A multi-channel air spring flexible loading system and method of loading

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of multi-channel air spring flexible loading system and loading method, belong to load loading technical field, multi-channel air spring flexible loading system includes: hardware system and software system;Hardware system includes air compressor, buffer tank, pressure divider, multiple electrical proportional valve, multiple inflation switch valve, multiple additional air chamber, multiple air spring, multiple pressure sensor, multiple load sensor, multiple displacement sensor, controller, data acquisition device and host computer;Air compressor is accessed buffer tank, the outlet of buffer tank is connected pressure divider by main gas supply pipeline, multiple gas path interfaces are provided on pressure divider, pressure divider is used to divide compressed air into multiple ways from a way, realize the gas supply of each branch, an electrical proportional valve, inflation switch valve, additional air chamber, air spring, pressure sensor, load sensor and displacement sensor are provided on each branch gas supply pipeline, and software system is used to control loading.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of load loading technology, specifically relating to a multi-channel air spring flexible loading system and loading method. Background Technology

[0002] Aerospace vehicles experience the combined effects of harsh static, dynamic, high and low temperature, and noise environments during spaceflight. Many equipment malfunctions and performance degradations are related to the combined effects of multiple environments. Therefore, ground-based mechanical tests are usually required to reduce the flight risks of the products.

[0003] The static environmental load in the joint test aims to simulate the real flight process and must be controlled in the same sequence as temperature, vibration and the action of the aircraft mechanism to complete the entire test.

[0004] In existing technologies, conventional static loading methods (such as hydraulic actuators and servo electric cylinders) are often used. This loading method can cause interference with other test subsystems, making it difficult to conduct collaborative tests with other test subsystems and resulting in low efficiency of joint tests. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a multi-channel air spring flexible loading system and loading method, which can solve the technical problems in the prior art where the loading system is prone to interference with other test subsystems, making it difficult to conduct collaborative tests with other test subsystems, resulting in low efficiency of joint tests.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention is implemented as follows:

[0007] First aspect

[0008] This invention provides a multi-channel air spring flexible loading system, comprising: a hardware system and a software system;

[0009] The hardware system includes an air compressor, a buffer tank, a pressure divider, multiple electro-proportional valves, multiple inflation switch valves, multiple auxiliary air chambers, multiple air springs, multiple pressure sensors, multiple load sensors, multiple displacement sensors, a controller, a data acquisition unit, and a host computer.

[0010] An air compressor is used to provide stable and reliable compressed air. The air compressor is connected to a buffer tank, which is used to buffer pressure fluctuations in the system.

[0011] The outlet of the buffer tank is connected to the pressure divider via the main gas supply line;

[0012] The pressure divider is equipped with multiple air passage interfaces. The pressure divider is used to divide compressed air from one path into multiple paths to achieve air supply to each branch.

[0013] Each branch gas supply line is equipped with an electric proportional valve, a gas filling switch valve, an auxiliary gas chamber, an air spring, a pressure sensor, a load sensor, and a displacement sensor.

[0014] An electro-proportional valve is an actuator with dual closed-loop control, used for precise pressure regulation;

[0015] The inflation switch valve is a two-position three-way valve. The inflation switch valve is set to be normally closed. When the inflation switch valve loses power, it cuts off the passage between the electric proportional valve and the auxiliary air chamber.

[0016] The additional air chamber can be configured with its own volume according to the loading stiffness requirements;

[0017] The pressure sensor is mounted on the auxiliary air chamber and is used to measure the air pressure in a single channel.

[0018] The load sensor is installed between the air spring and the test specimen, and is used to measure the load in a single channel.

[0019] Displacement sensors are installed on the axial and radial sides of the test specimen. The displacement sensors are used to measure the changes in axial and radial displacement of the test specimen during loading.

[0020] Air springs are installed at various loading points on the test specimen. By adjusting the working pressure, the air springs can have different load-bearing capacities.

[0021] The controller includes a CPU, an analog input module, an analog output module, a digital input module, and a digital output module. The CPU serves as the control core and is loaded with lower-level software. The analog input module connects to pressure sensors and load sensors, the analog output module connects to an electro-proportional valve, the digital input module connects to signal switches such as emergency stop buttons, and the digital output module connects to signal displays such as inflation switch valves.

[0022] The data acquisition unit integrates a status monitoring module, which is connected to a displacement sensor;

[0023] The host computer contains host computer software and is connected to the controller and data acquisition unit.

