Hoop fixing structure for bearing xenon bottle

Abstract

The invention provides a xenon bottle bearing hoop fixing structure which comprises hoop supports, a hoop belt, a tightening device and a punching rubber pad, the radial displacement of a xenon bottle is limited through the three hoop supports, the hoop belt penetrates through the hoop supports and is bound with a gas bottle body, all the supports form a whole, and all radial bidirectional constraints are indirectly generated. The three hoop supports are used for providing radial support for the gas cylinder from three directions, meanwhile, a flange installation face perpendicular to the gas cylinder is obtained, the hoop belts are used for binding the three hoop supports and the gas cylinder to form a whole, one-way support in the three directions is converted into two-way constraint in all the directions, and the perforated rubber pad serves as a compensation device for expansion of the gas cylinder. And the balance of support and compensation is achieved through different punching structure designs. The invention provides a high-reliability and high-bearing-capacity xenon cylinder fixing scheme, and the problem that radial constraint is insufficient when a large-loading-capacity xenon cylinder of a spacecraft is installed is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of space electric propulsion systems, specifically relating to a clamp fixing structure for supporting xenon cylinders. It is particularly suitable for situations where the xenon cylinders or tanks have a large loading capacity and are cylindrical in shape without flanges or other mounting methods. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of space electric propulsion, xenon cylinders are generally mounted and fixed using clamp brackets or flanges. Compared to flanged cylinders, traditional fiber-wound cylinders have the advantages of simple structure and high strength. However, traditional fiber-wound cylinders are generally spherical, and radial constraint is usually provided by a single clamp bracket. This constraint method provides good constraint in the direction perpendicular to the clamp bracket, but the constraint in the direction parallel to the clamp bracket is relatively weak. In actual mechanical environment tests of single-clamp xenon cylinders, it was found that the fundamental frequency parallel to the clamp bracket is much lower than the fundamental frequency perpendicular to the clamp bracket. This is because, parallel to the clamp bracket, the inertial force during cylinder vibration cannot be directly transmitted to the clamp bracket screws, resulting in poor overall structural stiffness in this direction.

[0003] In some high-load electric propulsion systems, especially those with loads in the hundreds of kilograms range, the insufficient radial restraint of single-clamp supports is becoming increasingly apparent. In extreme cases, the overall rigidity falls below the allowable structural value, easily leading to resonance failure. Compared to typical single-unit and low-load gas cylinders, high-load gas cylinders are characterized by their large mass and high pressure. The design of the mounting structure is a crucial aspect of electric propulsion system design, and its reliability is inextricably linked to the safety and reliability of the entire spacecraft. To improve the structural reliability of high-load xenon cylinders, a structure is needed to provide reliable fixation.

[0004] The utility model patent with announcement number CN215662945U discloses a clamp structure for assisting hydrogen fuel cylinders on buses. However, it can only be applied to relatively light-weight scenarios such as hydrogen fuel cylinders and other conventional gas cylinders. It cannot provide reliable restraint for xenon cylinders weighing hundreds of kilograms. Moreover, the support of the bracket parallel to the mounting surface is weak. In addition, the cylinder mounting surface is parallel to the cylinder axis, making it unsuitable for use in certain specific environments.

[0005] No large-load xenon cylinder clamp fixing structure related to space electric propulsion systems has been found in the existing technology. At present, no descriptions or reports of similar technologies to this invention have been found, and no similar information has been collected at home and abroad.

[0006] In view of this, there is an urgent need to develop a clamp fixing structure for supporting xenon cylinders to fill the gaps and defects in the existing technology. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a clamp fixing structure for supporting xenon cylinders.

[0008] According to the present invention, a clamp fixing structure for supporting xenon cylinders is characterized in that it includes: a clamp bracket 1, a clamp strap 2, and a perforated rubber pad 4.

[0009] The hoop 2 passes through the clamp bracket 1 and surrounds the cylindrical section of the gas cylinder. The tightening device 3 at the end of the hoop 2 pulls the hoop 2 to make the clamp bracket 1 tightly hug the gas cylinder.

[0010] A perforated rubber pad 4 is used between the gas cylinder and the clamp bracket 1 as a buffer and gap compensation to compensate for the axial and radial deformation of the gas cylinder during the gas cylinder inflation process and to provide axial friction constraint.

[0011] Preferably, the clamp bracket 1 is fixed to the external structure by fasteners 5, forming a mounting surface perpendicular to the cylinder axis.

[0012] Preferably, there are multiple clamp brackets 1, and each clamp bracket 1 has circumferential and radial adjustment capabilities during the tightening of the clamp band 2.

[0013] Preferably, three clamp brackets 1 are provided and arranged in three directions of the gas cylinder to provide radial constraints from three directions respectively; each clamp bracket 1 can provide unidirectional radial constraints.

