A multifunctional hall thruster test device

The integrated Hall thruster testing device enables automated assembly and testing of Hall thrusters, solving the problems of long testing time and large errors in existing technologies, and improving testing efficiency and product reliability.

CN122283295APending Publication Date: 2026-06-26LANZHOU HUAYU HIGH TECH APPL DEV +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202610437279.2
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2026-04-03
Publication Date
2026-06-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The testing and assembly process of Hall thrusters is cumbersome and involves numerous devices, resulting in long testing times, large testing errors, and fragmented data that needs to be manually compiled, making it difficult to meet the requirements for high reliability and consistency.

Method used

Design a multifunctional Hall thruster testing device. The integrated design realizes the integrated automatic operation of assembly and testing. It adopts a main rotation mechanism, a secondary rotation mechanism, a clamping mechanism, an image acquisition component and an electric detection unit to automatically identify the assembly status and detect electrical and magnetic field parameters. The data is automatically uploaded to the MES system.

Benefits of technology

It improves the assembly efficiency and real-time testing process of Hall thrusters, reduces human error, ensures the real-time nature and consistency of data, and improves product quality and reliability.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

This application discloses a multifunctional Hall thruster testing device, including a base, a main rotating mechanism, a secondary rotating mechanism, a clamping mechanism, an image acquisition component, and an electrical detection unit. The clamping mechanism is connected to the base via the main rotating mechanism and is used to adapt and fix the Hall thruster under test. The main rotating mechanism drives the clamping mechanism to complete the angle adjustment between itself and the thruster under test. The secondary rotating mechanism drives the detection components of the image acquisition component and the electrical detection unit to perform detection operations. The image acquisition component automatically identifies the assembly state and surface defects of the thruster under test and outputs the detection results. The electrical detection unit completes the detection of the electrical and magnetic field parameters of the thruster under test. Belonging to the field of electric propulsion technology, this structure can achieve integrated automatic operation of assembly and testing through integrated design.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electric propulsion technology. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the accelerated commercialization of satellites, declining production costs, and a surge in missions for various models, the demand for Hall thrusters has increased significantly. This auxiliary equipment can greatly improve the production and testing efficiency of thrusters.

[0003] Electric propulsion systems can achieve functions such as satellite orbit change and on-orbit position maintenance. They have advantages such as high specific impulse and high utilization efficiency, and are suitable for mass production, making them highly favored by satellite manufacturers.

[0004] With the rapid increase in demand for commercial satellites both domestically and internationally in recent years, the demand for Hall thrusters has continued to rise. The non-repairable and long-life characteristics of satellites place stringent requirements on the high reliability and consistency of Hall thrusters.

[0005] However, the Hall thruster testing and assembly process is cumbersome and requires a lot of equipment, resulting in long assembly time, large testing errors, and scattered data that inspection personnel need to manually summarize and enter into the MES system.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a multifunctional Hall thruster testing device to solve the problems in the existing technology. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a multifunctional Hall thruster testing device that can achieve integrated automatic operation of assembly and testing through integrated design, and has a simple structure and is easy to use, so as to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A multifunctional Hall thruster testing device includes a base, a main rotation mechanism, a secondary rotation mechanism, a clamping mechanism, an image acquisition component, and an electrical detection unit. The clamping mechanism is connected to the base via the main rotation mechanism and is used to adapt and fix the Hall thruster under test. The main rotation mechanism drives the clamping mechanism to complete the angle adjustment between itself and the thruster under test. The secondary rotation mechanism drives the detection components of the image acquisition component and the electrical detection unit to perform detection operations. The image acquisition component automatically identifies the assembly state and surface defects of the thruster under test and outputs the detection results. The electrical detection unit completes the detection of the electrical and magnetic field parameters of the thruster under test.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solutions, an integrated Hall thruster testing device is constructed to realize the adaptation and clamping of the thruster under test, multi-angle adjustment, automatic identification of assembly status and defects, and integrated detection of electrical and magnetic field parameters, thus completing the collaborative operation of assembly and testing.

[0010] As a further aspect of the present invention: the power detection unit is arranged inside the base, the image acquisition component and the secondary rotation mechanism are located on the top of the base, and the main rotation mechanism is installed in the middle of the base.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solutions, the core modules of the device are divided into zones for layout, the overall spatial structure is optimized, the operation of each component does not interfere with each other, and the spatial rationality of the device's operation is improved.

[0012] As a further aspect of the present invention, the power detection unit comprises a power supply module, a testing module, and a magnetic field detection module.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solutions, the core components of the power detection unit are defined, providing basic functional support for the device in terms of power supply, electrical parameter testing, and magnetic field detection, thereby achieving comprehensive power performance testing.

[0014] As a further aspect of the present invention, the detection probe of the magnetic field detection module is fixedly connected to the secondary rotation mechanism and can be finely adjusted in position along with the secondary rotation mechanism.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the magnetic field detection probe can be flexibly and finely adjusted in position with the auxiliary rotating mechanism, thereby improving the accuracy and full-range coverage of magnetic field parameter detection.

