A shape memory slow-release hinge for assisting the expansion of a torsion spring

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of aerospace technology, and in particular to a shape memory slow-release hinge that assists in the deployment of a torsion spring. An embodiment of the present invention provides a shape memory slow-release hinge that assists in the deployment of a torsion spring, comprising a hinge plate, a torsion spring, and a slow-release deformation layer made of a shape memory material; the torsion spring is arranged on the hinge plate, and the torsion spring is used to provide elastic force to open the hinge plate, and the slow-release deformation layer is arranged on the hinge plate, and the slow-release deformation layer comprises a first shape and a second shape, the longitudinal section of the first shape is a straight line, matching the hinge plate in the open state, and the longitudinal section of the second shape is a U-shape, matching the hinge plate in the folded state; the effect of slowing down the opening speed of the hinge plate and accurately deploying the hinge plate is achieved through the cooperation of the slow-release deformation layer and the torsion spring. An embodiment of the present invention provides a shape memory slow-release hinge that assists in the deployment of a torsion spring, which can provide a simple, lightweight, and reliable auxiliary torsion spring release mechanism to slow down the deployment speed of the torsion spring and reduce mechanical shock and vibration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of aerospace technology, and in particular to a shape memory slow-release hinge for assisting the expansion of a torsion spring. Background Art

[0002] Deployable structures are widely used in spacecraft such as satellites and probes. They typically consist of multiple components and need to be deployed in orbit. Torsion springs are a common deployment mechanism for these structures, offering advantages such as simplicity, reliability, and ease of manufacture. However, torsion springs deploy quickly, which can easily cause mechanical shock and vibration, potentially damaging spacecraft structures and equipment.

[0003] Related technologies can achieve slow-release control using mechanical structures such as dampers and speed reducers, or by leveraging thermal, electrical, and magnetic effects. However, these methods and structures all suffer from complex structures, large size, and heavy weight, making them unsuitable for equipment with limited weight and volume, such as spacecraft.

[0004] Therefore, in response to the above problems, there is an urgent need for an auxiliary torsion spring release mechanism with a simple structure, lightweight and reliable, so as to slow down the deployment speed of the torsion spring and reduce mechanical shock and vibration. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiment of the present invention provides a shape memory slow-release hinge for assisting the deployment of a torsion spring, which can provide a simple, lightweight, and reliable auxiliary torsion spring release mechanism to slow down the deployment speed of the torsion spring and reduce mechanical shock and vibration.

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a shape memory slow-release hinge for assisting the expansion of a torsion spring, comprising a hinge plate, a torsion spring, and a slow-release deformation layer made of a shape memory material;

[0007] The torsion spring is provided on the hinge plate, and is used to provide elastic force to open the hinge plate. The slow-release deformation layer is provided on the hinge plate, and the slow-release deformation layer includes a first shape and a second shape. The first shape has a straight longitudinal section, which matches the hinge plate in the open state. The second shape has a U-shaped longitudinal section, which matches the hinge plate in the folded state.

[0008] The effects of slowing down the opening speed of the hinge plate and accurately unfolding the hinge plate are achieved through the cooperation of the slow-release deformation layer and the torsion spring.

[0009] In a possible design, the second shape includes two fixing wings for fixing and a curved surface center for deformation, and the longitudinal section of the curved surface center is a circular arc.

[0010] In one possible design, the slow-release deformation layer includes a deformation portion, which is the portion where the shape changes in the process of changing from the first shape to the second shape. A heating film is provided on the surface of the deformation portion away from the hinge plate, and the heating film is used to provide heat to drive the slow-release deformation layer to deform.

[0011] In a possible design, a heat insulating layer is provided between the slow-release deformation layer and the hinge plate to prevent the temperature from being transferred to the hinge plate.

[0012] In a possible design, the heating film is connected to a power source, and the power source controls the temperature of the heating film by changing the voltage, thereby controlling the deformation speed of the slow-release deformation layer.

[0013] In a possible design, the material used to prepare the sustained-release deformation layer includes a shape memory composite material, and the shape memory composite material includes a shape memory polymer and a reinforcement.

[0014] In one possible design, the shape memory polymer includes at least one of shape memory epoxy resin, shape memory cyanate ester, and shape memory styrene.

[0015] In one possible design, the reinforcement includes at least one of carbon fiber, carbon nanotube, graphene, glass fiber, Kevlar fiber and aramid fiber.

[0016] In a possible design, a thermistor is provided on the heating film, and the thermistor is used to monitor the surface temperature of the heating film.

