Propellant tank mounting structure for satellite and method of mounting propellant tank

Abstract

The application discloses a propellant tank mounting structure for a satellite and a mounting method of the propellant tank, which is used for mounting the propellant tank to a long partition plate of the satellite, and comprises a tank flange support, a support corner box and a reinforcing diagonal beam; the tank flange support is connected with the propellant tank, the support corner box is fixedly connected with the tank flange support and the long partition plate, and the reinforcing diagonal beam is connected with the tank flange support and the support corner box respectively. The mounting method comprises the following steps: when a satellite structure is in a state that a bottom plate, the long partition plate and a top plate are mounted in place, the support corner box is mounted to corresponding positions of two long partition plates and is pre-positioned; the tank flange support is horizontally placed on the support corner boxes, the support corner boxes are adjusted, and the support corner boxes are fixedly connected with the long partition plate; the tank flange support is removed; the propellant tank is mounted to the tank flange support and is fixed; the tank flange support is mounted to the support corner boxes and is fixed together with the propellant tank; the reinforcing diagonal beam is mounted; and the propellant tank is mounted and fixed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of satellite structure technology, and in particular to a propellant tank installation structure and a propellant tank installation method for satellites. Background Technology

[0002] The propellant tanks installed on a satellite are a crucial component of its propulsion subsystem. Considering constraints such as mass characteristics, thermal control, and operability, the propellant tanks are positioned between two long partitions and secured to the satellite structure via tank supports. Currently, the tank supports used for propellant tank installation primarily fall into the following structural categories, each with its own drawbacks:

[0003] One structural form of the storage tank support is that the two sides of the storage tank support are directly connected to the long partition. In this case, the storage tank support, as a direct component of the final assembly, needs to be put into production in advance and participate in the satellite structural assembly. In order to meet the structural strength requirements of the assembly, a specially designed reinforcing embedded structure needs to be set inside the long partition. During the satellite final assembly process, the disassembly and assembly of the storage tank requires the removal of the top plate of the structure, and there is a coupling between the satellite final assembly and the structural assembly.

[0004] Another structural form of the storage tank support is to add four support legs connected to the base plate below the storage tank support. A gap of 2-3mm is left between one side of the storage tank support and the mounting surface of the structural plate to add adjustment shims. In this state, the storage tank support does not need to participate in the satellite structural assembly, which can achieve decoupling between satellite assembly and structural assembly. However, the four connecting support legs below the storage tank will reduce the space for on-board equipment layout and make installation and adjustment complicated.

[0005] With the increased demand for propellant, the satellite is equipped with a single large propellant tank or two propellant tanks placed side by side. Small partitions are added to the non-long partition mounting surface of the tank support as auxiliary support structures. In this case, not only is the structure more complex and there is coupling between the satellite assembly and the structural components, but the space for equipment layout under the onboard tanks is also greatly reduced.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need to design an installation structure that can not only meet the requirements for the installation and fixation of the on-board propellant tank, but also reduce the space occupied by the on-board equipment layout, reduce the coupling between the satellite assembly and structural components, and at the same time take into account the simple structure and convenient installation and operation. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem solved by this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a satellite propellant tank installation structure and a propellant tank installation method. The design is optimized by comprehensively considering factors such as the layout of the propellant tank, structural strength, and assembly process. The structure is simple and easy to operate. It can meet the installation and fixing requirements of the propellant tank while occupying less space on the satellite, and achieves decoupling between satellite assembly and structural assembly.

[0008] The technical solution of this invention is: a satellite propellant tank installation structure for installing a propellant tank onto a long bulkhead of a satellite; comprising a tank flange bracket, a support corner box, and reinforcing inclined beams; the tank flange bracket connects to the propellant tank and supports and fixes the propellant tank; the support corner box fixes the tank flange bracket to the long bulkhead; the reinforcing inclined beams connect the tank flange bracket and the support corner box respectively.

[0009] In the above-mentioned satellite propellant tank installation structure, the tank flange bracket has a through hole inside, and the upper side is machined to form a tank mounting surface for connection with the propellant tank; the lower side of the tank flange bracket has several support corner box mounting surfaces for connection with the support corner boxes and reinforcing diagonal beams.

