An air path assembly for a thrust vectoring adjustment mechanism
By using a coaxial spiral design for the inner and outer pipes and a clamping device for the insulating material, the problems of poor pipe deformation capacity and resonance in the thrust vector adjustment mechanism are solved. This results in a pneumatic circuit assembly with high rigidity, insulation, and flexibility, ensuring the normal operation and safety of the electric thruster.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- AUSTEN TECH BEIJING CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-09
Smart Images

Figure CN121493289B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of electric propulsion for spacecraft, and in particular to an air path assembly for a thrust vector adjustment mechanism. Background Technology
[0002] The thrust vector adjustment mechanism is used to adjust the thrust vector in one or two dimensions of an electric propulsion system. It serves as the mechanical support and adjustment device for the electric thruster. The mechanism uses upper and lower frames and a central ring as structural components, with a drive assembly providing the power source and controlling the rotational degrees of freedom in two directions. The air circuit assembly connects to the thruster's anode and cathode air circuits to supply the working propellant. By using a central ring to adjust the rotation of the upper frame, the thruster can be oriented in any direction within its stroke range, thereby changing the thrust direction.
[0003] As a spacecraft mechanism, the most critical reliability design aspects of the thrust vectoring control mechanism include pipeline design. Existing pipelines employ a central through-type design, which causes abrupt changes in the pipeline curvature radius during mechanism rotation, resulting in a limited range of rotation. Especially when the mechanism is in extreme positions, the pipeline is forced to bend, increasing deformation resistance and making it prone to breakage. Furthermore, existing pipeline designs are ill-suited to resisting vibrations generated by the spacecraft's active section, leading to loosening of pipeline connections. This can affect the normal operation of the electric thruster and even pose serious safety hazards. Summary of the Invention
[0004] This invention provides an air path assembly for a thrust vector adjustment mechanism, which can accommodate the rotation of the thrust vector adjustment mechanism and effectively resist pipeline resonance, ensuring the normal operation of the thruster.
[0005] The technical problem faced by this application is that the existing pipeline design has poor deformation ability to adapt to the steering of the thrust vector adjustment mechanism and is prone to pipeline resonance.
[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0007] The present invention provides an air path assembly for a thrust vector adjustment mechanism, comprising:
[0008] Two fixed flanges are provided. The upper fixed flange is connected to the upper frame of the thrust vector adjustment mechanism, and the lower fixed flange is connected to the lower frame of the thrust vector adjustment mechanism.
[0009] The inner and outer pipes pass through two fixed flanges. The lower ends of the inner and outer pipes pass through the fixed flanges to connect to the working fluid storage tank, and the upper ends pass through the fixed flanges to connect to the anode and cathode of the thruster. The area between the fixed flanges of the inner and outer pipes is designed in a coaxial spiral shape, and the inner pipe is located inside the outer pipe.
[0010] The fixed terminal is located between the outermost spiral section and the fixed flange. One end of the terminal is fixedly connected to the fixed flange, and the other end is connected to the inner and outer pipes.
[0011] Fixing clamps are used to hold the inner and outer pipes of each spiral segment, and multiple clamps are provided at circumferential intervals along each spiral segment.
[0012] By adopting the above-mentioned scheme, this application provides high-strength and high-rigidity end fixing constraints for the inner and outer pipes through fixed flanges and fixed terminals, laying the foundation for pipe anti-resonance. Then, with the help of fixing clamps, each layer of spiral segment is divided into multiple segments to change the natural vibration frequency of the pipe. When a certain vibration frequency exists, the natural frequency of the pipe can be effectively avoided, thus preventing pipe resonance. At the same time, the inner and outer pipes in the gas circuit assembly adopt a spring-like spiral design, which can prevent the pipe from yielding due to excessive stress during bending, thereby improving the driving torque and driving margin of the mechanism.
[0013] The present invention provides an air path assembly for a thrust vector adjustment mechanism, wherein the fixing clamps are evenly spaced along the circumferential intervals of each spiral segment.
[0014] By adopting the above scheme, the inner and outer pipes are clamped and fixed with a fixing clamp, and each spiral segment is divided into multiple segments, changing the natural frequency of the pipe. When a certain vibration frequency exists, the natural frequency of the pipe can be effectively avoided, thus preventing pipe resonance.