[0014] Preferably, the clamp 2 is bound to the clamp bracket 1 by the tightening device 3, so that the clamp bracket 1 in each direction is connected to the gas cylinder as a whole, and they restrain each other, so that the clamp bracket 1 in each direction can achieve circumferential and radial constraints.

[0015] Preferably, the tightening device 3 mainly consists of a screw and a clamp adapter shaft, and tightens the clamp 2 by tightening the screw.

[0016] Preferably, the mounting hole of the clamp bracket 1 is waist-shaped to accommodate circumferential and radial adjustments during the tightening process of the clamp 2.

[0017] Preferably, the clamp bracket 1 has a box-shaped structure, and the clamp strap 2 can pass through the box hole.

[0018] Preferably, the perforated rubber pad 4 is attached to the clamp bracket 1; the rigidity and deformation capacity of the perforated rubber pad 4 can be adjusted by different hole diameters, spacings and arrangements.

[0019] Preferably, titanium alloy corner boxes are used at both ends of the clamp bracket 1 to enhance its structural rigidity and strength.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0021] 1. Compared with the typical single-clamp support structure, the present invention provides radial constraints within a certain range through three clamp supports, covering 2 / 3 of the cylinder's radial direction and providing bidirectional constraints in all directions, achieving more than twice the coverage of a single clamp support.

[0022] 2. The invention has a simple structure. The clamp layout forms a stable mounting surface perpendicular to the cylinder axis, which facilitates reliable connection with the spacecraft structure.

[0023] 3. The clamp bracket is equipped with a waist-shaped mounting hole, which allows the clamp bracket to be adjusted circumferentially and radially during the tightening of the clamp, ensuring a good fit with the gas cylinder.

[0024] 4. By adjusting the hole diameter, spacing, and arrangement parameters of the perforated rubber pads, the installation rigidity is further ensured and the axial and radial deformation of the gas cylinder during filling is compensated.

[0025] 5. The reinforced design of the box-type clamp bracket and titanium alloy corner box significantly improves the structural rigidity and strength without significantly increasing the weight.

[0026] 6. The xenon cylinder clamp fixing structure proposed in this invention enables reliable installation of large-mass, high-pressure xenon cylinders. It is particularly suitable for xenon cylinders or storage tanks with large loading capacity, and for situations where the cylinder or storage tank has a smooth cylindrical exterior and lacks flanges or other installation conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Other features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a comparative schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention from multiple perspectives;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of the clamp strap through hole, perforated rubber pad, and tightening device of the clamp bracket of the present invention.

[0030] The diagram shows:

[0031] Detailed Implementation

[0032] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to specific embodiments. These embodiments will help those skilled in the art to further understand the present invention, but do not limit the invention in any way. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several changes and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention. These all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] A clamp fixing structure for supporting xenon cylinders includes: a clamp bracket 1, a clamp strap 2, a tightening device 3, and a perforated rubber pad 4. The clamp strap 2 passes through three points on the clamp bracket 1 and encircles the cylindrical section of the cylinder. The tightening device 3 at the end of the clamp strap 2 tightens the clamp strap 2, making the clamp bracket 1 tightly clamp the cylinder. The perforated rubber pad 4 is used between the cylinder and the clamp bracket 1 as a buffer and gap compensation, compensating for the axial and radial deformation of the cylinder during the filling process and providing a certain axial friction constraint. The clamp bracket 1 is fixed to the external structure by fasteners 5 to complete the installation.

[0034] Three clamp brackets 1 provide radial constraints from three directions. The clamp straps 2 are bound to the clamp brackets 1 via a tightening device 3, thus enabling bidirectional constraints for the clamp brackets 1 in each direction. Each clamp bracket 1 has a certain circumferential and radial adjustment capability during the tightening of the clamp straps 2. Therefore, the coverage angle of a single clamp bracket 1 should not be too large, and the mounting holes of the clamp brackets 1 are designed in an oblong shape to accommodate the circumferential and radial adjustment during the tightening of the clamp straps 2. Simultaneously, the clamp brackets 1 have a box-shaped structure, with the clamp straps 2 passing through the box holes. This design can significantly improve the bending rigidity of the clamp brackets 1 without significantly increasing weight, while also providing space for the tightening of the clamp straps 2.

[0035] The clamp bracket 1 and the gas cylinder bracket are filled with perforated rubber pads 4 to fill the gap between the gas cylinder and the bracket, and to compensate for the axial and radial deformation of the gas cylinder during filling. The perforated rubber pad 4 achieves adjustable rigidity and deformation capacity through different perforation arrangements. That is, by changing the hole diameter, spacing and arrangement of the perforated rubber pad 4, the rigidity of the perforated rubber pad 4 can have a certain adjustment capability.