[0017] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a method for a slow-release hinge, based on any of the above-mentioned shape memory slow-release hinges, the method for a slow-release hinge comprising:

[0018] The effects of slowing down the opening speed of the hinge plate and accurately unfolding the hinge plate are achieved through the cooperation of the slow-release deformation layer and the torsion spring.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0020] In this embodiment, the slow-release function of the hinge is achieved by a slow-release deformation layer. The slow-release deformation layer has a simple structure, light weight, and stable slow-release function. Specifically, the slow-release deformation layer is provided on the hinge plate, and the slow-release deformation layer has a first shape that matches the open state of the hinge plate and a second shape that matches the folded state of the hinge plate. When the hinge needs to be opened, the hinge plate has a tendency to open under the control of the torsion spring, but at this time, because the slow-release deformation layer is in the second shape, the hinge plate has a tendency to open, and the mechanical shock and vibration caused by the rapid opening of the hinge plate under the action of the torsion spring are prevented. At this time, the slow-release deformation layer is controlled to start to deform slowly, and the hinge plate slowly opens under the action of the deformation force of the slow-release deformation layer and the elastic force of the torsion spring. The process of the slow-release deformation layer changing from the second shape to the first shape is the process of the slow-release opening of the hinge plate. The release speed of the hinge plate can be controlled by controlling the deformation speed of the slow-release deformation layer.

[0021] The technology provided by the present invention can achieve the locking of a space-deployable antenna in a folded state and slow release during the deployment process, which is beneficial to preventing the space-deployable antenna from deploying too quickly and improving the control accuracy of the space-deployable structure. Compared with the traditional torsion spring release mechanism, the shape memory slow-release hinge of the present invention has the characteristics of low impact, controllable deployment and slow speed. It can be applied to the release and deployment control of space-deployable structures such as space-deployable antennas, and has low cost, simple structure, lightweight and reliability. It is very suitable for equipment with limited weight and volume, easy to implement and promote application, and has high practical value. Therefore, the present invention is expected to be widely used in spacecraft and other fields, and have significant economic and social benefits. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a shape memory slow-release hinge in a folded state that assists in the expansion of a torsion spring, provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a shape memory slow-release hinge in an expanded state for assisting a torsion spring in expansion, provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a first shape of a slow-release deformable layer provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 41 is a schematic structural diagram of a second shape of a slow-release deformable layer provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a torsion spring and a hinge plate in a retracted state provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6 It is a structural schematic diagram of a torsion spring and a hinge plate in an unfolded state provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] In the picture:

[0030] 1- slow-release deformation layer;

[0031] 2-torsion spring;

[0032] 3-Hinge plate;

[0033] 4- Thermal insulation layer;

[0034] 5- Heating film;

[0035] 6- Thermistor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In order to make the purpose, 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 in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be understood as indicating or implying relative importance; unless otherwise specified or explained, the term "plurality" refers to two or more; the terms "connected" and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connected" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, an integral connection, or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0038] In the description of this specification, it should be understood that the directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" described in the embodiments of the present invention are described from the perspectives shown in the accompanying drawings and should not be understood as limiting the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, in the context, it should be understood that when it is mentioned that an element is connected "upper" or "lower" of another element, it can not only be directly connected "upper" or "lower" of the other element, but also indirectly connected "upper" or "lower" of the other element through an intermediate element.

[0039] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a shape memory slow-release hinge for assisting a torsion spring 2 in unfolding, comprising a hinge plate 3, a torsion spring 2, and a slow-release deformation layer 1 made of a shape memory material;

[0040] A torsion spring 2 is provided on the hinge plate 3 to provide elastic force to open the hinge plate 3. A slow-release deformation layer 1 is provided on the hinge plate 3. The slow-release deformation layer 1 includes a first shape and a second shape. The first shape has a straight longitudinal section, which matches the hinge plate 3 in the open state. The second shape has a U-shaped longitudinal section, which matches the hinge plate 3 in the folded state.

[0041] The effects of slowing down the opening speed of the hinge plate 3 and accurately unfolding the hinge plate 3 are achieved by the cooperation of the slow-release deformation layer 1 and the torsion spring 2 .