[0015] The present invention provides an air path assembly for a thrust vector adjustment mechanism. Further, there is a gap between the inner pipe and the outer pipe, and two mounting slots are provided on the fixing clamp, with the inner pipe and the outer pipe respectively disposed in the two mounting slots and separated.
[0016] By adopting the above solution, the inner and outer pipes are separated by fixing clips and fixing terminals, which avoids the vibration of the two pipes affecting each other and reduces the impact of pipe resonance.
[0017] The present invention provides an air path assembly for a thrust vector adjustment mechanism. Further, the fixed terminal is provided with two mounting slots, and the inner pipe and the outer pipe are respectively disposed in the two mounting slots and separated.
[0018] By adopting the above solution, the inner and outer pipes are separated by fixing clips and fixing terminals, which avoids the vibration of the two pipes affecting each other and reduces the impact of pipe resonance.
[0019] The present invention provides an air path assembly for a thrust vector adjustment mechanism. Further, the fixing clamp includes an upper clamping part and a lower clamping part, one end of the upper clamping part and the lower clamping part are hinged together, and the other end is detachably connected; the upper clamping part and the lower clamping part are provided with corresponding mounting grooves.
[0020] The present invention provides an air path assembly for a thrust vector adjustment mechanism. Further, one end of the upper clamping part and the lower clamping part are provided with a fixing groove, and the other end of the upper clamping part is provided with a fixing lug. The fixing lug of the upper clamping part is inserted into the fixing groove of the lower clamping part and hinged by a pin; the fixing lug of the lower clamping part is inserted into the fixing groove of the upper clamping part and fastened by screws.
[0021] By adopting the above method, when pipe installation is required, the open end of the fixing clamp is passed through the pipe, ensuring that the pipe is located within the arc groove of the fixing clamp; screws are then screwed into the bolt holes at the other end of the pipe fixing clamp and tightened, so that the pipe fixing clamp fits tightly against the pipe surface, thus completing the pipe fixing. When disassembling the pipe, the reverse steps are followed: first loosen the screws at one end, open the pipe fixing clamp, and remove it from the pipe.
[0022] Throughout the operation, the simple structure and convenient operation of the fixing device enable the rapid and efficient installation and disassembly of pipelines. Simultaneously, the fixing device stably clamps the pipeline, effectively resisting pipeline resonance.
[0023] The present invention provides an air circuit assembly for a thrust vector adjustment mechanism. Further, the fixed terminal includes an upper terminal and a lower terminal, which are detachably connected by screws. The lower terminal is fixed to a fixed flange, and the upper terminal and the lower terminal are provided with corresponding mounting grooves.
[0024] By adopting the above solution, the structure is simple and easy to install and dismantle, which can effectively solve the problem of pipeline resonance.
[0025] The present invention provides an air path assembly for a thrust vector adjustment mechanism, wherein the inner pipe and the outer pipe extend from opposite sides of the fixed flange, respectively.
[0026] The present invention provides an air circuit assembly for a thrust vector adjustment mechanism, wherein the fixed flange, fixed terminal and fixed clamp are all made of insulating material.
[0027] By adopting the above solution, the fixed flange, fixed terminal, and fixed clamp in the gas circuit assembly are made of insulating material, which effectively isolates the internal and external pipelines and other structural components.
[0028] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:
[0029] This application provides high-strength, high-rigidity end-fixing constraints for the inner and outer pipes using fixed flanges and fixed terminals, laying the foundation for pipe resonance resistance. Then, with the help of fixing clamps, each spiral segment is divided into multiple equal segments, changing the pipe's natural vibration frequency. When a certain vibration frequency exists, it can effectively avoid the pipe's natural frequency, preventing pipe resonance. The fixing clamps and fixed terminals separate the inner and outer pipes, preventing their vibrations from affecting each other and reducing the impact of pipe resonance. The pneumatic assembly proposed in this application features high flexibility and low deformation resistance. The inner and outer pipes in the pneumatic assembly adopt a spring-like spiral design, which can prevent excessive stress and yielding during pipe bending, improving the driving torque and driving margin of the mechanism. Simultaneously, the pipes undergo heat treatment to make them as soft as possible, further improving pipe flexibility. When the mechanism rotates, the pipes move accordingly with the rotation of the upper frame. The pneumatic assembly proposed in this application features strong insulation. The fixed flanges, fixed terminals, and fixing clamps in the pneumatic assembly are made of insulating materials, effectively isolating the inner and outer pipes and other structural components. The invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;
[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the fixing clip structure of the present invention.
