Inflatable pressurized protective structure in lunar environment and construction method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses an inflatable filling pressure type protective structure under the moon environment and a construction method thereof, and aims at solving the problem that a moon surface exploration device or a cabin body cannot be effectively shielded under the conditions of large temperature difference, strong radiation and micro meteorite invasion. The air rib unit assembly in the inflatable filling pressure type protective structure under the moon environment comprises an air rib unit box, a plurality of air ribs and a liquid compressed gas storage tank, air is filled into the air rib air cavity, the unfolded air rib is in an arch-shaped pipe body, the inside of the pipe body of the air rib is filled with a filler, the outer surface of the air rib is covered with a protective tile, the liquid compressed gas storage tank is installed in the air rib unit box, and the cable assembly comprises a tensioning rod piece, a cable sleeve ring, a fixed lock catch and a plurality of cables. The application adopts the inflatable filling pressure type protective structure module, and the unfolding form is inflatable self-unfolding, wherein the cable assembly and the air rib unit assembly are pre-prepared. The moon soil mortar is filled and the moon soil protective tile is sintered, so that the moon surface exploration device or the cabin body is protected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of lunar construction engineering technology, specifically relating to an inflatable pressure-filled protective structure module and its construction method. Background Technology

[0002] my country's lunar exploration program is planned in three phases: unmanned lunar exploration, manned lunar landing, and the establishment of a lunar research station ("exploration, landing, and stationing"). Currently, the "unmanned lunar exploration" phase, encompassing the "orbiting, landing, and returning" missions, has been completed. Lunar infrastructure is a crucial infrastructure for lunar exploration and development, and a significant symbol of my country's space power strategy. Its main functions are to provide shelter for lunar exploration equipment, a stable living environment for astronauts, and the ability to support both short-term manned operations and long-term automated operation. However, the moon lacks an atmosphere and its surface is characterized by large temperature differences, high vacuum, strong radiation, and long days and nights, making it vulnerable to direct impacts from meteorites and microparticles. Therefore, unmanned exploration equipment and manned cabins require protective structures to ensure smooth operation and safe personnel deployment. Against this backdrop, timely research into lunar infrastructure technology is of great significance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the problem that lunar exploration equipment or cabins cannot be effectively shielded under conditions of large temperature differences, strong radiation, and micrometeoroid intrusion, this invention provides an inflatable pressurized protective structure module for lunar environments and its construction method.

[0004] The present invention relates to an inflatable and pressurized protective structure for lunar environments, comprising a cable assembly, an air rib unit assembly, a tie rod base, an air rib base, (lunar soil) filler, and protective tiles. The air rib unit assembly includes two air rib unit boxes, two liquid compressed gas storage tanks, and multiple air ribs. Multiple air ribs are arranged between the two air rib unit boxes. Each air rib includes an inner membrane and an outer membrane, which form a tube wall. The tube wall is hollow, forming an air rib cavity. Air is inflated into the air rib cavity, resulting in an arched tube shape. The tube body of the air rib is filled with filler, and a protective tile covers the outer surface of the air rib. Each air rib unit box contains a liquid compressed gas storage tank, and the outlet of the liquid compressed gas storage tank is connected to the air rib cavity.

[0005] The air rib base is formed by sintering lunar soil, and the air rib unit assembly is installed inside the air rib base; the cable assembly includes tension rods, cable collars, fixing buckles and multiple cables. The tension rods are set on the tension rod base, and the upper part of the tension rods is provided with cable collars. One end of each cable is connected to the cable collar, and the other end of the cable is connected to the protective tile through the fixing buckle.

[0006] The cable assembly and air rib unit assembly in this invention are prefabricated on-site, while the tie rod base, air rib base, (lunar soil) filler and protective tile are constructed on the moon.

[0007] The construction method of the inflatable pressurized protective structure in a lunar environment according to the present invention is implemented according to the following steps:

[0008] Step 1: Prefabricate the air rib unit components and cable assemblies on-site. The air rib unit components include two air rib unit boxes, two liquid compressed gas storage tanks, an integrated control system, and multiple air ribs. The cable assemblies include tension rods, cable collars, fixing buckles, and multiple cables.

[0009] Step 2: The prefabricated air rib unit components and cable components, which are prefabricated on the ground, are transported to the moon by a carrier vehicle. The integrated control system inside the air rib unit component controls the valve to release liquid compressed gas, the two stacked air rib unit boxes open, and the multiple air ribs between the two air rib unit boxes are inflated and unfolded into an arch shape. Then the air ribs are hoisted by the cable components.

[0010] Step 3: Prepare the filler (lunar soil concrete) in situ. Fill the filler into the tube of the air rib through the injection port on the air rib. After the filler solidifies, the protective main structure is obtained.