[0024] The software system is used to control loading.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the multi-channel air spring flexible loading system further includes: a safety valve;

[0026] The safety valve is installed on the top of the buffer tank. The safety valve is set with a preset pressure value for static load loading. If the current pressure value exceeds the preset pressure value, the safety valve will automatically open from the normally closed state to discharge to the outside, so as to protect the safety of the loading system.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the multi-channel air spring flexible loading system further includes a drain valve; the drain valve is installed at the bottom of the buffer tank and can be used to discharge sewage and quickly vent air when the drain valve is open.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the multi-channel air spring flexible loading system further includes a filter; the filter is installed at the outlet of the buffer tank and is used to remove harmful substances such as dust, oil, and impurity particles from the compressed air.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the multi-channel air spring flexible loading system further includes a pressure reducing valve; the pressure reducing valve is installed on the main air supply line and is used to manually adjust the pressure of the compressed air.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the multi-channel air spring flexible loading system further includes: an exhaust switch valve; the exhaust switch valve is a two-position three-way valve, the exhaust switch valve is set to normally open, the exhaust switch valve cuts off the passage between the auxiliary air chamber and the atmosphere when energized, and the exhaust switch valve can realize the connection between the auxiliary air chamber and the atmosphere when de-energized, and a digital output module is connected to the exhaust switch valve.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the software system includes host computer software and slave computer software. The host computer software configures the parameters of the test task according to the requirements of the test procedure, realizes manual and automatic, closed-loop control operation, monitors system control parameters and equipment operating status, and stores data. The slave computer software collects external input, performs internal calculations, and sends out control signals to ensure that parameters such as load, pressure, and displacement meet the requirements of static load loading, and has functions such as emergency safety protection. The controller makes real-time judgments based on the threshold settings of the host computer channel and outputs signals through a designated channel.

[0032] Second aspect

[0033] This invention provides a loading method applied to any of the multi-channel air spring flexible loading systems described in the first aspect, comprising:

[0034] S101: Select the loading channel and set the load spectrum;

[0035] S102: Set control parameters such as PID, click the system automatic option, the system can automatically output according to the calculation results of the dual closed-loop control strategy. If the system is switched to manual, the control output is set to manual output.

[0036] S103: Click the system startup option, and the system will begin loading;

[0037] S104: The system is waiting after the initial load or after loading to the next level;

[0038] S105: Set the loading time, click the next loading option, the system loading level increases by 1, and at the same time optimizes the load loading target value based on the real-time status monitoring results;

[0039] S106: Start loading the current level. When the loading time is up, complete the loading of the current level.

[0040] S107: The system has n loading levels. If loading level n is not reached or the "Stop Loading" button is not clicked, the system will return to the running and waiting state. Otherwise, the system will stop loading.

[0041] The present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0042] (1) In this embodiment of the invention, the loading system uses multiple air springs as actuators to achieve flexible static load by utilizing the compressibility of gas. The system is equipped with a dual closed-loop control system, which can preset the load spectrum, freely select the number of channels, and synchronize with external signals, avoiding interference between other test subsystems. This facilitates joint loading with other test subsystems and greatly improves the efficiency of joint testing.

[0043] (2) In this embodiment of the invention, considering that flexible static loading increases the stability risk of the system, the system is equipped with a state monitoring module to monitor the application process of flexible static load in real time and optimize the target value of load loading to improve the stability of the system and open up more possibilities for complex joint tests.

[0044] (3) In this embodiment of the invention, the loading system collects pressure signals for pressure inner loop control and collects load signals for load outer loop control, which can realize precise control of single-channel load. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-channel air spring flexible loading system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 2 This is a measurement and control topology diagram of a multi-channel air spring flexible loading system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a loading method provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0049] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0050] The multi-channel air spring flexible loading system and loading method provided by the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and through specific embodiments and application scenarios.

[0051] Example 1

[0052] Reference Figure 1 The diagram shows a structural schematic of a multi-channel air spring flexible loading system provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Reference Figure 2 The diagram shows a measurement and control topology of a multi-channel air spring flexible loading system provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] The present invention provides a multi-channel air spring flexible loading system, comprising a hardware system and a software system.

[0055] The hardware system includes an air compressor 1, a buffer tank 2, a pressure divider 7, multiple electro-proportional valves 8, multiple inflation switch valves 9, multiple auxiliary air chambers 11, multiple air springs 12, multiple pressure sensors 13, multiple load sensors 14, multiple displacement sensors 15, a controller 16, a data acquisition unit 17, and a host computer 18.

[0056] Air compressor 1 is used to provide stable and reliable compressed air. Air compressor 1 is connected to buffer tank 2, which is used to buffer pressure fluctuations in the system.