[0032] Figure label:
[0033] 1. Inner pipe; 2. Outer pipe; 3. Fixed flange; 4. Fixed terminal; 4.1. Upper terminal; 4.2. Lower terminal; 5. Fixed clamp; 5.1. Upper clamping part; 5.2. Lower clamping part; 5.3. Mounting groove; 5.4. Fixed groove; 5.5. Fixed ear plate. Detailed Implementation
[0034] like Figures 1-2 As shown, the present invention discloses a gas path assembly for a thrust vector adjustment mechanism, wherein the thrust vector adjustment mechanism is disposed between the thruster and the satellite, the satellite has a mechanical interface fixed to the lower frame of the thrust vector adjustment mechanism, the upper frame of the thrust vector adjustment mechanism is connected to the thruster, and the working propellant storage tank is disposed inside the satellite. The thrust vector adjustment mechanism includes an upper frame and a lower frame.
[0035] The pneumatic circuit assembly includes a fixed flange 3, an inner pipe 1, an outer pipe 2, a fixed terminal 4, and a fixed clamp 5. Two fixed flanges 3 are provided and are coaxially arranged. The upper fixed flange 3 is fixedly connected to the upper frame of the thrust vector adjustment mechanism by screws, and the lower fixed flange 3 is fixedly connected to the lower frame of the thrust vector adjustment mechanism by screws, thereby realizing the fixed connection between the pneumatic circuit assembly and the thrust vector adjustment mechanism.
[0036] Inner pipe 1 and outer pipe 2 pass through two fixed flanges 3, and emerge from opposite sides of the fixed flanges 3 respectively. The lower ends of inner pipe 1 and outer pipe 2 pass through the fixed flanges 3 and connect to the working fluid storage tank, while the upper ends pass through the fixed flanges 3 and connect to the anode and cathode of the thruster. The area between the fixed flanges 3 of inner pipe 1 and outer pipe 2 is designed in a coaxial spiral shape, dividing inner pipe 1 and outer pipe 2 into multiple spiral segments, with inner pipe 1 located inside outer pipe 2, and a gap existing between inner pipe 1 and outer pipe 2. By designing inner pipe 1 and outer pipe 2 as spirals, the fixed flanges 3 connect inner pipe 1 and outer pipe 2 to the upper and lower frames of the thrust vector adjustment mechanism. When the thrust vector adjustment mechanism rotates, inner pipe 1 and outer pipe 2 can also swing accordingly, solving the problem of poor deformation capacity of existing pipe designs to adapt to the turning direction of the thrust vector adjustment mechanism.
[0037] Fixed terminal 4 is located between the outermost spiral section and fixed flange 3. One end of it is fixedly connected to fixed flange 3, and the other end is connected to inner pipe 1 and outer pipe 2, fixing the ends of inner pipe 1 and outer pipe 2 to fixed flange 3. Fixed terminal 4 includes upper terminal 4.1 and lower terminal 4.2. Upper terminal 4.1 is covered by lower terminal 4.2 and is detachably connected by screws. Lower terminal 4.2 is fixedly connected to fixed flange 3. The fixed connection is made by connecting piece or the lower terminal and fixed flange are integrally formed. Upper terminal 4.1 and lower terminal 4.2 are provided with semi-circular mounting grooves 5.3 with corresponding positions. There are two mounting grooves 5.3. Inner pipe 1 and outer pipe 2 are respectively located in the two mounting grooves 5.3 and separated.