[0010] In the above-mentioned satellite propellant tank installation structure, the through hole is a circular hole; the lower side of the tank flange bracket is provided with a groove, which is a regular polygonal groove, and the diameter of the inscribed circle of the groove is larger than the diameter of the through hole.

[0011] In the above-mentioned satellite propellant tank installation structure, a reinforcing boss is provided on the inner wall of the groove. One end of the reinforcing boss is connected to the inner wall of the through hole and smoothly transitions, while the other end extends to the lower side of the tank flange bracket.

[0012] In the above-mentioned satellite propellant tank installation structure, the tank flange bracket is connected to the long partition plate through four support corner boxes, and the mounting surfaces of the four support corner boxes are distributed on the lower surface of the four corners of the tank flange bracket.

[0013] In the above-mentioned satellite propellant tank installation structure, the supporting corner box includes an upper connecting part and a side connecting part. The upper connecting part is used to connect the tank flange bracket, and the side connecting part is used to connect the long partition.

[0014] In the above-mentioned satellite propellant tank installation structure, several reinforcing ribs are provided between the upper connecting part and the side connecting part.

[0015] In the above-mentioned satellite propellant tank installation structure, the reinforcing inclined beam includes a main support part, and a first mounting part and a second mounting part are respectively provided at both ends of the main support part. The first mounting part and the second mounting part are respectively connected to the tank flange bracket and the support corner box.

[0016] In the above-mentioned satellite propellant tank installation structure, the reinforcing inclined beam is also provided with a side support, and the two ends of the side support are respectively connected to the first installation part and the second installation part.

[0017] The installation method for the propellant tank using the above-described satellite propellant tank mounting structure includes the following steps:

[0018] Step 1: When the satellite structure is in place with the base plate, long partition, and top plate installed, install the multiple support corner boxes into the corresponding positions of the two long partitions and pre-position them.

[0019] Step 2: Place the storage tank flange bracket horizontally onto multiple support corner boxes, adjust the upper connecting part of the support corner box to fit the mounting surface of the support corner box of the storage tank flange bracket, and fix the support corner box to the long partition plate.

[0020] Step 3: Remove the tank flange bracket;

[0021] Step 4: Install the propellant tank onto the tank mounting surface of the tank flange bracket and secure the propellant tank.

[0022] Step 5: Together with the propellant tank, install the tank flange bracket onto the support corner box and fix the tank flange bracket to the support corner box;

[0023] Step 6: Install the reinforcing inclined beam. Connect and fix the first and second mounting parts of the reinforcing inclined beam to the tank flange bracket and the support corner box, respectively.

[0024] The advantages of this invention compared to the prior art are:

[0025] (1) The propellant tank installation structure designed in this invention allows all components to be installed during the satellite assembly stage. This not only effectively avoids stress concentration problems caused by long partitions, but also eliminates the need for special reinforcing embedded structures inside the long partitions, simplifying the long partition structure. Furthermore, the propellant tank and tank flange bracket can be disassembled as a whole. During disassembly, the propellant tank and tank flange bracket can be inserted or removed along the long side of the long partition. The entire disassembly process does not involve the disassembly of the satellite structural plates. There is no coupling between the satellite assembly and the structural assembly, resulting in high assembly efficiency.

[0026] (2) The propellant tank installation structure designed in this invention is compact. After the tank flange bracket, support corner box and reinforcing inclined beam are installed in place, the space for the layout of on-board equipment is almost reduced.