[0057] The outlet of buffer tank 2 is connected to pressure divider 7 via the main gas supply line.

[0058] The pressure divider 7 is equipped with multiple air passage interfaces. The pressure divider 7 is used to divide compressed air from one path into multiple paths to achieve air supply to each branch.

[0059] Each branch gas supply line is equipped with an electric proportional valve 8, a gas filling switch valve 9, an auxiliary gas chamber 11, an air spring 12, a pressure sensor 13, a load sensor 14, and a displacement sensor 15.

[0060] The electro-proportional valve 8 is a dual closed-loop control actuator used for precise pressure regulation.

[0061] The inflation switch valve 9 is a two-position three-way valve. The inflation switch valve 9 is normally closed. When the inflation switch valve 9 is de-energized, it cuts off the passage between the electric proportional valve 8 and the auxiliary air chamber 11.

[0062] The additional air chamber 11 can be configured with its own volume according to the loading stiffness requirements.

[0063] Pressure sensor 13 is mounted on auxiliary air chamber 11 and is used to measure the air pressure of a single channel.

[0064] The load sensor 14 is installed between the air spring 12 and the test piece, and is used to measure the load of a single channel.

[0065] Displacement sensor 15 is mounted on the axial and radial sides of the test piece. Displacement sensor 15 is used to measure the changes in axial and radial displacement of the test piece during loading.

[0066] Air springs 12 are installed at various loading points on the test specimen. By adjusting the working pressure, air springs 12 can have different load-bearing capacities. With its ideal elastic characteristics, air springs 12 can be used for flexible loading in static load loading tests.

[0067] The controller 16 includes a CPU, an analog input module, an analog output module, a digital input module, and a digital output module. The CPU serves as the control core and is loaded with lower-level software. The analog input module is connected to the pressure sensor 13 and the load sensor 14. The analog output module is connected to the electro-proportional valve 8. The digital input module is connected to signal switches such as the emergency stop button. The digital output module is connected to signal displays such as the inflation switch valve 9.

[0068] The data acquisition unit 17 integrates a status monitoring module, which is connected to the displacement sensor 15.

[0069] The host computer 18 is loaded with host computer software and is connected to the controller 16 and the data acquisition unit 17.

[0070] The software system is used to control loading.

[0071] In one possible implementation, the multi-channel air spring flexible loading system further includes a safety valve 3. The safety valve 3 is installed on the top of the buffer tank 2, and a preset pressure value for static load loading is set on the safety valve 3. If the current pressure value exceeds the preset pressure value, the safety valve 3 will automatically open from its normally closed state to release pressure to the outside, thereby protecting the safety of the loading system.

[0072] In one possible implementation, the multi-channel air spring flexible loading system further includes a drain valve 4. The drain valve 4 is installed at the bottom of the buffer tank 2, and when opened, it can be used to discharge sewage and quickly vent air.

[0073] In one possible implementation, the multi-channel air spring flexible loading system further includes a filter 5. The filter 5 is installed at the outlet of the buffer tank 2 and is used to remove harmful substances such as dust, oil, and impurity particles from the compressed air.

[0074] In one possible implementation, the multi-channel air spring flexible loading system further includes a pressure reducing valve 6. The pressure reducing valve 6 is installed on the main air supply line and is used to manually adjust the pressure of the compressed air.

[0075] In one possible implementation, the multi-channel air spring flexible loading system further includes an exhaust switch valve 10. The exhaust switch valve 10 is a two-position three-way valve, and is set to normally open. When the exhaust switch valve 10 is energized, it cuts off the passage between the auxiliary air chamber 11 and the atmosphere. When the exhaust switch valve 10 is de-energized, it can connect the auxiliary air chamber 11 to the atmosphere. A digital output module is connected to the exhaust switch valve 10.

[0076] In one possible implementation, the software system includes host computer software and slave computer software. The host computer software configures the parameters of the test task according to the requirements of the test procedure, realizes manual / automatic and closed-loop control operations, monitors system control parameters and equipment operating status, and stores data. The slave computer software collects external inputs, performs internal calculations, and sends out control signals to ensure that parameters such as load, pressure, and displacement meet the requirements of static load application. It also has functions such as emergency safety protection. The controller makes real-time judgments based on the threshold settings of the host computer channel and outputs signals through a designated channel.