[0042] In this embodiment, the slow-release function of the hinge is achieved by the slow-release deformation layer 1. The slow-release deformation layer 1 has a simple structure, light weight, and stable slow-release function. Specifically, the slow-release deformation layer 1 is arranged on the hinge plate 3, and the slow-release deformation layer 1 has a first shape that matches the open state of the hinge plate 3 and a second shape that matches the folded state of the hinge plate 3. When the hinge needs to be opened, the hinge plate 3 has a tendency to open under the control of the torsion spring 2. However, at this time, because the slow-release deformation layer 1 is in the second shape, the hinge plate 3 has a tendency to open, and the mechanical shock and vibration caused by the rapid opening of the hinge plate 3 under the action of the torsion spring 2 are prevented. At this time, the slow-release deformation layer 1 is controlled to begin to deform slowly, and the hinge plate 3 slowly opens under the action of the deformation force of the slow-release deformation layer 1 and the elastic force of the torsion spring 2. The process of the slow-release deformation layer 1 changing from the second shape to the first shape is the process of the slow-release opening of the hinge plate 3. By controlling the deformation speed of the slow-release deformation layer 1, the release speed of the hinge plate 3 can be controlled.

[0043] The technology provided by the present invention can achieve the locking of the space deployable antenna in the folded state and the slow release during the deployment process, which is beneficial to prevent the space deployable antenna from deploying too quickly and improve the control accuracy of the space deployable structure. Compared with the traditional torsion spring 2 release mechanism, the shape memory slow-release hinge of the present invention has the characteristics of low impact, controllable deployment and slow speed. It can be applied to the release and deployment control of space deployable structures such as space deployable antennas, and has low cost, simple structure, lightweight and reliability. It is very suitable for equipment with limited weight and volume, easy to implement and promote application, and has high practical value. Therefore, the present invention is expected to be widely used in spacecraft and other fields, and have significant economic and social benefits.

[0044] It should be noted that the slow-release deformation layer 1 not only provides a damping effect during the slow deformation process, but also provides a driving force. The slow deformation of the slow-release deformation layer 1 can not only achieve the effect of slowly unfolding the hinge plate 3, but also provide a driving force for unfolding the hinge plate 3. However, if the hinge is not provided with a torsion spring, or the hinge is entirely made of shape memory material, there will be a situation where the unfolding driving force is insufficient, or the hinge will deform during the unfolding process, and the unfolding accuracy will decrease. Therefore, the present application provides a solution by cooperating with the slow-release deformation layer 1 and the torsion spring 2. Such a setting can not only achieve a slow-release effect, but also avoid the problems of insufficient unfolding driving force and decreased unfolding accuracy.

[0045] It should be noted that a plurality of torsion springs 2 may be provided to adjust the elastic force of releasing the hinge plate 3 .

[0046] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second shape includes two fixing wings for fixing and a curved surface center for deformation, and the longitudinal section of the curved surface center is a circular arc.

[0047] In this embodiment, the longitudinal section at the center of the curved surface can be designed to be in an arc shape. This arrangement can increase the resistance torque and driving torque of the slow-release deformation layer 1 .

[0048] In some embodiments of the present invention, the slow-release deformation layer 1 includes a deformation portion, which is a portion whose shape changes in the process of changing from the first shape to the second shape. A heating film 5 is provided on the surface of the deformation portion away from the hinge plate 3, and the heating film 5 is used to provide heat to drive the slow-release deformation layer 1 to deform.

[0049] In this embodiment, the heat for the slow-release deformable layer 1 is provided by the heating film 5. The heating film 5 is thin, does not occupy much space, and has high heating efficiency. The placement of the heating film 5 at the deformable portion allows for precise heat supply to the slow-release deformable layer 1, saving energy, improving heating efficiency, and conserving material for the heating film 5.

[0050] In some embodiments of the present invention, a heat insulating layer 4 is provided between the slow-release deformation layer 1 and the hinge plate 3 to prevent the temperature from being transferred to the hinge plate 3 .

[0051] In this embodiment, the heat insulation layer 4 is provided to prevent the high temperature of the slow-release deformation layer 1 from being transferred to the hinge plate 3 and the torsion spring 2, thereby affecting the performance of the two.

[0052] In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating film 5 is connected to a power source, and the power source controls the temperature of the heating film 5 by changing the voltage, thereby controlling the deformation speed of the slow-release deformable layer 1 .

[0053] In this embodiment, by adjusting the voltage of the power supply, the current size can be adjusted, and then the temperature change of the slow-release deformation layer 1 can be adjusted, and then the deformation speed of the slow-release deformation layer 1 can be adjusted, ultimately achieving the effect of adjustable release speed of the hinge plate 3.

[0054] In some embodiments of the present invention, the material for preparing the slow-release deformation layer 1 includes a shape memory composite material, and the shape memory composite material includes a shape memory polymer and a reinforcement.