[0027] (3) The propellant tank installation structure designed in this invention uses a symmetrical combination structure of tank flange bracket, support corner box and reinforcing inclined beam to support the propellant tank. The structure is simple, easy to process and easy to install. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the satellite propellant tank installation structure of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the satellite propellant tank installation structure of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the storage tank flange bracket of the present invention at a first angle;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the storage tank flange bracket of the present invention at a second angle;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the supporting corner box of the present invention at the first angle;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the supporting corner box of the present invention at the second angle;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the reinforced inclined beam under the first angle of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the reinforced inclined beam at the second angle according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To make the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments:

[0037] The satellite propellant tank mounting structure is used to mount the propellant tank 14 onto the satellite's long bulkhead 12. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the satellite propellant tank installation structure includes a tank flange bracket 21, a support corner box 22, and a reinforcing inclined beam 23. The tank flange bracket 21 connects to the propellant tank 14, supporting and fixing the propellant tank 14; the support corner box 22 fixes the tank flange bracket 21 to the long partition 12, and its number can be selected as needed; the reinforcing inclined beam 23 connects the tank flange bracket 21 and the support corner box 22 respectively, strengthening the connection between the two.

[0038] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the tank flange support 21 is a plate-like structure, such as a square thin-walled reinforced aluminum alloy structure. The tank flange support 21 is horizontally positioned, perpendicular to the long partition 12, which facilitates the internal spatial layout of the satellite. The tank flange support 21 has a through-hole 213 inside, and its upper side is machined to form a tank mounting surface 211. In use, the propellant tank 14 is located within the through-hole 213, and its flange at its waist engages with the tank mounting surface 211 for positioning and fixed connection. The tank mounting surface 211 can be designed as an annular plane surrounding the through-hole 213.

[0039] Furthermore, a groove 214 is provided on the lower side of the tank flange bracket 21 to reduce the wall thickness at the connection between the tank flange bracket 21 and the propellant tank 14. Ideally, the through hole 213 is a circular hole, and the groove 214 is a regular polygonal groove, such as a regular octagonal groove. The diameter of the inscribed circle of the groove 214 is larger than the diameter of the through hole 213. A flange connection portion is formed at the upper end of the groove 214, and the flange connection portion is provided with multiple connection holes 216, which are evenly distributed around the circumference of the through hole 213. The propellant tank 14 and the tank flange bracket 21 are fixedly connected as a single unit using fasteners such as bolts or screws located within the connection holes 216.

[0040] The inner wall of the groove 214 is provided with several reinforcing bosses 215. When the groove 214 is a regular octagonal groove, four reinforcing bosses 215 can be provided on the inner wall of the groove 214. One end of the reinforcing boss 215 connects smoothly with the inner wall of the through hole 213, and the other end extends to the lower side of the tank flange bracket 21. The reinforcing bosses 215 can be set at the point where the distance between the inner wall of the groove 214 and the inner wall of the through hole 213 is the smallest, which not only solves the problem of fastener installation space, but also helps to strengthen the local strength of the flange connection. The tank flange bracket 21 can be precisely positioned and assembled with the propellant tank 14, and the connection strength is high and the stability is good. The side of the reinforcing boss 215 facing the propellant tank 14 can match the shape of the propellant tank 14 to support the propellant tank 14, which is conducive to improving the connection stability between the propellant tank 14 and the tank flange bracket 21.

[0041] The lower side of the tank flange bracket 21 is also machined with several support corner box mounting surfaces 212 for connection with the support corner box 22 and the reinforcing diagonal beam 23. When the tank flange bracket 21 is connected to the long partition plate 12 through the four support corner boxes 22, the four support corner box mounting surfaces 212 are distributed on the lower surface of the four corners of the tank flange bracket 21.

[0042] The direction in which the tank flange support 21 extends between the two long partitions 12 is defined as its length direction, and the direction along the long partitions 12 is defined as its width direction. The width of the tank flange support 21 is related to the size and weight of the propellant tank 14 it supports; specifically, the width L of the tank flange support 21 can be selected using the following formula:

[0043] L = outer diameter of the waist flange of propellant tank 14 + depth of groove 214 - 2mm.

[0044] The depth of the groove 214 should meet the mechanical performance requirements of the propellant tank it supports, and should not be less than 3 mm. The length of the tank flange bracket 21 should not be less than its width, and should be related to the distance between the inner surfaces of the two long partitions 12, specifically, the distance between the inner surfaces of the two long partitions 12 should be reduced by 6 mm. The thickness of the tank flange bracket 21 is related to the weight of the propellant tank 14 it supports, and should meet the mechanical performance requirements of the propellant tank 14 it supports.

