements designed to be placed in Earth includes at least one locking/unlocking device making it possible to deactivate the first coupling mode and to activate a second coupling mode allowing a portion of the device to be aimed at a target. The device uses: a plurality of structural elements linked together by articulations, the assembly forming an articulated arm linked to a payload via a root section; the articulations having at least one pivoting connection making it possible to have two consecutive structural elements pivot relative to one another; a motor making it possible to activate at least one pivoting connection of an articulation; and a system for coupling the articulations making it possible to link the pivoting of all of the structural elements comprising a first coupling mode.

Device for deploying and aiming structural elements in a space environment

A device is disclosed for sequencing the deployment of a deployable structure comprising a first body, at least one second body mobile relative to the first body, and at least one third body mobile relative to either the first body or the second body and disposed, in an at least partially folded position of the structure, against or between the first and second bodies. The device comprises a first member fixedly mounted on the third body and preventing its deployment when it is immobilized and a second member mounted on the second body and immobilizing the first member until the second body has effected a selected portion of a kinematic that drives it from an initial position to a final position.

Sequencing device for deploying a structure as a function of the kinematics of one mobile body thereof

The invention relates to devices for releasing the stacking tie-rods that are used for holding deployable structures, in particular solar panels of artificial satellites. The device of the invention is self-releasing in order to enable such deployable structures to be released via the top portion of the stacking column. The invention consists in holding together the members () that are to be deployed by means of a tie-rod () having a nut () screwed onto its free end. The force for holding the stack together is transmitted by modules () which are themselves held together by said force. When the stacking tension is reduced, resilient means, such as two flat spring blades (), cause the modules to move away from the tie-rod, thus enabling the members of the deployable structure to be released.

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Cuers, France

Rodolphe Chaix