[0077] The following describes the actual working process of the multi-channel air spring flexible loading system provided by this invention:

[0078] First, set the required pressure value on air compressor 1 and turn it on. Compressed air from air compressor 1 enters buffer tank 2. Safety valve 3 is set with a specified pressure value to protect the loading system. Drain valve 4 can be opened at any time to drain the buffer tank 2. The compressed air from buffer tank 2 is reduced to the clean compressed air required for static load loading via filter 5 and pressure reducing valve 6. The compressed air is divided into multiple streams by pressure divider 7, ensuring air supply to each branch of the multi-channel air spring flexible loading system. The pressure of each branch is regulated by electro-proportional valve 8. Opening the inflation switch valve 9 inflates the auxiliary air chambers 11 and air springs 12 of each branch. Opening the exhaust switch valve 10 exhausts air from each branch. Pressure sensor 13 and load sensor 14 are connected to controller 16 for dual closed-loop control of pressure and load. Displacement sensor 15 is connected to data acquisition unit 17 for real-time status monitoring. The entire system can be controlled via host computer 18.

[0079] It should be noted that the software system can enable or disable one or more loading points in the loading system, and the loading channels can be combined arbitrarily.

[0080] After setting the load spectrum required for the test, the software system can automatically generate a step-by-step loading curve to achieve automatic loading.

[0081] The software system integrates a dual closed-loop control strategy, collecting pressure signals for inner-loop pressure control and collecting load signals for outer-loop load control, enabling precise single-channel load control.

[0082] The software system's real-time status monitoring features a key channel displacement priority function. Displacement signals can be accessed to the host computer software via a data acquisition device. Based on the task configuration, the displacement uniformity of some channels can be prioritized. The background automatically optimizes the load loading target value of each channel and sends it to the lower computer. The load optimization amount does not exceed the preset acceptable load control error value.

[0083] The present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0084] (1) In this embodiment of the invention, the loading system uses multiple air springs as actuators to achieve flexible static load by utilizing the compressibility of gas. The system is equipped with a dual closed-loop control system, which can preset the load spectrum, freely select the number of channels, and synchronize with external signals, avoiding interference between other test subsystems. This facilitates joint loading with other test subsystems and greatly improves the efficiency of joint testing.

[0085] (2) In this embodiment of the invention, considering that flexible static loading increases the stability risk of the system, the system is equipped with a state monitoring module to monitor the application process of flexible static load in real time and optimize the target value of load loading to improve the stability of the system and open up more possibilities for complex joint tests.

[0086] (3) In this embodiment of the invention, the loading system collects pressure signals for pressure inner loop control and collects load signals for load outer loop control, which can realize precise control of single-channel load.

[0087] Example 2

[0088] Reference Figure 3 The diagram shows a flowchart of a loading method provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] This invention provides a loading method applied to any of the multi-channel air spring flexible loading systems described in Embodiment 1. The loading method includes:

[0090] The present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0091] S101: Select the loading channel and set the load spectrum.

[0092] S102: Set control parameters such as PID. Click the system automatic option. The system can automatically output based on the calculation results of the dual closed-loop control strategy. If the system is switched to manual, the control output will be set to manual output.

[0093] S103: Click the system startup option, and the system will begin loading.

[0094] S104: The system waits after the initial load or after loading to the next level.

[0095] S105: Set the loading time, click the next loading option, the system loading level increases by 1, and the load loading target value is optimized based on the real-time status monitoring results.

[0096] S106: Start loading the current level. When the loading time is up, complete the loading of the current level.

[0097] S107: The system has n loading levels. If loading level n is not reached or the "Stop Loading" button is not clicked, the system will return to the running and waiting state. Otherwise, the system will stop loading.

[0098] (1) In this embodiment of the invention, the loading system uses multiple air springs as actuators to achieve flexible static load by utilizing the compressibility of gas. The system is equipped with a dual closed-loop control system, which can preset the load spectrum, freely select the number of channels, and synchronize with external signals, avoiding interference between other test subsystems. This facilitates joint loading with other test subsystems and greatly improves the efficiency of joint testing.

[0099] (2) In this embodiment of the invention, considering that flexible static loading increases the stability risk of the system, the system is equipped with a state monitoring module to monitor the application process of flexible static load in real time and optimize the target value of load loading to improve the stability of the system and open up more possibilities for complex joint tests.

[0100] (3) In this embodiment of the invention, the loading system collects pressure signals for pressure inner loop control and collects load signals for load outer loop control, which can realize precise control of single-channel load.

