A manned microgravity simulation device

Abstract

The application provides a manned microgravity simulation device and belongs to the field of aerospace. The device comprises an air floating platform, a swing platform, a rotary platform, a driving wheel, a zero-gravity seat and a double compression spring connecting mechanism. The air floating platform is provided with uniformly distributed air feet and universal driving wheels at the bottom. The swing platform is connected with the air floating platform through swing joints at both ends. The rotary platform is connected with the swing platform through a rotary joint. The rotary platform is connected with the zero-gravity seat through the double compression spring connecting mechanism and a six-dimensional force sensor. One end of the six-dimensional force sensor is fixedly connected with the rotary platform, and the other end is connected with the bottom of the seat base through a spring. One end of the double compression spring connecting mechanism is hingedly connected with the seat base through a hinge support, and the other end is fixedly connected with the rotary platform through a compression spring support frame. The microgravity simulation device has low requirements for passengers and high comfort, and is helpful for the popularization and application of the ground microgravity simulation device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of aerospace, and more specifically, relates to a manned microgravity simulation device. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of my country's manned spaceflight technology, especially since the completion of the Chinese space station, my country's national strength and the allure of space have become increasingly prominent. More and more ordinary people are attracted to the wonders of space, and many even dream of space travel. However, space travel is costly, has strict requirements, and takes a long time. If ordinary people want to experience the space environment, especially the microgravity environment, they can rely on ground-based microgravity simulation devices.

[0003] Among existing ground-based methods for simulating microgravity, the drop tower method, parabolic flight method, and sounding rocket method offer the highest simulation accuracy, essentially simulating all characteristics under microgravity. However, they are expensive and have extremely short simulation times, making them unsuitable for widespread commercial applications. The neutral water flotation method, with a relatively moderate cost, can perform three-dimensional microgravity simulations, but water resistance and turbulence affect the dynamic characteristics of the tested equipment. Furthermore, water flotation is complex to operate and time-consuming, also making it unsuitable for commercial use. Other relatively low-cost and more widely used methods, such as air flotation, suspension, and static equilibrium, while unable to provide vertical support for all parts of the body (especially the head and arms), still offer effective and highly reliable microgravity simulations on horizontal planes. They can effectively simulate on-orbit missions such as microgravity operation of space robotic arms, astronauts exiting hatches, and astronauts climbing trusses.

[0004] Existing ground-based microgravity simulation technologies have limitations, but we can design microgravity simulation devices that are designed to complement the specific environmental scenarios astronauts experience in orbit. This allows passengers to be physically and psychologically immersed in the on-orbit mission scenario, experiencing firsthand the state of astronauts in a microgravity environment and thus leaving a lasting impression.

[0005] The applicant's invention patent 201410720257.4, filed in 2014, provides a method for verifying collision algorithms for a space robotic arm based on a microgravity simulation system. The microgravity simulation system includes hardware components: an air-floating platform, a robotic arm system, a target satellite system, and an industrial control computer; and software components: robotic arm control software and data acquisition and analysis software. The robotic arm system and the target satellite system are each equipped with air chambers at their bottoms, allowing them to simulate free-floating in space after ventilation. This system is primarily designed for robotic arms. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned defects or improvement needs of the existing technology, the present invention provides a manned microgravity simulation device. The overall system has 5 degrees of freedom, and each degree of freedom can be actively controlled. The microgravity simulation device has low requirements for passenger riding and high riding comfort while ensuring microgravity experience, which helps to promote the application of ground microgravity simulation devices.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve its technical problem is:

[0008] A manned microgravity simulation device includes: an air-floating platform, a swing platform, a rotating platform, drive wheels, a zero-gravity seat, and a dual-compression spring connection mechanism. The air-floating platform has evenly distributed air feet at its bottom, as well as omnidirectional drive wheels.

[0009] The air-floating platform is equipped with a control system (air foot pressure control system and joint control system). When the air foot is working, it can suspend the entire simulation device off the ground. The universal drive wheel has telescopic capability. When the air-floating platform is suspended and needs to be driven or braked, the drive wheel extends and contacts the ground. When the air-floating platform needs to float freely, the drive wheel retracts and lifts off the ground.

[0010] The two ends of the swing platform are connected to the air-floating platform via swing joints; the rotary platform is connected to the swing platform via a rotary joint, and the rotary joint is installed at the center of the groove of the swing platform; the rotary platform is connected to the zero-gravity seat via a double compression spring connecting mechanism and a six-dimensional force sensor; one end of the six-dimensional force sensor is fixedly connected to the rotary platform, and the other end is connected to the bottom of the seat base via a spring.