[0036] This invention is particularly suitable for large-capacity xenon cylinders or tanks, especially those with a cylindrical external structure and lacking flanges or other mounting options. Three clamp brackets 1 provide radial support to the cylinder from three directions, simultaneously providing flange mounting surfaces perpendicular to the cylinder. Hoops 2 bind the three clamp brackets 1 to the cylinder as a single unit, transforming the unidirectional support in three directions into bidirectional constraints in each direction. Perforated rubber pads 4 serve as compensation devices for cylinder expansion, and different perforation designs achieve a balance between support and compensation. These parameters can be optimized through experiments and theoretical calculations to achieve a balance between ensuring the rigidity of the hoop 2 installation and absorbing the cylinder's inflation expansion.

[0037] The novel three-clamp support proposed in this invention has been tested and verified by mechanical tests. The results show that for a 200kg gas cylinder, the structural fundamental frequency reaches 120.8Hz, which meets the requirement of not less than 70Hz.

[0038] like Figure 1As shown, three clamp brackets 1 are arranged in three directions of the gas cylinder and fixed to the external structure by fasteners 5. Each clamp bracket 1 can provide unidirectional radial constraint within a certain range. Titanium alloy corner boxes are used at both ends of the clamp bracket 1 to enhance its structural rigidity and strength.

[0039] The clamp 2 is bound to the clamp bracket 1 by the tightening device 3, so that the clamp bracket 1 in each direction is connected to the gas cylinder as a whole, forming mutual restraint, thereby achieving bidirectional constraint as a whole.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, the clamp bracket 1 and the gas cylinder bracket are filled with perforated rubber pads 4, which are used to fill the gap between the gas cylinder and the bracket and to compensate for the axial and radial deformation of the gas cylinder during inflation. The perforated rubber pads 4 are attached to the clamp bracket 1.

[0041] The clamp 2 passes through the clamp bracket 1 and tightens the clamp bracket 1 to hold the gas cylinder. The tightening device 3 mainly consists of a screw and a clamp adapter shaft, which tightens the clamp by tightening the screw.

[0042] As described above, the xenon cylinder clamp fixing structure proposed in this invention enables reliable installation of large-mass, high-pressure xenon cylinders. This invention is particularly suitable for xenon cylinders or storage tanks with large loading capacity, and where the cylinder or storage tank has a smooth cylindrical exterior and lacks flanges or other installation conditions.

[0043] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0044] Specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications within the scope of the claims, which do not affect the essence of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be arbitrarily combined with each other.

Claims

1. A clamp fixing structure for supporting xenon cylinders, characterized in that, include: The clamp bracket (1), the clamp strap (2), and the perforated rubber pad (4) are included. The hoop (2) passes through the clamp bracket (1) and surrounds the cylindrical section of the gas cylinder. The clamp (2) is tightened by the tightening device (3) at the end of the hoop (2) so that the clamp bracket (1) tightly hugs the gas cylinder. A perforated rubber pad (4) is used between the gas cylinder and the clamp bracket (1) as a buffer and gap compensation to compensate for the axial and radial deformation of the gas cylinder during the gas cylinder inflation process and to provide axial friction constraint.

2. The xenon cylinder bearing clamp fixing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamp bracket (1) is fixed to the external structure by fasteners (5) to form a mounting surface perpendicular to the cylinder axis.

3. The xenon cylinder bearing clamp fixing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are multiple clamp brackets (1), and each clamp bracket (1) has circumferential and radial adjustment capabilities during the tightening process of the clamp band (2).

4. The xenon cylinder bearing clamp fixing structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The clamp brackets (1) are provided in three directions, and are arranged in three directions of the gas cylinder to provide radial constraints from the three directions respectively; each clamp bracket (1) can provide unidirectional radial constraints.

5. The xenon cylinder bearing clamp fixing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamp (2) is bound to the clamp bracket (1) by the tightening device (3), so that the clamp bracket (1) in each direction is connected to the gas cylinder as a whole, forming mutual restraint, so that the clamp bracket (1) in each direction can achieve circumferential and radial constraints.

6. The xenon cylinder bearing clamp fixing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tightening device (3) mainly consists of a screw and a belt adapter shaft, which tightens the belt (2) by tightening the screw.

7. The xenon cylinder bearing clamp fixing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting holes of the clamp bracket (1) are waist-shaped to accommodate circumferential and radial adjustments during the tightening process of the clamp (2).

8. The xenon cylinder bearing clamp fixing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamp bracket (1) is a box-shaped structure, and the clamp strap (2) can pass through the box hole.

9. The xenon cylinder bearing clamp fixing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The perforated rubber pad (4) is attached to the clamp bracket (1); the rigidity and deformation capacity of the perforated rubber pad (4) can be adjusted by different hole diameters, spacing and arrangement.

10. The xenon cylinder bearing clamp fixing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamp bracket (1) is reinforced with titanium alloy corner boxes at both ends to enhance its structural rigidity and strength.

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