[0011] Step 4: Use laser sintering technology to prepare protective tiles, and assemble and build the protective tiles on the outer surface of the air ribs to complete the construction of the air-filled protective structure.

[0012] The inflatable pressurized protective structure and its construction method in a lunar environment, as described in this invention, have the following beneficial effects:

[0013] 1. This invention employs an inflatable, pressurized protective structure module. Its deployment mechanism is self-expanding, lightweight, and easy to transport, with a large folding ratio and minimal constraints from the carrier. It also efficiently utilizes in-situ lunar resources, employing lunar soil mortar filling and sintering with lunar soil protective tiles to extend the lifespan of flexible materials and protect electronic equipment. The unmanned construction method, involving Earth-Moon collaboration, effectively improves material utilization efficiency and reduces the transportation burden between Earth and the Moon. By comprehensively utilizing technologies such as air-rib inflation and deployment under remote operation conditions, lunar soil mortar preparation and filling, and robotic arm assembly and construction, it solves the problems of low efficiency when relying solely on laser sintering, insufficient hardness or difficulty in curing lunar soil 3D printing, and insufficient strength of the inflatable structure.

[0014] 2. As a space support platform, this invention can facilitate the smooth progress of lunar scientific research, providing a space with stable temperature, protection against radiation and micrometeoroids for lunar exploration equipment or cabins. It has the functional requirements of short-term stay and long-term operation. The safe and stable space is of great significance for protecting equipment and conducting research on the complete lunar day and night cycle.

[0015] 3. The protective layer structure of this invention is modular, which can produce flexible and variable spaces. Four air rib units are grouped together, and the height, radius and number of groups can be customized according to the size of equipment that needs to be sheltered, such as lunar rovers and lunar capsules. Thus, composite air rib units that meet the sheltering requirements can be prefabricated using the lightest materials. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the cable assembly;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the air rib base.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the injection port structure;

[0019] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the air rib inflation process in the air rib unit assembly;

[0020] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a single-sided inflatable pressure-filled protective structure;

[0021] Figure 6 A front view of an inflatable, pressurized protective structure in a lunar environment;

[0022] Figure 7 A top view of an inflatable, pressurized protective structure in a lunar environment;

[0023] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an inflatable, pressurized protective structure for use in a lunar environment. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Specific Implementation Method 1: The inflatable and pressurized protective structure in the lunar environment of this implementation method includes a cable assembly, an air rib unit assembly, a tie rod base 5, an air rib base 18, (lunar soil) filler 11, and a protective tile 12. The air rib unit assembly includes two air rib unit boxes 14, two liquid compressed gas storage tanks 15, and multiple air ribs. Multiple air ribs are arranged between the two air rib unit boxes 14. Each air rib includes an inner air rib membrane 8 and an outer air rib membrane 10. The inner air rib membrane 8 and the outer air rib membrane 10 form a tube wall. The tube wall is hollow to form an air rib cavity 9. Air is filled into the air rib cavity 9, and the unfolded air rib is an arched tube. The inside of the air rib tube is filled with filler 11, and a protective tile 12 covers the outer surface of the air rib. Each air rib unit box 14 is equipped with a liquid compressed gas storage tank 15, and the outlet of the liquid compressed gas storage tank 15 is connected to the air rib cavity 9 of the air rib.

[0025] The air rib base 18 is formed by sintering lunar soil, and the air rib unit assembly is installed inside the air rib base 18; the cable assembly includes a tension rod 4, a cable collar 1, a fixing buckle 3 and multiple cables 2. The tension rod 4 is set on the tension rod base 5, and the upper part of the tension rod 4 is provided with a cable collar 1. One end of each cable 2 is connected to the cable collar 1, and the other end of the cable 2 is connected to the protective tile 12 through the fixing buckle 3.

[0026] Specific Implementation Method Two: This implementation method differs from Specific Implementation Method One in that a valve 16 is provided on the outlet of the liquid compressed gas storage tank 15.

[0027] Specific Implementation Method 3: This implementation method differs from Specific Implementation Method 1 or 2 in that an injection port 6 is provided on the outer membrane 10 of the air rib.

[0028] In this embodiment, filler material is injected into the air ribs through the injection port. A schematic diagram of the injection port is shown below. Figure 3 As shown, the inner inlet 7 is connected to the inside of the tube of the air rib.

[0029] Specific Implementation Method Four: This implementation method differs from one of the specific implementation methods one to three in that a flexible solar photovoltaic film 13 is provided on the outer surface of the protective tile 12.

[0030] Specific Implementation Method 5: This implementation method differs from one of the specific implementation methods 1 to 4 in that the tie rod 4 is an electric telescopic rod.

[0031] Specific Implementation Method Six: The construction method of the air-filled protective structure in the lunar environment in this implementation method is carried out according to the following steps:

[0032] Step 1: Prefabricate the air rib unit assembly and cable assembly on-site. The air rib unit assembly includes two air rib unit boxes 14, two liquid compressed gas storage tanks 15, an integrated control system 17, and multiple air ribs. The cable assembly includes tension rods 4, cable collars 1, fixing buckles 3, and multiple cables 2.

