A flexible connection channel for a lunar module section

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of lunar module docking, and in particular to a flexible connection channel for a lunar module. The flexible connection channel includes a framework channel, a docking ring, and a flexible shell layer. Among them, the framework channel includes at least one two-way shape memory helical spring, the docking rings are arranged at both ends of the framework channel, and the flexible shell layer includes at least one sealing layer, which is wrapped outside the framework channel and is hermetically connected to the docking rings. In the deployed state, the two-way shape memory helical spring is heated to the transformation temperature, and an external force is applied to the framework channel in the retracting direction, causing the framework channel to retract, and the flexible shell layer retracts along with the framework channel; in the retracted state, the two-way shape memory helical spring is heated to the transformation temperature, the framework channel unfolds, and the flexible shell layer unfolds along with the framework channel. The whole channel is flexible, can adapt to the changes in the relative position and attitude deviation of the docking end faces, can be repeatedly connected, is convenient to retract and unfold, is lightweight, and has a simple structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of lunar module docking, and particularly to a flexible connection channel for lunar modules. Background Art

[0002] In lunar scientific research, there are various sealed pressurized module sections such as lunar landing modules, pressurized lunar rovers, and lunar surface habitats that are suitable for astronaut operations. In order to improve the efficiency of astronauts entering and leaving each module section, reduce the risk of exposure to lunar dust, extreme high and low temperature environments on the lunar surface, and achieve high-reliability, high-efficiency, repeatable connection and separation between sealed module sections such as lunar landing modules, pressurized lunar rovers, and lunar surface habitats, and ensure autonomous transfer between astronaut sealed module sections, a connection channel needs to be provided in the module sections.

[0003] Due to reasons such as the unevenness of the non-consolidated lunar surface and the uneven settlement of soft lunar soil, continuous changes occur in the relative position and attitude deviation of the docking end faces between multiple lunar modules. There is a need for a strongly adaptable, easily expandable, and long-life lunar module assembly docking channel to meet the connection, separation, and reconstruction requirements between various pressurized module sections on the non-consolidated lunar surface. Currently, there is no connection channel that can better meet the above requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0004] (1) Technical Problems to be Solved

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a flexible connection channel for lunar module docking, which can adapt to changes in the relative position and attitude deviation of the docking end face, can be repeatedly connected, is convenient to fold and unfold, and has a simple structure.

[0006] (2) Technical Solutions

[0007] To achieve the above purpose, the present invention provides a flexible connection channel for lunar modules, including:

[0008] A skeleton channel, including at least one two-way shape memory helical spring;

[0009] Docking rings, arranged at both ends of the skeleton channel for docking with lunar modules; and

[0010] A flexible shell layer, including at least one sealing layer, wrapped outside the skeleton channel and hermetically connected to the docking rings;

[0011] In the unfolded state, the two-way shape memory helical spring is heated to the transformation temperature, applying an external force to the skeleton channel in the folding direction, the skeleton channel folds, and the flexible shell layer folds with the skeleton channel;

[0012] In the folded state, the two-way shape memory helical spring is heated to the transformation temperature, the skeleton channel unfolds, and the flexible shell layer unfolds with the skeleton channel.

[0013] Optionally, the skeleton channel includes two conical two-way shape memory helical springs and at least one cylindrical two-way shape memory helical spring. At least one cylindrical two-way shape memory helical spring is located between the two conical two-way shape memory helical springs. The large end diameter of the conical two-way shape memory helical spring is the same as the diameter of the cylindrical two-way shape memory helical spring, and the large end of the conical two-way shape memory helical spring is connected to the cylindrical two-way shape memory helical spring through a connecting ring;

[0014] The small end of the conical two-way shape memory helical spring is connected to the docking ring.

[0015] Optionally, one end of the docking ring is provided with a docking ring arc channel for threading the spring wire, and the small end spring wire of the conical two-way shape memory helical spring is threaded through the docking ring arc channel.

[0016] Optionally, a plurality of cylindrical two-way shape memory helical springs are provided between the two conical two-way shape memory helical springs, and the plurality of cylindrical two-way shape memory helical springs are coaxially connected through a connecting ring.

[0017] Optionally, each end of the connecting ring is provided with a connecting ring arc channel for threading the spring wire, and the end spring wires of two adjacent two-way shape memory helical springs are respectively threaded through the two connecting ring arc channels.