[0016] As a further aspect of the present invention, the power supply module, the testing module, and the magnetic field detection module are arranged in a hierarchical manner inside the base.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solutions, the modules of the power detection unit are arranged in a neat and orderly manner, the internal space utilization of the base is optimized, and the convenience of module disassembly, assembly, and maintenance is improved.

[0018] As a further aspect of the present invention, the power detection unit is connected to the main rotating mechanism, the secondary rotating mechanism, the image acquisition component, and the thruster under test via a docking electrical connector.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the use of mating electrical connectors enables rapid connection of circuits of various components, ensuring the reliability of electrical connections and improving the efficiency of device assembly and debugging.

[0020] As a further aspect of the present invention, the base is characterized by being equipped with a cable management system, which is distributed within the base and in the central region.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, cable management structures are configured in multiple areas of the base, providing a basis for the orderly storage of cables and reducing the risk of cable entanglement and interference from the layout.

[0022] As a further aspect of the present invention, the cable management system is characterized by being a snap-on bracket used to fasten and fix cables to avoid tangling and interference.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, the cable is fixed with a snap-on bracket, which completely avoids cable entanglement and interference, thereby improving the safety of device operation and overall work efficiency.

[0024] As a further aspect of the present invention, the image acquisition component integrates a visual recognition and data processing unit, which can automatically determine the assembly position and surface defects of the thruster under test and simultaneously test the data.

[0025] By adopting the above technical solutions, the image acquisition component can automatically complete detection and judgment and data synchronization, realize automated processing of detection results, and ensure data real-time performance and traceability.

[0026] As a further aspect of the present invention, the clamping mechanism is characterized by being an adaptive structure that is compatible with clamping and fixing Hall thrusters of various sizes.

[0027] By adopting the above technical solution, an adaptive clamping mechanism is used to adapt to the clamping of multiple specifications of thrusters, thereby improving the universal adaptability of the device and meeting the batch testing needs of different types of thrusters.

[0028] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: 1. This invention integrates the assembly process and testing function of the Hall thruster into a dedicated device, thereby achieving convenient assembly operations and real-time testing, which greatly improves overall work efficiency.

[0029] 2. This invention, through advanced sensor modules and data processing systems, ensures high assembly accuracy, timely acquisition of test data, and automatic uploading to the MES platform, effectively avoiding data delays or loss.

[0030] 3. This invention ensures high consistency and repeatability of thruster measurements through standardized testing protocols. By reducing manual operation steps, it significantly reduces the risk of subjective error and further improves product quality and reliability.

[0031] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be disclosed in detail in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a multifunctional Hall thruster testing device in one state according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a multifunctional Hall thruster testing device in state two according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a multifunctional Hall thruster testing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 Enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point A in the middle; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a multifunctional Hall thruster testing device from a frontal view in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a multifunctional Hall thruster testing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 Enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point B; In the diagram: 1. Base; 2. Clamping mechanism; 3. Power detection unit; 31. Power supply; 32. Tester; 33. Gaussmeter; 331. Gaussmeter probe; 4. Main rotating mechanism; 5. Cable; 6. Image acquisition component; 7. Secondary rotating mechanism; 8. Cable bracket; 9. Electric thruster. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] This application provides a multifunctional Hall thruster testing device, which aims to achieve integrated automatic operation of assembly and testing through integrated design.

[0035] The equipment uses a main and auxiliary rotating mechanism to adjust the thruster angle, and a clamping mechanism to firmly fix different types of thrusters. The power detection unit accurately performs electrical parameter detection, and the image acquisition component uses visual recognition to automatically determine the assembly position and test results, and uploads the data to the MES system in real time. This significantly reduces manual intervention, shortens assembly time, reduces test errors, and ensures data consistency and traceability.

[0036] In addition, its modular design facilitates maintenance and upgrades, and is suitable for mass production and quality inspection of various Hall thrusters.

[0037] In practice, the base adopts a high-strength aluminum alloy structure; the main rotating mechanism integrates a stepper motor to achieve 360-degree rotation positioning; the auxiliary rotating mechanism has a fine-tuning function; the clamping mechanism is equipped with adaptive clamps to accommodate various thruster sizes; the image acquisition component is equipped with a high-resolution industrial camera and AI image processing algorithms to automatically detect surface defects, assembly positions, and test results of the thrusters; the power detection unit incorporates a programmable power supply, a multi-channel tester, and a digital gaussmeter, enabling quick plugging and unplugging via standard electrical connectors to ensure the reliability and repeatability of the tests. The equipment also features a cable management system, including a dedicated cable base inside the base and in the middle, effectively preventing cable entanglement from interfering with operation and further improving overall efficiency and safety.

[0038] In this embodiment of the invention, a multifunctional Hall thruster testing device is provided, such as... Figures 1-5 As shown, this application provides a multifunctional Hall thruster testing device, including a base 1, a clamping mechanism 2, an electrical detection unit 3, a main rotation mechanism 4, a cable 5, an image acquisition component 6, a secondary rotation mechanism 7, a cable bracket 8, and an electric thruster 9.