[0033] Step 2: The prefabricated air rib unit components and cable components are transported to the moon by the carrier. The integrated control system 17 in the air rib unit component controls the valve to release liquid compressed gas. The two stacked air rib unit boxes 14 are opened, and the multiple air ribs between the two air rib unit boxes 14 are inflated and unfolded into an arch shape. Then the air ribs are hoisted by the cable components.

[0034] Step 3: Prepare filler 11 (lunar soil concrete) in situ. Filler 11 is poured into the tube of the air rib through the injection port 6 on the air rib. After the filler 11 is cured, the protective main structure is obtained.

[0035] Step 4: Prepare protective tiles 12 using laser sintering process, and assemble and build the protective tiles 12 on the outer surface of the air ribs to complete the construction of the air-filled protective structure.

[0036] Specific Implementation Method Seven: This implementation method differs from Specific Implementation Method Six in that the flexible composite skin of the air rib in step one is made of double-layer Kevlar fabric or Vectran fabric.

[0037] Specific Implementation Method Eight: This implementation method differs from Specific Implementation Method Six or Seven in that the thickness of the filler 11 in step three is 1-1.5 μm.

[0038] Specific Implementation Method Nine: This implementation method differs from Specific Implementation Methods Six to Eight in that the thickness of the protective tile 12 in step four is 100-150mm.

[0039] Specific Implementation Method 10: This implementation method differs from Specific Implementation Methods 6 to 9 in that a flexible solar photovoltaic film 13 is laid on the outer surface of the protective tile 12 in step 4.

[0040] Example: This example of an inflatable, pressurized protective structure in a lunar environment includes a cable assembly, an air rib unit assembly, a tie rod base 5, an air rib base 18, (lunar soil) filler 11, and protective tiles 12. The air rib unit assembly includes two air rib unit boxes 14, two liquid compressed gas storage tanks 15, and multiple air ribs. Multiple air ribs are arranged between the two air rib unit boxes 14. Each air rib includes an inner air rib membrane 8 and an outer air rib membrane 10. An injection port 6 is provided on the outer air rib membrane 10. The inner air rib membrane 8 and the outer air rib membrane 10 form a tube wall. The hollow tube wall forms an air rib cavity 9. Air is filled into the air rib cavity 9, and the unfolded air rib is an arched tube. The inside of the air rib tube is filled with filler material 11, and the outer surface of the air rib is covered with protective tiles 12. Each air rib unit box 14 is equipped with a liquid compressed gas storage tank 15. The outlet of the liquid compressed gas storage tank 15 is connected to the air rib cavity 9 of the air rib. A valve 16 is provided on the outlet of the liquid compressed gas storage tank 15. An integrated control system 17 is used to control the release of gas from the liquid compressed gas storage tank 15.

[0041] The air rib base 18 is formed by sintering lunar soil, and the air rib unit assembly is installed inside the air rib base 18. The cable assembly includes a tension rod 4, a cable collar 1, a fixing buckle 3, and multiple cables 2. The tension rod 4 is set on the tension rod base 5. The upper part of the tension rod 4 is provided with a cable collar 1. One end of each cable 2 is connected to the cable collar 1, and the other end of the cable 2 is connected to the protective tile 12 through the fixing buckle 3. A flexible solar photovoltaic film 13 is provided on the outer surface of the protective tile 12.

[0042] The unfolded schematic diagram of the air ribs on the air rib unit assembly in this embodiment is shown below. Figure 4As shown. After the air rib unit assembly is deployed, air is injected into the air chamber of the air rib through the liquid compressed gas storage tank 15, and the air rib is arched after deployment.

[0043] The construction process of the air-filled protective structure in the lunar environment in this embodiment is as follows:

[0044] Step 1: Prefabricate composite air rib units on-site, including an integrated control system, a liquid compressed gas storage tank, a flexible composite skin, and telescopic tension rods. The integrated control system is responsible for controlling the release of liquid compressed air. The flexible composite skin is made of double-layer Kevlar or Vectran fabric, with each layer being 2-3 mm thick.

[0045] Step 2: The prefabricated composite air rib units are transported to the designated area by a carrier. The integrated control system controls the air rib units to open the inflation control valve assembly to release liquid compressed gas, so that the prefabricated composite functional membrane structure can be deployed and hoisted through a telescopic tensioning structure.

[0046] Step 3: Lunar soil mortar preparation. Based on the in-situ resources, select aluminate concrete, sulfur concrete or magnesia concrete and other lunar soil concrete to prepare. Fill the mortar into the air ribs through the filling interface connected to the lunar soil concrete storage tank and pipeline, compact and solidify it. The thickness of the lunar soil concrete filling material is 1-1.5m.