[0018] Optionally, both the connecting ring and the docking ring are made of high modulus carbon fiber cloth composite material.

[0019] Optionally, the two-way shape memory helical spring is composed of a shape memory polymer composite material and a high carbon steel spring, and the shape memory polymer composite material is wrapped outside the high carbon steel spring;

[0020] The shape memory polymer composite material is composed of carbon fiber cloth and shape memory resin;

[0021] The high carbon steel spring serves as a heating wire to heat the two-way shape memory helical spring.

[0022] Optionally, the inner side of the flexible shell layer is provided with Velcro or a strap, and the flexible shell layer is connected to the skeleton channel through Velcro or a strap.

[0023] Optionally, the sealing layer is an airbag layer, and the flexible shell layer sequentially includes an airbag layer, a Kevlar pressure-bearing layer, and a heat-insulating layer from the inside to the outside.

[0024] Optionally, the heat-insulating layer is bonded to the outside of the Kevlar pressure-bearing layer, and the Kevlar pressure-bearing layer is bonded to the outside of the airbag layer.

[0025] (III) Beneficial effects

[0026] The above technical solution of the present invention has the following advantages: The flexible connection channel of the lunar module section provided by the present invention includes a skeleton channel, a docking ring, and a flexible shell layer. Among them, the skeleton channel includes at least one two-way shape memory helical spring, the docking rings are arranged at both ends of the skeleton channel, and the flexible shell layer includes at least one sealing layer, which is wrapped outside the skeleton channel and is hermetically connected to the docking rings. In the deployed state, the two-way shape memory helical spring is heated to the transition temperature, and an external force is applied to the skeleton channel in the retracting direction, the skeleton channel retracts, and the flexible shell layer retracts with the skeleton channel; in the retracted state, the two-way shape memory helical spring is heated to the transition temperature, the skeleton channel unfolds, and the flexible shell layer unfolds with the skeleton channel. The whole channel is flexible, can adapt to the changes in the relative position and attitude deviation of the docking end faces, can be repeatedly connected, is convenient to retract and deploy, has a light weight, and has a simple structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The drawings of the present invention are provided for illustrative purposes only, and the proportions and quantities of the components in the drawings are not necessarily consistent with the actual products.

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a flexible connection channel in the deployed state in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 is Figure 1 the schematic structural diagram of the flexible connection channel in removing the flexible shell layer;

[0030] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a cylindrical two-way shape memory helical spring in the deployed state in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 is Figure 3 the schematic structural diagram of the cylindrical two-way shape memory helical spring in the retracted state;

[0032] Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a conical two-way shape memory helical spring in the deployed state in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 6 is Figure 5 the schematic structural diagram of the conical two-way shape memory helical spring in the retracted state;

[0034] Figure 7 is a schematic structural diagram of a flexible connection channel in the deployed state in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a spring wire in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a flexible shell layer in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 10 It is a schematic structural diagram of a docking ring in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 11 It is a schematic structural diagram of a connection ring in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 12 It is a schematic exploded view of a flexible connection channel after removing the flexible shell layer in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] In the figure:

[0041] 1: Skeleton channel;

[0042] 11: Cylindrical two-way shape memory helical spring;

[0043] 12: Conical two-way shape memory helical spring;

[0044] 13: Connection ring;

[0045] 131: Connection ring arc channel;

[0046] 14: Shape memory polymer composite;

[0047] 15: High carbon steel spring;

[0048] 2: Docking ring;

[0049] 21: Docking ring arc channel;

[0050] 3: Flexible shell layer;

[0051] 31: Airbag layer;

[0052] 32: Kevlar pressure-bearing layer;

[0053] 33: Thermal insulation layer. Detailed implementation manners

[0054] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0055] See Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown in the figure, the flexible connection channel of the lunar module section provided by the embodiment of the present invention includes a skeleton channel 1, a docking ring 2, and a flexible shell layer 3. Among them, the skeleton channel 1 includes three two-way shape memory helical springs, and there are two conical two-way shape memory helical springs 12 and one cylindrical two-way shape memory helical spring 11 among the three two-way shape memory helical springs. The cylindrical two-way shape memory helical spring 11 is located between the two conical two-way shape memory helical springs 12. The large end diameter of the conical two-way shape memory helical spring 12 is the same as the diameter of the cylindrical two-way shape memory helical spring 11, and the large end of the conical two-way shape memory helical spring 12 is connected to the cylindrical two-way shape memory helical spring 11 through a connection ring 13. The small end of the conical two-way shape memory helical spring 12 is connected to the docking ring 2. The flexible shell layer 3 includes at least a sealing layer, which is integrally wrapped outside the skeleton channel 1 and is hermetically connected to the docking ring 2, so that the flexible connection channel can ensure overall sealing. After being connected to the module section, the internal spaces of the two connected module sections form an integral body and are isolated from the outside world.