[0045] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the supporting corner box 22 is a thin-walled, reinforced structure, and the material can be aluminum alloy. Specifically, the supporting corner box 22 includes an upper connecting part 221 and a side connecting part 222. The upper connecting part 221 is used to connect the storage tank flange bracket 21, and the side connecting part 222 is used to connect the long partition 12. The upper connecting part 221 and the side connecting part 222 can be an integral structure, or they can be fixedly connected as one piece by welding, bolting, or other methods. The structural form of the supporting corner box 22 is determined based on the mounting surface of the supporting corner box 212 and the mounting surface of the long partition 12. When the mounting surface of the supporting corner box 212 and the mounting surface of the long partition 12 are perpendicular to each other, the upper connecting part 221 and the side connecting part 222 are flat and perpendicular to each other; of course, the upper connecting part 221 and the side connecting part 222 can also be other structural forms.

[0046] Preferably, the upper connecting part 221 is a slender rectangular plate structure with a small dimension in the direction of distance between the inner surfaces of the two long partitions 12, which allows for support of the tank flange bracket 21 and the propellant tank 14 without occupying space in the satellite's equipment layout. The side connecting part 222 has a certain dimension in the height direction to meet the mechanical performance requirements of the connection point of the long partitions 12 and reduce local stress at the connection point of the long partitions 12. For example, the dimension of the upper connecting part 221 in the direction of distance between the inner surfaces of the two long partitions 12 is 27 mm, and the dimension of the side connecting part 222 in the height direction is 150 mm.

[0047] Several reinforcing ribs 223 are provided between the upper connecting part 221 and the side connecting part 222 to ensure the connection and support strength between the two. Figure 5 As shown, the supporting corner box 22 has four reinforcing ribs 223, which are triangular in shape.

[0048] The storage tank flange bracket 21 is mounted on a plurality of support corner boxes 22. Furthermore, the number of support corner boxes 22 is preferably even, and they are symmetrically mounted on two long partition plates 12.

[0049] like Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the reinforcing inclined beam 23 is a thin-walled stiffened aluminum alloy structure, including a main support part 233. The two ends of the main support part 233 are respectively provided with a first mounting part 231 and a second mounting part 232. The first mounting part 231 and the second mounting part 232 are respectively connected to the storage tank flange bracket 21 and the support corner box 22.

[0050] The number of reinforcing diagonal beams 23 and the number of supporting corner boxes 22 are the same and they are set in a one-to-one correspondence, that is, the four reinforcing diagonal beams 23 correspond to the four supporting corner boxes 22 respectively.

[0051] The reinforcing inclined beam 23 is also provided with side support parts 234. For example, two side support parts 234 are provided. The two side support parts 234 are located at the two side edges of the main support part 233 respectively, and the two ends of the side support parts 234 are respectively connected to the first mounting part 231 and the second mounting part 232.

[0052] The installation method for the propellant tank using the above-mentioned satellite propellant tank mounting structure includes the following steps:

[0053] Step 1: When the satellite structure is in the position of the base plate 11, long partition 12, and top plate 13, install the four support corner boxes 22 into the corresponding positions of the two long partitions 12 and pre-position them; after pre-positioning, the side connection part 222 fits into the long partition 12, and the connecting screws or bolts to the long partition 12 are not tightened.

[0054] Step 2: Place the storage tank flange bracket 21 horizontally on the four support corner boxes 22, adjust the upper connecting part 221 of the four support corner boxes 22 to fit with the mounting surface 212 of the four support corner boxes of the storage tank flange bracket 21, and tighten the connecting screws between the four support corner boxes 22 and the long partition plate 12 to complete the fixed connection between the support corner boxes 22 and the long partition plate 12.

[0055] Step 3: Remove the storage tank flange bracket 21.

[0056] Step 4: Install the propellant tank 14 onto the tank mounting surface 211 of the tank flange bracket 21, and tighten the fastening screws to complete the fixing of the propellant tank 14.

[0057] Step 5: Together with the propellant tank 14, install the tank flange bracket 21 onto the four support corner boxes 22, and tighten the fastening screws to fix the tank flange bracket 21 to the support corner boxes 22.