[0038] The fixing clamps 5 are clamped on the inner pipe 1 and outer pipe 2 of each spiral segment, and multiple clamps are evenly spaced along the circumference of each spiral segment. This application uses three clamps as an example. The fixing clamps 5 include an upper clamping part 5.1 and a lower clamping part 5.2. The upper clamping part 5.1 and the lower clamping part 5.2 are respectively provided with corresponding mounting grooves 5.3. The inner pipe 1 and the outer pipe 2 are respectively separated in the two mounting grooves 5.3. The upper clamping part 5.1 and the lower clamping part 5.2 are hinged at one end and detachably connected at the other end. Specifically, one end of the upper clamping part 5.1 and the lower clamping part 5.2 are provided with a fixing groove 5.4, and the other end is provided with a fixing ear plate 5.5. The fixing ear plate 5.5 of the upper clamping part 5.1 is inserted into the fixing groove 5.4 of the lower clamping part 5.2 and hinged by a pin. The fixing ear plate 5.5 of the lower clamping part 5.2 is inserted into the fixing groove 5.4 of the upper clamping part 5.1 and fastened by screws. The outermost spiral segment has a fixed terminal 4 that replaces the fixed clip 5 in the same position.
[0039] In addition, the fixed flange 3, fixed terminal 4 and fixed clamp 5 are all made of insulating materials, such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE); elastic gaskets can also be set in the mounting groove 5.3 to absorb pipeline vibration and suppress pipeline resonance.
[0040] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention should fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of the present invention.
Claims
1. A pneumatic circuit assembly for a thrust vector adjustment mechanism, characterized in that, include: Fixed flange (3), two are provided, the upper fixed flange (3) is connected to the upper frame of the thrust vector adjustment mechanism, and the lower fixed flange (3) is connected to the lower frame of the thrust vector adjustment mechanism; An inner pipe (1) and an outer pipe (2) pass through two fixed flanges (3). The lower ends of the inner pipe (1) and the outer pipe (2) pass through the fixed flanges (3) to connect with the working fluid storage tank, and the upper ends pass through the fixed flanges (3) to connect with the anode and cathode of the thruster. The area between the inner pipe (1) and the outer pipe (2) is designed in a coaxial spiral shape, and the inner pipe (1) is located inside the outer pipe (2). A fixed terminal (4) is located between the outermost spiral section and the fixed flange (3). One end of the terminal is fixedly connected to the fixed flange (3), and the other end is connected to the inner pipe (1) and the outer pipe (2). The fixed terminal (4) is provided with two mounting slots (5.3). The inner pipe (1) and the outer pipe (2) are respectively located in the two mounting slots (5.3) of the fixed terminal (4) and separated from each other. A fixing clamp (5) is clamped on the inner pipe (1) and outer pipe (2) of each spiral segment, and multiple clamps are arranged at intervals along the circumference of each spiral segment; there is a gap between the inner pipe (1) and the outer pipe (2), and two mounting grooves (5.3) are provided on the fixing clamp (5), and the inner pipe (1) and the outer pipe (2) are respectively separated in the two mounting grooves (5.3) of the fixing clamp (5); the inner pipe (1) and the outer pipe (2) respectively pass out from opposite sides of the fixing flange (3).
2. The pneumatic assembly for a thrust vector adjustment mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing clips (5) are evenly spaced along the circumferential intervals of each spiral segment.
3. The pneumatic assembly for a thrust vector adjustment mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing clamp (5) includes an upper clamping part (5.1) and a lower clamping part (5.2). The upper clamping part (5.1) and the lower clamping part (5.2) are hinged at one end and detachably connected at the other end. The upper clamping part (5.1) and the lower clamping part (5.2) are provided with corresponding mounting grooves (5.3).
4. The pneumatic assembly for a thrust vector adjustment mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, Both the upper clamping part (5.1) and the lower clamping part (5.2) have a fixing groove (5.4) at one end and a fixing ear plate (5.5) at the other end. The fixing ear plate (5.5) of the upper clamping part (5.1) is inserted into the fixing groove (5.4) of the lower clamping part (5.2) and hinged by a pin. The fixing ear plate (5.5) of the lower clamping part (5.2) is inserted into the fixing groove (5.4) of the upper clamping part (5.1) and fastened by screws.
5. The pneumatic assembly for a thrust vector adjustment mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed terminal (4) includes an upper terminal (4.1) and a lower terminal (4.2). The upper terminal (4.1) and the lower terminal (4.2) are detachably connected by screws. The lower terminal (4.2) is fixed on the fixed flange (3). The upper terminal (4.1) and the lower terminal (4.2) are provided with corresponding mounting grooves (5.3).
6. The pneumatic assembly for a thrust vector adjustment mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed flange (3), fixed terminal (4) and fixed clamp (5) are all made of insulating material.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
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