[0056] In the deployed state, as shown in Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 shown, each two-way shape memory helical spring has a relatively large pitch. Heat is provided to each two-way shape memory helical spring to heat it to the transition temperature. An external force is applied to the skeleton channel 1 in the folding direction, as shown in Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown. The pitch of each spring decreases, the skeleton channel 1 folds up, and the flexible shell layer 3 folds up with the skeleton channel 1. In the folded state, heat is provided to each two-way shape memory helical spring to heat it to the transition temperature, as shown in Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 5 shown. The skeleton channel 1 unfolds and returns to the pitch before folding, and the flexible shell layer 3 unfolds with the skeleton channel 1.

[0057] During use, both ends of the flexible connection channel for docking the lunar module section are connected to the two module sections through the docking ring 2. The whole is flexible and can adapt to the relative position and attitude deviation changes of the docking end face. It can be repeatedly connected, is convenient for folding and unfolding, light in weight, and has a simple structure.

[0058] In some other embodiments, as shown in Figure 12 shown, multiple cylindrical two-way shape memory helical springs 11 are provided between the two conical two-way shape memory helical springs 12. For example, two, three, four, etc. The multiple cylindrical two-way shape memory helical springs 11 are coaxially connected through connection rings 13 to form a passage for passing through.

[0059] Of course, in some other embodiments, the skeleton channel 1 may also only use a cylindrical two-way shape memory helical spring 11, and the number can be one or more, for example, one, two, three, four, etc. A plurality of cylindrical two-way shape memory helical springs 11 are connected by a connecting ring 13.

[0060] For the convenience of installation, disassembly, and replacement of some components, in some preferred embodiments, refer to Figure 10 As shown, one end of the docking ring 2 is provided with a docking ring arc-shaped channel 21 for threading the spring wire, and the small-end spring wire of the conical two-way shape memory helical spring 12 is threaded through the docking ring arc-shaped channel 21 to realize the connection between the conical two-way shape memory helical spring 12 and the docking ring 2.

[0061] For the convenience of connection between springs and expansion of the channel length, in some preferred embodiments, refer to Figure 11 As shown, both ends of the connecting ring 13 are provided with a connecting ring arc-shaped channel 131 for threading the spring wire, and the end spring wires of adjacent two-way shape memory helical springs are respectively threaded through the two connecting ring arc-shaped channels 131 to realize the connection.

[0062] Of course, in some other embodiments, the connection between springs and the connection between the spring and the docking ring can also be connected by other existing technologies.

[0063] Further preferably, both the connecting ring 13 and the docking ring 2 are made of high-modulus carbon fiber cloth composite materials.

[0064] To further improve the storage ratio of the flexible connection channel, in some preferred embodiments, refer to Figure 8 As shown, the two-way shape memory helical spring is composed of a shape memory polymer composite material 14 and a high-carbon steel spring 15, and the shape memory polymer composite material 14 is wrapped outside the high-carbon steel spring 15. Among them, the shape memory polymer composite material 14 is composed of carbon fiber cloth and shape memory resin. During production, the high-carbon steel spring 15 is used as a mold, the carbon fiber cloth is coated on the high-carbon steel spring 15, the shape memory resin is injected by vacuum, and then heated and pressurized to form a two-way shape memory helical spring composed of the shape memory polymer composite material 14 and the high-carbon steel spring 15, and the storage ratio is much higher than that of the memory alloy spring. The high-carbon steel spring 15 serves as a heating wire to heat the two-way shape memory helical spring, and the heating effect is good. During use, only the lead wire needs to be led out to connect the power supply, and the structure is simple and convenient.

[0065] Of course, in some embodiments, if the requirement for the storage ratio is relatively low, it is also feasible to use a shape memory alloy spring to make the skeleton channel 1.

[0066] In some alternative embodiments, a Velcro or a strap is provided inside the flexible shell layer 3. The flexible shell layer 3 is connected to the skeleton channel 1 through the Velcro or the strap. For example, the Velcro or the strap is wound and pasted or tied and fixed to the spring wire at intervals.