[0039] The power detection unit is located inside the base; the image acquisition component is located on top of the base; the secondary rotation mechanism is located above the base; the main rotation mechanism is installed in the middle of the base; and the clamping mechanism is connected to the base through the main rotation mechanism. This application integrates the assembly process and testing functions of the Hall thruster onto a dedicated device, achieving convenient assembly operations and real-time testing, thereby significantly improving overall work efficiency. The device is equipped with advanced sensor modules and a data processing system, ensuring high assembly accuracy, timely test data acquisition, and automatic uploading to the MES platform, effectively avoiding data delays or loss. Simultaneously, standardized testing protocols guarantee high consistency and repeatability of thruster measurements, significantly reducing the risk of subjective errors by minimizing manual operations, further improving product quality and reliability.

[0040] The specific layout is as follows: the power detection unit is arranged inside the base; the clamping mechanism is fixed to the center of the base through the main rotation mechanism; and the image acquisition component and the probe of the power detection unit are arranged on the upper part of the base.

[0041] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, cable brackets 8 are also provided on the outer surface of the base 1. The cable brackets 8 are respectively provided on the side wall and the central part of the base 1 for fixing the cable 5. This ensures that the cable 5 led out from the power detection unit can be stably fixed on the base 1, ensuring the connection between the power detection unit 3, the image acquisition component 6, and the electric thruster 9. The number of cable brackets 8 is selected according to the actual length of the cable 5. The shape of the cable brackets 8 is preferably a snap-fit ​​type, which snaps the cable 9 onto the outer wall surface of the base 1.

[0042] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, the power detection unit 3 includes a power supply 31, a tester 32, a gaussmeter 33, and a gaussmeter probe 331, wherein: the power supply 31 is connected to the tester 32 via a cable; the power supply 31 is connected to the gaussmeter 33 via a cable; the power supply 31 is located inside the base 1, the tester 32 is located above the power supply 31, the gaussmeter 33 is located above the tester 32, and the gaussmeter probe 331 is located on the top of the base 1.

[0043] Furthermore, the power detection unit 3 is connected to the image acquisition component 6 and the electric thruster 9 via electrical connectors. The power detection unit 3 is mainly used for the control of the overall equipment, including the control of the rotating mechanism and the power supply to each module. It is preferable to use electrical connectors to install the cables at each connection port, which facilitates subsequent installation and replacement.

[0044] Furthermore, the image acquisition component 6 is located on top of the base 1.

[0045] This invention provides a multifunctional Hall thruster testing device that can achieve integrated automatic operation of assembly and testing through integrated design.

[0046] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0047] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A multifunctional Hall thruster testing device, characterized in that, The device includes a base (1), a main rotating mechanism (4), a secondary rotating mechanism (7), a clamping mechanism (2), an image acquisition component (6), and an electric detection unit (3). The clamping mechanism (2) is connected to the base (1) through the main rotating mechanism (4) and is used to adapt and fix the Hall thruster under test. The main rotating mechanism (4) drives the clamping mechanism (2) to complete the angle adjustment with the thruster under test. The secondary rotating mechanism (7) drives the detection components of the image acquisition component (6) and the electric detection unit (3) to perform detection operations. The image acquisition component (6) automatically identifies the assembly status and surface defects of the thruster under test and outputs the detection results. The electric detection unit (3) completes the detection of the electrical and magnetic field parameters of the thruster under test.

2. The multifunctional Hall thruster testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power detection unit (3) is arranged inside the base (1), the image acquisition component (6) and the secondary rotation mechanism (7) are set on the top of the base (1), and the main rotation mechanism (4) is installed in the middle of the base (1).

3. The multifunctional Hall thruster testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power detection unit (3) includes a power supply module, a testing module and a magnetic field detection module.

4. The multifunctional Hall thruster testing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The detection probe of the magnetic field detection module is fixedly connected to the secondary rotation mechanism (7), and its position is finely adjusted with the secondary rotation mechanism (7).

5. The multifunctional Hall thruster testing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The power supply module, testing module, and magnetic field detection module are distributed in a hierarchical manner inside the base (1).

6. The multifunctional Hall thruster testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power detection unit (3) is connected to the main rotating mechanism (4), the auxiliary rotating mechanism (7), the image acquisition component (6), and the thruster under test through a docking electrical connector.

7. The multifunctional Hall thruster testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base (1) is equipped with a cable (5) management system, which is distributed inside the base (1) and in the central area.

8. The multifunctional Hall thruster testing device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The cable (5) management system is a snap-on bracket used to fasten and fix the cable to avoid tangling and interference.

9. The multifunctional Hall thruster testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The image acquisition component (6) includes a visual recognition and data processing unit, which automatically determines the assembly position and surface defects of the thruster under test and tests the data synchronously.

10. A multifunctional Hall thruster testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping mechanism (2) includes an adaptive structure that is compatible with clamping and fixing Hall thrusters of any size.