[0055] In this embodiment, the shape memory composite material has a large deformation degree, is light in weight, has excellent mechanical properties, and can provide a large deformation force.

[0056] In some embodiments of the present invention, the shape memory polymer includes at least one of a shape memory epoxy, a shape memory cyanate ester, and a shape memory styrene.

[0057] In this embodiment, shape memory epoxy resin, shape memory cyanate ester and shape memory styrene are shape memory polymer materials with excellent deformability.

[0058] In some embodiments of the present invention, the reinforcement includes at least one of carbon fiber, carbon nanotube, graphene, glass fiber, Kevlar fiber and aramid fiber.

[0059] In this embodiment, carbon fiber, carbon nanotube, graphene, glass fiber, Kevlar fiber and aramid fiber can increase the stiffness and strength of the shape memory composite material.

[0060] In some embodiments of the present invention, a thermistor 6 is provided on the heating film 5 , and the thermistor 6 is used to monitor the surface temperature of the heating film 5 .

[0061] In this embodiment, a thermistor 6 can be provided to monitor the surface temperature of the heating film 5 , so that the temperature of the heating film 5 and the slow-release deformation layer 1 can be controlled and adjusted better and more accurately according to the surface temperature of the heating film 5 .

[0062] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a method for a slow-release hinge. Based on any shape memory slow-release hinge in the above embodiments, the method for a slow-release hinge includes:

[0063] The effects of slowing down the opening speed of the hinge plate 3 and accurately unfolding the hinge plate 3 are achieved by the cooperation of the slow-release deformation layer 1 and the torsion spring 2 .

[0064] It should be noted that the method provided in the embodiment of the present invention and the shape memory slow-release hinge provided in the above embodiment are based on the same inventive concept, and therefore can achieve the same beneficial effects. The specific beneficial effects are described above and will not be repeated here.

[0065] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A shape memory slow-release hinge for assisting the unfolding of a torsion spring (2), characterized in that: It comprises a hinge plate (3), a torsion spring (2) and a slow-release deformation layer (1) made of a shape memory material; The torsion spring (2) is arranged on the hinge plate (3), and the torsion spring (2) is used to provide elastic force to open the hinge plate (3). The slow-release deformation layer (1) is arranged on the hinge plate (3), and the slow-release deformation layer (1) includes a first shape and a second shape. The longitudinal section of the first shape is a straight line, matching the hinge plate (3) in the open state, and the longitudinal section of the second shape is a U-shape, matching the hinge plate (3) in the folded state. The effects of slowing down the opening speed of the hinge plate (3) and accurately unfolding the hinge plate (3) are achieved through the cooperation of the slow-release deformation layer (1) and the torsion spring (2).

2. The shape memory slow-release hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second shape includes two fixing wings for fixing and a curved surface center for deformation, and the longitudinal section of the curved surface center is a circular arc.

3. The shape memory slow-release hinge according to claim 2, characterized in that: The slow-release deformation layer (1) comprises a deformation portion, wherein the deformation portion is a portion whose shape changes during the process of changing from the first shape to the second shape. A heating film (5) is provided on a surface of the deformation portion away from the hinge plate (3), and the heating film (5) is used to provide heat to drive the slow-release deformation layer (1) to deform.

4. The shape memory slow-release hinge according to claim 3, characterized in that: A heat-insulating layer (4) is provided between the slow-release deformation layer (1) and the hinge plate (3) to prevent the temperature from being transferred to the hinge plate (3).

5. The shape memory slow-release hinge according to claim 4, characterized in that: The heating film (5) is connected to a power source, and the power source controls the temperature of the heating film (5) by changing the voltage, thereby controlling the deformation speed of the slow-release deformation layer (1).

6. The shape memory slow-release hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The preparation material of the slow-release deformation layer (1) includes a shape memory composite material, and the shape memory composite material includes a shape memory polymer and a reinforcement.

7. The shape memory slow-release hinge according to claim 6, characterized in that: The shape memory polymer includes at least one of shape memory epoxy resin, shape memory cyanate ester and shape memory styrene.

8. The shape memory slow-release hinge according to claim 6, characterized in that: The reinforcement includes at least one of carbon fiber, carbon nanotube, graphene, glass fiber, Kevlar fiber and aramid fiber.

9. The shape memory slow-release hinge according to claim 5, characterized in that: A thermistor (6) is provided on the heating film (5), and the thermistor (6) is used to monitor the surface temperature of the heating film (5).

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