[0067] In some alternative embodiments, the sealing layer of the flexible shell layer 3 is an airbag layer for isolating the outside world. In order to enable the flexible shell layer 3 to have better pressure-bearing effect and protection effect. Preferably, as shown in Figure 9 As shown, the flexible shell layer sequentially includes an airbag layer 31, a Kevlar pressure-bearing layer 32, and a heat-insulating layer 33 from the inside to the outside. Further preferably, the heat-insulating layer 33 is bonded to the outside of the Kevlar pressure-bearing layer 32, and the Kevlar pressure-bearing layer 32 is bonded to the outside of the airbag layer 31. It should be noted that the airbag layer 31 is a flexible structural layer filled with gas, and it is only necessary to avoid gas leakage. The Kevlar pressure-bearing layer 32 and the heat-insulating layer 33 can adopt the existing technologies and will not be elaborated here.

[0068] It should also be noted that the size of the docking ring is determined according to the channel interface of the cabin section and will not be elaborated here.

[0069] The parts not described in detail in the present invention are well-known technologies in the art.

[0070] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that not every embodiment only contains an independent technical solution. In the case of no conflict between the solutions, the technical features mentioned in each embodiment can be combined in any way to form other embodiments understandable by those skilled in the art.

[0071] In addition, without departing from the scope of the present invention, modifying the technical solutions recorded in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalently replacing some of the technical features, does not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of each embodiment of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flexible connection channel for a lunar module section, characterized in that, Comprising: A framework channel, including two conical two-way shape memory helical springs and at least one cylindrical two-way shape memory helical spring. Docking rings are arranged at both ends of the framework channel for docking with the lunar module section. The at least one cylindrical two-way shape memory helical spring is located between the two conical two-way shape memory helical springs. The large end diameter of the conical two-way shape memory helical spring is the same as the diameter of the cylindrical two-way shape memory helical spring, and the large end of the conical two-way shape memory helical spring is connected to the cylindrical two-way shape memory helical spring through a connecting ring. An arc-shaped channel for threading spring wires is provided at each end of the connecting ring. The end spring wires of adjacent two-way shape memory helical springs are respectively threaded through the two arc-shaped channels of the connecting ring. The small end of the conical two-way shape memory helical spring is connected to the docking ring. The two-way shape memory helical spring is composed of a shape memory polymer composite material and a high-carbon steel spring, and the shape memory polymer composite material is wrapped outside the high-carbon steel spring. The shape memory polymer composite material is composed of a carbon fiber cloth and a shape memory resin. The high-carbon steel spring serves as a heating wire to heat the two-way shape memory helical spring; and A flexible shell layer, at least including a sealing layer, which wraps outside the framework channel and is hermetically connected to the docking ring; In the deployed state, the two-way shape memory helical spring is heated to the transition temperature, an external force is applied to the framework channel along the retracting direction, the framework channel retracts, and the flexible shell layer retracts along with the framework channel; In the retracted state, the two-way shape memory helical spring is heated to the transition temperature, the framework channel unfolds, and the flexible shell layer unfolds along with the framework channel.

2. The flexible connection channel according to claim 1, wherein: One end of the docking ring is provided with an arc-shaped channel for threading spring wires, and the small end spring wire of the conical two-way shape memory helical spring is threaded through the arc-shaped channel of the docking ring.

3. The flexible connection channel according to claim 1, wherein: A plurality of the cylindrical two-way shape memory helical springs are provided between the two conical two-way shape memory helical springs, and the plurality of cylindrical two-way shape memory helical springs are coaxially connected through the connecting ring.

4. The flexible connection channel according to claim 1, wherein: Both the connecting ring and the docking ring are made of high-modulus carbon fiber cloth composite materials.

5. The flexible connection channel according to claim 1, wherein: Magic tapes or straps are provided inside the flexible shell layer, and the flexible shell layer is connected to the framework channel through the magic tapes or straps.

6. The flexible connection channel according to claim 1, wherein: The sealing layer is an airbag layer, and the flexible shell layer sequentially includes an airbag layer, a Kevlar pressure-bearing layer, and a heat-insulating layer from inside to outside.

7. The flexible connection channel according to claim 6, wherein: The thermal insulation layer is adhesively bonded to the outside of the Kevlar pressure-bearing layer, and the Kevlar pressure-bearing layer is adhesively bonded to the outside of the airbag layer.

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