Split type launching platform and docking landing platform method

Abstract

The application discloses a split type launching platform and a docking and landing platform method, and relates to the field of rocket launching technology.The split type launching platform comprises a fixed launching platform, a movable launching platform and a landing platform device, the fixed launching platform is arranged in a launching area of a space launching site, the movable launching platform is arranged in a technical area of the space launching site and combined with a rocket to form a rocket platform assembly, the movable launching platform is docked with the fixed launching platform, and the landing platform device is arranged on the fixed launching platform and used for realizing the docking of the movable launching platform and the fixed launching platform.The split type launching platform and the docking and landing platform method greatly shorten the preparation time of the launching area and improve the use efficiency and adaptability of the launching station.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of rocket launch technology, and in particular to a split-type launch platform and a docking and landing method. Background Technology

[0002] Rocket launches rely on launch pads at launch sites. Existing launch pad designs are all suited to a specific type of rocket, resulting in overlapping capabilities and long launch preparation times. With the development of commercial spaceflight, increasingly higher demands are being placed on the launch efficiency and rocket adaptability of launch pads. This requires not only that a single launch pad be adaptable to multiple rocket types, but also that launch preparation time be shortened. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a split-type launch platform and docking method, which greatly shortens the preparation time of the launch area and improves the utilization efficiency and adaptability of the launch site.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a split-type launch platform, comprising:

[0005] A fixed launch pad is used to set up in the launch area of ​​a space launch site;

[0006] A mobile launch pad is used to form a rocket-launch platform assembly with the rocket in the technical area of ​​a space launch site, and the mobile launch pad is docked with the fixed launch pad.

[0007] A docking device is installed on the fixed launch platform, and the docking device is used to realize the docking of the movable launch platform and the fixed launch platform.

[0008] In some embodiments, the landing device includes a receiving module with an automatic extension function, which allows the receiving module to first extend and support the movable launcher, and then retract and dock the movable launcher with the fixed launcher.

[0009] In some embodiments, the landing device further includes a detection module for detecting the distance between the movable launcher and the fixed launcher, and the receiving module for automatically extending or retracting when the detection module detects that the distance between the movable launcher and the fixed launcher is less than the travel distance of the receiving module.

[0010] In some embodiments, the bearing position of the receiving module and the detection position of the detection module are both multiple, and the bearing position of the receiving module and the detection position of the detection module correspond one-to-one.

[0011] In some embodiments, the bearing position of the receiving module and the detection position of the detection module both correspond to the four corner positions of the active launch platform.

[0012] In some embodiments, the detection module employs a non-contact distance sensor; the receiving module has a built-in force sensor.

[0013] In some embodiments, the landing device further includes a standard support structure for a movable platform, which is used to support the movable launch platform when the receiving module is retracted.

[0014] In some embodiments, the coverage area of ​​the movable platform standard support structure on the fixed launch platform is greater than the coverage area of ​​the receiving module and the detection module on the fixed launch platform.

[0015] This application also provides a docking and landing method applicable to the above-mentioned split-type launch platform, the docking and landing method comprising:

[0016] Receiver: Controls the receiving module to extend and support the movable launcher;

[0017] Docking: Control the receiving module to retract and dock the movable launcher with the fixed launcher.

[0018] In some embodiments, prior to the receiving step, the method further includes:

[0019] Erection: Control the erection frame to rotate and erect the arrow platform assembly into place;

[0020] The receiving steps include:

[0021] Distance measurement: The distance between the movable launcher and the fixed launcher is detected by a non-contact distance sensor. If the detection module detects that the distance between the movable launcher and the fixed launcher is less than the travel of the receiving module, the next step is performed; otherwise, the erection angle needs to be adjusted and this step is repeated.

[0022] Extend: Controls the extension of the receiving module to support the movable launcher;

[0023] The docking steps include:

[0024] Return to center: When the receiving module extends, the bearing capacity value is detected by the force sensor built into the receiving module. When the bearing capacity value reaches the preset value, the receiving module is controlled to stop extending and the extension displacement of the receiving module at this time is recorded. The minimum extension displacement during the receiving process is taken as the target value, and the remaining receiving modules are controlled to retract so that the extension displacement of all receiving modules is consistent.