[0101] The above are merely embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principle of the present invention should be included within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-channel air spring flexible loading system, characterized in that, include: Hardware systems and software systems; The hardware system includes an air compressor, a buffer tank, a pressure divider, multiple electro-proportional valves, multiple inflation switch valves, multiple auxiliary air chambers, multiple air springs, multiple pressure sensors, multiple load sensors, multiple displacement sensors, a controller, a data acquisition unit, and a host computer. The air compressor is used to provide stable and reliable compressed air, and the air compressor is connected to the buffer tank, which is used to buffer pressure fluctuations in the system. The outlet of the buffer tank is connected to the pressure divider via the main gas supply line; The pressure divider is provided with multiple air passage interfaces. The pressure divider is used to divide compressed air from one path into multiple paths to achieve air supply to each branch. Each branch gas supply line is equipped with one of the aforementioned electrical proportional valves, the aforementioned inflation switch valves, the aforementioned auxiliary air chambers, the aforementioned air springs, the aforementioned pressure sensors, the aforementioned load sensors, and the aforementioned displacement sensors; The electro-proportional valve is a dual closed-loop controlled actuator used for precise pressure regulation; The inflation switch valve is a two-position three-way valve. The inflation switch valve is normally closed. When the inflation switch valve is de-energized, it cuts off the passage between the electro-proportional valve and the auxiliary air chamber. The additional air chamber is configured with its own volume according to the loading stiffness requirements; The pressure sensor is mounted on the additional air chamber and is used to measure the air pressure of a single channel. The load sensor is installed between the air spring and the test piece, and the load sensor is used to measure the load of a single channel; The displacement sensor is installed on the axial and radial sides of the test piece, and the displacement sensor is used to measure the changes in the axial and radial displacement of the test piece during loading. The air springs are installed at various loading points on the test specimen. By adjusting the working pressure, the air springs can have different load-bearing capacities. The controller includes a CPU, an analog input module, an analog output module, a digital input module, and a digital output module. The CPU serves as the control core and is loaded with lower-level software. The analog input module is connected to the pressure sensor and the load sensor. The analog output module is connected to the electro-proportional valve. The digital input module is connected to the emergency stop button. The digital output module is connected to the inflation switch valve. The data acquisition unit integrates a status monitoring module, which is connected to the displacement sensor. The host computer is equipped with host computer software and is connected to the controller and the data acquisition device. The software system is used to control loading; The loading method of the multi-channel air spring flexible loading system specifically includes: S101: Select the loading channel and set the load spectrum; S102: Set PID control parameters. Click the system automatic option. The system can automatically output based on the calculation results of the dual closed-loop control strategy. If the system is switched to manual, the control output will be set to manual output. S103: Click the system startup option, and the system will begin loading; S104: The system is waiting after the initial load or after loading to the next level; S105: Set the loading time, click the next loading option, the system loading level increases by 1, and at the same time optimizes the load loading target value based on the real-time status monitoring results; S106: Start loading the current level. When the loading time is up, complete the loading of the current level. S107: The system has n loading levels. If loading level n is not reached or the "Stop Loading" button is not clicked, the system will return to the running and waiting state. Otherwise, the system will stop loading.

2. The multi-channel air spring flexible loading system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Safety valve; The safety valve is installed on the top of the buffer tank. The safety valve is set with a preset pressure value for static load loading. When the current pressure value exceeds the preset pressure value, the safety valve will automatically open from the normally closed state to discharge to the outside, so as to protect the safety of the loading system.

3. The multi-channel air spring flexible loading system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Drain valve; The drain valve is installed at the bottom of the buffer tank, and when opened, it can be used to discharge sewage and quickly vent air.

4. The multi-channel air spring flexible loading system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Filter; The filter is installed at the outlet of the buffer tank and is used to remove dust, oil, impurities, and other harmful substances from the compressed air.

5. The multi-channel air spring flexible loading system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Pressure reducing valve; The pressure reducing valve is installed on the main air supply line, and the pressure reducing valve is used to manually adjust the pressure of compressed air.

6. The multi-channel air spring flexible loading system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Exhaust switch valve; The exhaust switch valve is a two-position three-way valve. The exhaust switch valve is set to normally open. When the exhaust switch valve is energized, it cuts off the passage between the auxiliary air chamber and the atmosphere. When the exhaust switch valve is de-energized, it can connect the auxiliary air chamber to the atmosphere. The digital output module is connected to the exhaust switch valve.

7. The multi-channel air spring flexible loading system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The software system includes the host computer software and the slave computer software; The host computer software configures the parameters of the test task according to the requirements of the test process, realizes manual and automatic, closed-loop control operation, can monitor system control parameters and equipment operating status, and realize data storage; The lower-level software collects external inputs, performs internal calculations, and sends out control signals to ensure that the load, pressure, and displacement parameters meet the requirements of static load loading. It also has an emergency safety protection function. The controller makes real-time judgments based on the upper-level computer channel threshold settings and outputs signals through designated channels.

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