A Space Folding Mechanism Using Dual Pneumatic Cylinders as Expandable Units

Abstract

A space folding and extending mechanism with double cylinders as extensible units comprises an octagonal support base, three-degree-of-freedom hinges, bevel-edge rods, first gaskets, the first air-pressure cylinders, second gaskets and the second air-pressure cylinders. The octagonal support base is fixedly connected with the three-degree-of-freedom hinges, and the bevel-edge rods, the air-pressure cylinders and the gaskets are connected through revolute pairs. Under the conditions of vibration, collision and the like in the movement process of the mechanism, the gaskets can play a damping role, so that motion shock on the mechanism is low; the mechanism has a high structural symmetry so that different large-scale space folding and extending mechanism bodies can be formed by arranging theextensible units; the space folding and extending mechanism can be used in a space station, a communication satellite platform, a space telescope and other space missions, and has the advantages of being wide in application range and high in practicability.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to a space folding mechanism, in particular to a space folding mechanism with double air cylinders as expandable units. Background technique [0002] With the rapid development of satellite communication, space exploration, and earth observation technology, the application demand for space folding mechanism has become more and more urgent. With the development of space folding mechanism technology, its actual size is getting bigger and higher, and its precision is getting higher and higher. However, due to the limitation of the space size of the carrier, the folding mechanism must be folded in the carrier. After the folding mechanism enters the space orbit, Then expand to the predetermined structural state by itself. [0003] Chinese patent 201210310520.3 discloses a planar array expandable mechanism based on square units. The patent can only be folded on a plane, and the folding is relatively small; The auxiliary mechanism has ...

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Problems solved by technology

[0003] Chinese patent 201210310520.3 discloses a planar array expandable mechanism based on square units. The patent can only be folded on a plane, and the folding is relatively small; The secondary mechanism has a large degree of freedom for redundant mechanisms and poor stability; Chinese patent 201410314526.7 discloses a new type of scissors-based annular array expandable mechanism. The patented joint assembly has a complex structure and high manufacturing costs

[0004] At present, there is no one that has the characteristics of light weight, large folding ratio, high precision, high strength, high stability, small motion impact, high reliability, simple structure, low manufacturing cost, and simple space folding process. Invention and Design of Space Folding Mechanism

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