[0025] Platform Descending: The receiving module retracts, and the receiving module carries the rocket platform assembly back down at a constant speed until the movable launch platform docks with the fixed launch platform.

[0026] Compared to the aforementioned background technology, the split-type launch platform provided in this application includes a fixed launch platform, a movable launch platform, and a landing device. The fixed launch platform is used to be set up in the launch area of ​​a space launch site; the movable launch platform is used to form a rocket-launcher assembly with the rocket in the technical area of ​​the space launch site, and the movable launch platform docks with the fixed launch platform; the landing device is set on the fixed launch platform and is used to realize the docking of the movable launch platform and the fixed launch platform.

[0027] The installation of the rocket on this modular launch platform involves two steps: First, in the technical area of ​​the space launch site, the mobile launch pad and the rocket form a rocket-launch pad assembly; second, in the launch area of ​​the space launch site, the mobile launch pad docks with the fixed launch pad, i.e., the rocket-launch pad assembly docks with the fixed launch pad. This modular launch platform reduces the coupling between the rocket and the launch interface, reduces the workload of docking in the launch area, thereby greatly shortening the launch area preparation time and improving the utilization efficiency of the launch pad. Furthermore, the separate design of the fixed and mobile launch pads, with a universal modular interface between them, allows one fixed launch pad to correspond to multiple different mobile launch pads, thus achieving the versatility of the fixed launch pad. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is an overall structural diagram of the split-type launch platform provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fixed launch station provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the active launch platform in its erected position as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the receiving module's receiving state provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the active launcher returning to its normal position as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the active launch pad completing its landing state, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 7This is a flowchart illustrating the docking and placement method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0036] in:

[0037] 1. Fixed transmitter; 2. Movable transmitter; 3. Non-contact distance sensor; 4. Receiving module; 5. Standard support structure for the movable platform. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0039] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0040] The launch pad is a crucial piece of equipment in the launch area, with a strong coupling to the rocket interface. To improve the adaptability of the launch site and shorten the launch preparation time, it is necessary to reduce the coupling between the launch pad and the rocket interface and reduce the workload of docking in the launch area. Therefore, a split-type launch platform is proposed, which includes a fixed launch pad and a movable launch pad. The movable launch pad and the rocket form a rocket-launch pad assembly. Through standardized interfaces and with the help of measurement and connection tools, the rocket-launch pad assembly can be quickly, reliably, and safely docked with the fixed launch pad.

[0041] Please refer to Figures 1 to 6 ,in, Figure 1 This is an overall structural diagram of the split-type launch platform provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fixed launch station provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the active launch platform in the erected position provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the receiving module's receiving state provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the active launcher returning to its normal position as provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the completed landing state of the active launcher provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0042] like Figure 1As shown, a split-type launch platform mainly includes a fixed launch platform 1, a movable launch platform 2, and a landing device. The fixed launch platform 1 is used to be set in the launch area of ​​the space launch site; the movable launch platform 2 is used to form a rocket-launcher assembly with the rocket in the technical area of ​​the space launch site, and the movable launch platform 2 docks with the fixed launch platform 1; the landing device is set on the fixed launch platform 1 and is used to realize the docking of the movable launch platform 2 with the fixed launch platform 1.

[0043] In the use of this modular launch platform, the installation of the rocket on the platform is carried out in two steps: First, in the technical area of ​​the space launch site, the movable launch pad 2 and the rocket form a rocket-launch pad assembly; second, in the launch area of ​​the space launch site, the movable launch pad 2 docks with the fixed launch pad 1, that is, the rocket-launch pad assembly docks with the fixed launch pad 1. This modular launch platform reduces the coupling relationship with the rocket interface, reduces the amount of docking work in the launch area, thereby greatly shortening the launch area preparation time and improving the utilization efficiency of the launch site; at the same time, the fixed launch pad 1 and the movable launch pad 2 are designed separately, and the two are connected by a universal modular interface, which can realize that one fixed launch pad 1 can correspond to multiple different movable launch pads 2, thereby realizing the universality of the fixed launch pad 1.