[0047] Step 4: The robotic arm uses laser sintering technology to prepare lunar soil protective tiles with a thickness of 100-150mm, and assembles and lays them. An external flexible photovoltaic layer is installed, which is the flexible solar panel transported from Earth to the Moon, with a thickness of 2-3mm.

[0048] This embodiment utilizes a combination of on-site prefabrication and lunar construction to create a temperature-stable space for the cabin, protecting it from radiation and micrometeoroids, thus achieving lightweight, reconfigurable, and highly efficient intelligent construction. This includes on-site prefabricated composite air-rib units and flexible photovoltaic films, and lunar soil mortar-filled inner layers and lunar soil laser-sintered protective tiles constructed on the moon.

Claims

1. An inflatable, pressurized protective structure for use in a lunar environment, characterized in that... The inflatable protective structure in the lunar environment includes a cable assembly, an air rib unit assembly, a tie rod base (5), an air rib base (18), lunar soil concrete, and protective tiles (12). The air rib unit assembly includes two air rib unit boxes (14), two liquid compressed gas storage tanks (15), and multiple air ribs. Multiple air ribs are arranged between the two air rib unit boxes (14). The air ribs include an inner air rib membrane (8) and an outer air rib membrane (10). An injection system is provided on the outer air rib membrane (10). The pipe wall is formed by the inner membrane (8) and outer membrane (10) of the air rib (6), and the air rib cavity (9) is formed in the hollow pipe wall. Air is filled into the air rib cavity (9), and the unfolded air rib is an arched pipe. The inside of the air rib is filled with lunar soil concrete, and the outer surface of the air rib is covered with protective tiles (12). Each air rib unit box (14) is equipped with a liquid compressed gas storage tank (15), and the outlet of the liquid compressed gas storage tank (15) is connected to the air rib cavity (9) of the air rib. The air rib base (18) is formed by sintering lunar soil, and the air rib unit assembly is installed inside the air rib base (18). The cable assembly includes a tension rod (4), a cable collar (1), a fixing buckle (3), and multiple cables (2). The tension rod (4) is set on the tension rod base (5), and a cable collar (1) is set on the upper part of the tension rod (4). One end of each cable (2) is connected to the cable collar (1), and the other end of the cable (2) is connected to the protective tile (12) through the fixing buckle (3).

2. The inflatable pressurized protective structure for lunar environments according to claim 1, characterized in that... A valve (16) is provided on the outlet of the liquid compressed gas storage tank (15).

3. The inflatable pressurized protective structure for lunar environments according to claim 1, characterized in that... A flexible solar photovoltaic film (13) is provided on the outer surface of the protective tile (12).

4. The inflatable pressurized protective structure for lunar environments according to claim 1, characterized in that... The aforementioned tie rod (4) is an electric telescopic rod.

5. The construction method of the inflatable pressurized protective structure in the lunar environment as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The construction method of this air-filled protective structure is carried out according to the following steps: Step 1: Prefabricate the air rib unit assembly and cable assembly on-site. The air rib unit assembly includes two air rib unit boxes (14), two liquid compressed gas storage tanks (15), an integrated control system (17), and multiple air ribs. The cable assembly includes tension rods (4), cable collars (1), fixing buckles (3), and multiple cables (2). Step 2: The prefabricated air rib unit assembly and cable assembly are transported to the moon by the carrier. The integrated control system (17) in the air rib unit assembly controls the valve to release liquid compressed gas. The two stacked air rib unit boxes (14) are opened, and the multiple air ribs between the two air rib unit boxes (14) are inflated and unfolded into an arch shape. Then the air ribs are hoisted by the cable assembly. Step 3: Prepare lunar soil concrete in situ. Fill the tube of the air rib with lunar soil concrete through the injection port (6) on the air rib. After the lunar soil concrete is cured, the protective main structure is obtained. Step 4: Prepare protective tiles (12) using laser sintering process, and assemble and build the protective tiles (12) on the outer surface of the air ribs to complete the construction of the air-filled protective structure.

6. The construction method of the inflatable pressurized protective structure in the lunar environment according to claim 5, characterized in that... In step one, the flexible composite skin of the air ribs is made of double-layer Kevlar or Vectran fabric.

7. The construction method of the inflatable pressurized protective structure in the lunar environment according to claim 5, characterized in that... In step three, the thickness of the lunar soil concrete is 1-1.5m.

8. The construction method of the inflatable pressurized protective structure in the lunar environment according to claim 5, characterized in that... In step four, the thickness of the protective tile (12) is 100-150mm.

9. The construction method of the inflatable pressurized protective structure in the lunar environment according to claim 5, characterized in that... In step four, a flexible solar photovoltaic film (13) is laid on the outer surface of the protective tile (12).

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