[0011] One end of the dual compression spring connecting mechanism is hinged to the seat base via a hinge support, and the other end is fixed to the rotary platform via a compression spring support frame. This mechanism is used to distribute the pressure on the six-dimensional force sensor from the seat base and prevent the mechanical structure from being damaged due to excessive seat load when the six-dimensional force sensor is connected at a single point.

[0012] The compression spring support frame is fitted with springs on the top and bottom, and the sliding bearing frame is installed between the two springs. In the initial state, the double compression spring connecting mechanism makes the sliding bearing frame automatically position itself in the middle of the compression spring support frame, thus achieving automatic centering. When the passenger tilts to the side, one side of the sliding bearing frame moves up and the other side moves down. There are also double compression spring mechanisms in the four directions of the rotating platform, which can realize the rotation of the seat base when the passenger generates a rotational torque.

[0013] As a further preferred embodiment, the air foot is a ball bearing air foot, which enables the air foot to always automatically adjust to be parallel to the ground.

[0014] As a further preferred embodiment, since the air flotation platform requires very little driving force when it is working, the driving force of the drive wheel only needs to be 20% of the total weight of the machine.

[0015] As a further preferred embodiment, the swing platform is designed with a U-shaped structure, and the swing joint is a certain distance away from the air flotation platform, so that the center of gravity of the swing platform can be lowered as much as possible.

[0016] As a further preferred embodiment, the zero-gravity seat should provide support for the passenger's head, back, hips, legs, and feet, and be able to adjust its angle according to the zero-gravity posture of the human body, thereby maximizing the distribution of the human body's weight.

[0017] As a further preferred embodiment, the passenger can apply external force to the device through the interactive facilities, or change the center of gravity of the seat by tilting their body, thereby measuring the force through a six-dimensional force sensor and feeding it back to the control system for motion control.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0019] By combining an air-floating platform and a zero-gravity seat, a manned microgravity simulation device has been realized. The air-floating platform simulates two linear degrees of freedom and one rotational degree of freedom in the plane, while the swing joints and rotational joints can be used to adjust the other two rotational degrees of freedom of the zero-gravity seat. This microgravity simulation device, while ensuring a microgravity experience, has low requirements for passenger comfort and high riding comfort, which contributes to the promotion and application of ground-based microgravity simulation devices. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a manned microgravity simulation device constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a double compression spring connection mechanism constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 These are schematic diagrams of different postures of a manned microgravity simulation device constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] In all the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same elements or structures, wherein:

[0025] 1-Passenger, 2-Interactive facility, 3-Dual compression spring connection mechanism, 4-Swing joint, 5-Swing platform, 6-Universal drive wheel, 7-Air foot, 8-Air floatation platform, 9-Rotation joint, 10-Rotation platform, 11-Six-dimensional force sensor, 12-Zero gravity seat, 13-Seat base, 14-Compression spring support frame, 15-Sliding bearing frame. Detailed Implementation

[0026] 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 a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0027] Example: A manned microgravity simulation device, such as Figure 1 As shown, it mainly includes: an air-floating platform 8, a swing platform 5, a rotating platform 10, drive wheels 6, a zero-gravity seat 12, and a double compression spring connecting mechanism 3. The air-floating platform 8 has eight evenly distributed air feet 7 and two omnidirectional drive wheels 6 at its bottom. The air feet 7 use ball bearings, allowing them to automatically adjust to be parallel to the ground. The omnidirectional drive wheels 6 have telescopic capabilities; when driving or braking is needed, the drive wheels 6 extend and contact the ground; when the platform needs to float freely, the drive wheels 6 retract and lift off the ground. The driving force of the drive wheels 6 only requires 20% of the total weight of the machine. The swing platform 5 has a U-shaped structure, with both ends connected to the air-floating platform 8 via swing joints 4. The swing joints 4 are a certain distance from the air-floating platform, allowing the center of gravity of the swing platform 5 to be lowered as much as possible. The rotating platform 10 is connected to the swing platform 5 via a rotating joint 9. The joint 9 is installed at the center of the groove in the swing platform 5; the rotating platform 10 is connected to the zero-gravity seat 12 through the double compression spring connecting mechanism 3 and the six-dimensional force sensor 11; the zero-gravity seat 12 provides support for the head, back, buttocks, legs, and feet of the passenger 1, and can adjust its angle according to the zero-gravity posture of the human body, thereby maximizing the distribution of the human body weight; the passenger 1 can apply external force to the device through the interactive facility 2, or change the center of gravity of the seat by tilting the body, thereby measuring the force through the six-dimensional force sensor 11 and feeding it back to the control system for motion control; one end of the six-dimensional force sensor 11 is fixedly connected to the rotating platform, and the other end is connected to the bottom of the seat base 13 through a spring.