[0044] In this embodiment, the modular launch platform relates to ground support equipment for launching carrier rockets, aiming to significantly shorten launch area preparation time and improve the utilization efficiency and adaptability of launch pads. For other aspects of the modular launch platform not described in this embodiment, please refer to existing launch pad technologies; these will not be elaborated upon further in this embodiment.

[0045] In some embodiments, the landing device includes a receiving module 4, which has an automatic telescopic function to enable the receiving module 4 to first extend and support the movable launcher 2, and then retract and dock the movable launcher 2 with the fixed launcher 1.

[0046] In some cases, after the mobile launch pad 2 and the rocket form a rocket-launch pad assembly, in the launch area of ​​the space launch site, the rocket-launch pad assembly is rotated and erected by the erector frame, so that the rocket-launch pad assembly is erected in place on the fixed launch pad 1. At this time, there is a certain distance between the mobile launch pad 2 and the fixed launch pad 1. In order to safely and smoothly dock the mobile launch pad 2 and the fixed launch pad 1, the automatic extension and retraction function of the receiving module 4 is used. The receiving module 4 first extends and supports the mobile launch pad 2, and then retracts and docks the mobile launch pad 2 with the fixed launch pad 1. At this time, the installation of the rocket on the split-type launch platform is completed.

[0047] It should be noted that there are various possible implementations of the receiving module 4, including but not limited to electric, pneumatic and hydraulic drive methods, such as cylinders, electric actuators, etc., all of which should be within the scope of this embodiment.

[0048] In some embodiments, the platform placement device further includes a detection module for detecting the distance between the movable launcher 2 and the fixed launcher 1, and a receiving module 4 for automatically extending and retracting when the detection module detects that the distance between the movable launcher 2 and the fixed launcher 1 is less than the travel of the receiving module 4.

[0049] It should be noted that the stroke of the receiving module 4 corresponds to the maximum extension stroke of the receiving module 4 and the retracted position of the receiving module 4. In this embodiment, the distance between the movable launcher 2 and the fixed launcher 1 is detected by the detection module, and the automatic extension and retraction function of the receiving module 4 is activated when the detection module detects that the distance between the movable launcher 2 and the fixed launcher 1 is less than the stroke of the receiving module 4. This ensures that the extension and retraction function of the receiving module 4 can cope with the current situation and avoids the situation where the receiving module 4 cannot support the movable launcher 2 even after it has been extended to its limit.

[0050] Preferably, the bearing position of the receiving module 4 and the detection position of the detection module are both multiple, and the bearing position of the receiving module 4 and the detection position of the detection module correspond one-to-one.

[0051] In this embodiment, the first bearing position corresponds to the first detection position, and the second bearing position corresponds to the second detection position, as an example. When the receiving module 4 detects that the distance between the movable transmitter 2 and the fixed transmitter 1 is less than the travel of the receiving module 4 at the first detection position, it indicates that the extension and retraction function of the receiving module 4 at the first bearing position can cope with the current situation. When the receiving module 4 detects that the distance between the movable transmitter 2 and the fixed transmitter 1 is less than the travel of the receiving module 4 at the second detection position, it indicates that the extension and retraction function of the receiving module 4 at the second bearing position can cope with the current situation.

[0052] It should be noted that all testing positions should be tested, and the automatic extension and retraction function of the bearing module 4 should only be activated if the extension and retraction function of the bearing module 4 can cope with the current situation at all bearing positions.

[0053] For example, the detection module uses a non-contact distance sensor.

[0054] In this embodiment, the detection range of the non-contact distance sensor should be greater than the travel range of the receiving module 4 in order to achieve full-travel detection of the receiving module 4.

[0055] In one specific implementation, the bearing position of the receiving module 4 and the detection position of the detection module both correspond to the four corner positions of the active launch platform 2.

[0056] In this embodiment, four bearing positions of the receiving module 4 and four detection positions of the detection module are set on the fixed launch platform 1. The automatic extension and retraction function of the receiving module 4 is performed when the distance between the four detection positions is less than the travel distance of the four bearing positions.

[0057] For example, the receiving module 4 has a built-in force sensor.