[0058] Step 6: Install the four reinforcing inclined beams 23 respectively. Connect the first mounting part 231 and the second mounting part 232 of the reinforcing inclined beams 23 to the storage tank flange bracket 21 and the support corner box 22 respectively, and tighten the fastening screws to complete the fixing.

[0059] As can be seen, the simplified installation structure of the satellite double-partition tank of the present invention, through the above structural form, is simple in structure, easy to operate, occupies less space on the satellite, decouples the satellite assembly from the structural components, and meets the installation and fixing requirements of the propellant tank.

[0060] The contents not described in detail in this specification are common knowledge to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A propellant tank mounting structure for satellites, used to mount a propellant tank (14) onto a long bulkhead (12) of a satellite; characterized in that: It includes a tank flange bracket (21), a support corner box (22), and a reinforcing inclined beam (23); the tank flange bracket (21) connects to the propellant tank (14) and supports and fixes the propellant tank (14); the support corner box (22) fixes the tank flange bracket (21) to the long partition plate (12); the reinforcing inclined beam (23) connects the tank flange bracket (21) and the support corner box (22) respectively. The storage tank flange bracket (21) is connected to the long partition plate (12) through four support corner boxes (22), and the mounting surfaces (212) of the four support corner boxes are distributed on the lower surfaces of the four corners of the storage tank flange bracket (21); The supporting corner box (22) includes an upper connecting part (221) and a side connecting part (222). The upper connecting part (221) is used to connect the storage tank flange bracket (21), and the side connecting part (222) is used to connect the long partition (12). The tank flange bracket (21) has a through hole (213) inside, and the upper side is machined to form a tank mounting surface (211) for connecting with the propellant tank (14); the lower side of the tank flange bracket (21) is machined with several support corner box mounting surfaces (212) for connecting with the support corner box (22) and the reinforcing inclined beam (23); The through hole (213) is a circular hole; the lower side of the storage tank flange bracket (21) is provided with a groove (214), the groove (214) is a regular polygonal groove, and the diameter of the inscribed circle of the groove (214) is larger than the diameter of the through hole (213); The inner wall of the groove (214) is provided with a reinforcing boss (215). One end of the reinforcing boss (215) is connected to the inner wall of the through hole (213) and smoothly transitions, while the other end extends to the lower side of the storage tank flange bracket (21). A plurality of reinforcing ribs (223) are provided between the upper connecting part (221) and the side connecting part (222); The reinforcing inclined beam (23) includes a main support part (233), and a first mounting part (231) and a second mounting part (232) are respectively provided at both ends of the main support part (233). The first mounting part (231) and the second mounting part (232) are respectively connected to the storage tank flange bracket (21) and the support corner box (22). The reinforcing inclined beam (23) is also provided with a side support (234), and the two ends of the side support (234) are respectively connected to the first mounting part (231) and the second mounting part (232).

2. The method for installing the propellant tank in the satellite propellant tank mounting structure according to claim 1 includes the following steps: Step 1: When the satellite structure is in the position of the bottom plate (11), long partition (12), and top plate (13), install multiple support corner boxes (22) into the corresponding positions of the two long partitions (12) and pre-position them. Step 2: Place the storage tank flange bracket (21) horizontally on multiple support corner boxes (22), adjust the upper connecting part (221) of the support corner box (22) to fit with the support corner box mounting surface (212) of the storage tank flange bracket (21), and fix the support corner box (22) to the long partition (12); Step 3: Remove the tank flange bracket (21); Step 4: Install the propellant tank (14) onto the tank mounting surface (211) of the tank flange bracket (21) and complete the fixing of the propellant tank (14); Step 5: Together with the propellant tank (14), install the tank flange bracket (21) onto the support corner box (22) and fix the tank flange bracket (21) to the support corner box (22); Step 6: Install the reinforcing inclined beam (23). Connect and fix the first mounting part (231) and the second mounting part (232) of the reinforcing inclined beam (23) to the storage tank flange bracket (21) and the support corner box (22) respectively.

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