[0028] The dual compression spring connection mechanism is as follows: Figure 2As shown, one end of the double compression spring connecting mechanism 3 is hinged to the seat base 13 via a hinge support, and the other end is fixed to the rotating platform 10 via a compression spring support frame 14. This is used to distribute the pressure on the six-dimensional force sensor 11 from the seat base 13, preventing damage to its mechanical structure due to excessive seat load when the six-dimensional force sensor 11 is connected at a single point. The compression spring support frame 14 has springs mounted on its upper and lower sections, and a sliding bearing frame 15 is installed between the two spring sections. In the initial state, as... Figure 2 As shown in (a), this is a side view of the double compression spring connection mechanism. The double compression spring connection mechanism allows the sliding bearing bracket 15 to automatically position itself in the middle of the compression spring support bracket 14, thus achieving automatic centering. When the passenger tilts to the side, as... Figure 2 As shown in (b), one side of the sliding bearing bracket moves upward, and the other side of the sliding bearing bracket moves downward; when the passenger generates a rotational torque, as Figure 2 As shown in (c), it is a top view of the double compression spring connection mechanism. There are also double compression spring mechanisms in the four directions of the rotating platform 10, which can realize the rotation of the seat base 13 from the dotted line position to the solid line position.

[0029] Manned microgravity simulation device in different postures, such as Figure 3 As shown, during the passenger's seating alighting or alighting phase, the rotation axis of the rotary joint is perpendicular to the ground, and the seat is in an upright position at this time. Figure 3 As shown in (a); after the passenger is seated and has fastened the safety restraints, the seat begins to adjust to a zero-gravity seat state, and the device enters the microgravity simulation stage, as... Figure 3 (b) shows the microgravity simulation phase.

[0030] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A manned microgravity simulation device, characterized in that, include: The system comprises an air-floating platform, a swing platform, a rotating platform, drive wheels, a zero-gravity seat, and a dual-compression spring connecting mechanism. The air-floating platform has evenly distributed air feet at its bottom and omnidirectional drive wheels. The swing platform is connected to the air-floating platform at both ends via swing joints. The rotating platform is connected to the swing platform via a rotating joint, with the rotating joint positioned at the center of the swing platform's groove. The rotating platform is connected to the zero-gravity seat via the dual-compression spring connecting mechanism and a six-dimensional force sensor. One end of the six-dimensional force sensor is fixedly connected to the rotating platform, and the other end is connected to the bottom of the seat base via a spring. One end of the dual-compression spring connecting mechanism is hinged to the seat base via a hinge support, and the other end is fixedly connected to the rotating platform via a compression spring support frame.

2. The manned microgravity simulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air-floating platform is equipped with a control system (air foot pressure control system and joint control system). When the air foot is working, it can suspend the entire simulation device off the ground. The air foot uses ball bearings, which allows the air foot to always automatically adjust to be parallel to the ground. The universal drive wheel has telescopic capability. When the air-floating platform is suspended and needs to be driven or braked, the drive wheel extends and contacts the ground. When the air-floating platform needs to float freely, the drive wheel retracts and lifts off the ground. The swing platform is designed with a U-shaped structure, and the swing joint is a certain distance away from the air-floating platform, so that the center of gravity of the swing platform can be lowered as much as possible.

3. A manned microgravity simulation device according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that: The compression spring support frame is fitted with springs on both the top and bottom, and the sliding bearing frame is installed between the two springs. In the initial state, the double compression spring connecting mechanism automatically positions the sliding bearing frame in the middle position of the compression spring support frame, thus achieving automatic centering. When the passenger tilts to the side, one side of the sliding bearing frame moves upward and the other side moves downward. There are also double compression spring mechanisms in all four directions of the rotating platform, which can rotate the seat base when the passenger generates a rotational torque. The passenger can apply external force to the device through the interactive facilities, or change the center of gravity of the seat by tilting their body. The force is measured by a six-dimensional force sensor and fed back to the control system for motion control.

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