[0058] In this embodiment, the bearing capacity of the receiving module is measured by the force sensor built into the receiving module 4. When the force reaches a certain amount, the receiving module stops extending and the extension displacement of the receiving module is recorded. The minimum extension value of the receiving module during the receiving process is used as the target value to drive the other three receiving modules to retract, so that the extension displacement values ​​of the four receiving modules are consistent.

[0059] In one specific embodiment, the landing device further includes a movable platform standard support structure 5, which is used to support the movable launch platform 2 when the receiving module 4 is retracted.

[0060] In some embodiments, the fixed launch platform 1 is provided with four rows of forty-eight movable standard support structures 5.

[0061] Preferably, the coverage area of ​​the standard support structure 5 on the movable platform on the fixed launch platform 1 is greater than the coverage area of ​​the receiving module 4 and the detection module on the fixed launch platform 1.

[0062] It should be noted that the standard support structure 5 of the movable platform is a structure for docking the fixed launch platform 1 and the movable launch platform 2. This embodiment does not limit the specific form of the standard support structure 5 of the movable platform.

[0063] In summary, this modular launch platform adopts a modular launch pad design, with the mobile launch pad and rocket docking in the technical area, greatly reducing the time spent in the launch area. After the modular design, the mobile launch pad and rocket are combined into a rocket-launch pad assembly. The mobile launch pad and the fixed launch pad have a universal modular interface, which can realize one fixed pad corresponding to multiple different mobile pads, achieving the universality of the fixed launch pad. The use of receiving modules and non-contact distance sensors to facilitate the docking of the mobile launch pad and the fixed launch pad greatly improves the safety and reliability of the docking.

[0064] Please refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the docking and placement method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0065] In one specific embodiment, this application also provides a docking and landing method applicable to the aforementioned split-type launch platform. The docking and landing method includes:

[0066] Receiver: The receiving module 4 extends and supports the movable launcher 2;

[0067] Docking: Control the retraction of the receiving module 4 and dock the movable launcher 2 with the fixed launcher 1.

[0068] This docking and placement method enables safe and reliable docking between fixed and mobile launch pads, promotes the modular design of mobile launch pads and rockets, enhances the versatility of fixed launch pads, reduces preparation time in the launch area, and improves the efficiency and adaptability of launch sites.

[0069] In some embodiments, prior to the receiving step, the following steps are also included:

[0070] Erection: Control the erector frame to drive the arrow platform assembly to rotate and erect it into place.

[0071] In some embodiments, the receiving step includes:

[0072] Distance measurement: The distance between the movable transmitter 2 and the fixed transmitter 1 is detected by a non-contact distance sensor. If the detection module detects that the distance between the movable transmitter 2 and the fixed transmitter 1 is less than the stroke of the receiving module 4, the next step is performed; otherwise, the erection angle needs to be adjusted and this step is repeated.

[0073] Extend: The control receiving module 4 extends and supports the movable launcher 2.

[0074] In some embodiments, the docking step includes:

[0075] Return to center: When the receiving module 4 extends, the bearing capacity value is detected by the force sensor built into the receiving module 4. When the bearing capacity value reaches the preset value, the receiving module 4 stops extending and records the extension displacement of the receiving module 4 at this time. The minimum extension displacement during the receiving process is taken as the target value, and the remaining receiving modules 4 are controlled to retract so that the extension displacement of all receiving modules 4 is consistent.

[0076] Launching platform: The control receiving module 4 retracts, and the receiving module 4 carries the rocket platform assembly back down at a constant speed until the movable launch platform 2 docks with the fixed launch platform 1.

[0077] Combination Figures 3 to 6 The process of docking and landing the split-type launch platform is described below.

[0078] Combination Figure 3 This is equivalent to the above-mentioned erection steps; in the three-level mode (horizontal overall testing, horizontal overall satellite-rocket docking, and horizontal overall transportation, erection, and launch), after the erection frame drives the rocket and the mobile launch platform 2 to rotate and be erected into place, the distance between the fixed launch platform 1 and the mobile launch platform 2 is measured by a non-contact distance sensor.

[0079] Combination Figure 4The above steps are equivalent to the extension steps described above. Using the measurement data of the non-contact distance sensors at the four placement points, the measurement results at all four points are less than the receiving stroke of the receiving module 4, so the receiving module extends to receive. The bearing capacity of the receiving module 4 is measured by the force sensor built into the receiving module 4. When the force reaches a certain amount, the receiving module 4 stops extending and the extension displacement of the receiving module 4 at this time is recorded.

[0080] Combination Figure 5 This is equivalent to the above-mentioned return-to-center steps; with the minimum extension value of the receiving module 4 during the receiving process as the target value, the other three receiving modules 4 are driven to retract, so that the extension displacement values ​​of the four receiving modules 4 are consistent.

[0081] Combination Figure 6 This is equivalent to the landing steps described above; the receiving module 4 carries the rocket body and the movable launch platform 2 back down at a uniform speed, realizing a safe and stable docking between the movable launch platform 2 and the fixed launch platform 1.

[0082] It should be noted that many of the components mentioned in this application are general standard parts or components known to those skilled in the art, and their structures and principles can be learned by those skilled in the art through technical manuals or conventional experimental methods.

[0083] It should be noted that in this specification, relational terms such as first and second are used only to distinguish one entity from several other entities, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities.

[0084] The foregoing has provided a detailed description of the split-type launch platform and docking landing method provided in this application. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The descriptions of the embodiments above are merely for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications to this application without departing from its principles, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A docking and landing method, applicable to a split-type launch platform, characterized in that, The split-type launch platform includes: A fixed launch pad is used to set up in the launch area of ​​a space launch site; A mobile launch pad is used to form a rocket-launch platform assembly with the rocket in the technical area of ​​a space launch site, and the mobile launch pad is docked with the fixed launch pad. A docking device is installed on the fixed launch platform, and the docking device is used to realize the docking of the movable launch platform and the fixed launch platform; The landing device includes a receiving module, which has an automatic extension and retraction function, so that the receiving module first extends to support the movable launch platform, and then retracts to dock the movable launch platform with the fixed launch platform. It also includes a detection module, which is used to detect the distance between the active launcher and the fixed launcher; The docking and platform placement method includes: Receiver: Controls the receiving module to extend and support the movable launcher; Docking: Control the receiving module to retract and dock the movable launcher with the fixed launcher; Before the receiving step, the following are also included: Erection: Control the erection frame to rotate and erect the arrow platform assembly into place; The receiving steps include: Distance measurement: The distance between the movable launcher and the fixed launcher is detected by a non-contact distance sensor. If the detection module detects that the distance between the movable launcher and the fixed launcher is less than the travel of the receiving module, the next step is performed; otherwise, the erection angle needs to be adjusted and this step is repeated. Extend: Controls the extension of the receiving module to support the movable launcher; The docking steps include: Return to center: When the receiving module extends, the bearing capacity value is detected by the force sensor built into the receiving module. When the bearing capacity value reaches the preset value, the receiving module is controlled to stop extending and the extension displacement of the receiving module at this time is recorded. The minimum extension displacement during the receiving process is taken as the target value, and the remaining receiving modules are controlled to retract so that the extension displacement of all receiving modules is consistent. Platform Descending: The receiving module retracts, and the receiving module carries the rocket platform assembly back down at a constant speed until the movable launch platform docks with the fixed launch platform.

2. The docking platform method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The receiving module is used to automatically extend and retract when the detection module detects that the distance between the active launcher and the fixed launcher is less than the travel distance of the receiving module.

3. The docking and lowering method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The receiving module has multiple bearing positions and the detection module has multiple detection positions, and the bearing positions of the receiving module and the detection positions of the detection module correspond one-to-one.

4. The docking and lowering method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The bearing position of the receiving module and the detection position of the detection module both correspond to the four corners of the active launch platform.

5. The docking platform method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The detection module uses a non-contact distance sensor; the receiving module has a built-in force sensor.

6. The docking platform method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The landing device also includes a standard support structure for the movable platform, which is used to support the movable launch platform when the receiving module is retracted.

7. The docking platform method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The coverage area of ​​the standard support structure of the movable platform on the fixed launch platform is greater than the coverage area of ​​the receiving module and the detection module on the fixed launch platform.

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