A nickel-titanium shape memory alloy spacecraft connection and separation structure

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of spacecraft connection and separation technology, specifically a nickel-titanium shape memory alloy (NiTi) shape memory alloy (NTI) spacecraft connection and separation structure. The structure comprises a top cover, a non-complete spherical main body, a multi-stage NiTi NTI telescopic rod assembly, a single-stage NiTi NTI NTI telescopic rod assembly, and a bottom cover, arranged in a symmetrical top-to-bottom configuration. When connected, the structure presents a spherical appearance. The multi-stage and single-stage NiTi NTI ...

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of spacecraft connection and separation technology, specifically relating to a nickel-titanium shape memory alloy spacecraft connection and separation structure. Background Technology

[0002] The connection and separation mechanism is responsible for both securing the spacecraft body and its components and enabling release and separation in the designated orbit. It involves both connection and separation functions. There are two types: pyrotechnic and non-pyrotechnic. Pyrotechnic separation relies on explosions, resulting in high impact, difficulty in precisely controlling the separation process, and non-reusability. With the increasing demands for extended on-orbit service of spacecraft in recent years, requirements for reusability and docking capabilities have also been added. Spacecraft connection and separation structures primarily using nickel-titanium shape memory alloys can achieve rapid extension and retraction, are reusable, have a short stroke, allow for precise separation control, have low impact loads, and offer high safety.

[0003] Nickel-titanium shape memory alloys exhibit a martensitic structure at low temperatures and an austenitic structure at high temperatures. A typical example is the one-way shape memory effect: first, the alloy is loaded and deformed in its martensitic state; then, it is heated above the austenitic transformation completion temperature Af, and the alloy transforms from martensitic to austenitic structure, regaining its original shape. Further thermomechanical cycling training can achieve two-way shape memory, where deformation occurs during both heating and cooling. This invention utilizes the two-way shape memory effect: the nickel-titanium alloy shrinks upon heating and elongates upon cooling, thereby enabling the connection and separation of spacecraft. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a nickel-titanium shape memory alloy spacecraft connection and separation structure. The main structure is a sphere, which is easy to connect and align. It uses nickel-titanium shape memory alloy rods as connecting rods, which have good mechanical properties, simple structure, and few parts. Moreover, it is a non-pyrotechnic separation structure, with minimal impact during connection and separation.

[0005] This invention discloses a nickel-titanium shape memory alloy spacecraft connection and separation structure, comprising a top cover A, a non-integral spherical body B, a multi-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod group C1, a single-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod group C2, and a bottom cover D. The spacecraft connection and separation structure is symmetrical about its central cross-section aa; therefore, the description focuses on the upper half of the central cross-section aa. The top cover A has three countersunk holes (group 1) evenly distributed around its central circumference to embed screw heads, preventing them from protruding. The bottom of the top cover A has a central recess 2 for housing a power supply device for the heating wire group 14. The power supply device and the moving parts are integrated, simplifying the structure. The upper half of the non-integral spherical body B, near the central cross-section aa, has four holes (group 3) arranged in a cross shape on the same horizontal plane. Within the upper half of body B, on the same horizontal plane, there are four holes of hole group II4 arranged in a cross shape. The cross-shaped arrangement provides a more secure connection and stronger resistance to external forces. A hole 5 is located at the center of the non-integral spherical body B to allow the passage of wires. The inner ends of the four holes of hole group I3 and the four holes of hole group II4 in the non-integral spherical body B are connected to hole 5 via small holes. Three threaded holes of threaded hole group 6 are located on the top of the non-integral spherical body B, corresponding to the three countersunk holes of countersunk hole group 1 in the top cover A, for connecting the top cover A and the non-integral spherical body B. The outer rings of the sleeves II11 of the four sets of multi-stage telescopic rods in the multi-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod group C1 are respectively interference-fitted to the four holes of hole group I3 in the non-integral spherical body B. The single-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod group C2 consists of four single-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rods with identical structures.

[0006] The outer rings of the four single-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rods of the single-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod assembly C2 are respectively interference-fitted to the four holes of the hole assembly II4 in the non-complete spherical body B; the top cover A, the non-complete spherical body B and the bottom cover D are arranged in order from top to bottom and fixed by screws to form a complete spherical body that is easy to reconnect in space.

[0007] The multi-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod assembly C1 consists of four sets of multi-stage telescopic rods. The multi-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod assembly C1 reduces the space occupied by adopting a multi-stage extension and retraction form. The total retraction amount of the three-stage telescopic rod assembly is about 2.8 times the retraction amount under the same space size. The four sets of multi-stage telescopic rods have the same structure, each consisting of a cylindrical rod I7, a washer I8, a sleeve I9, a washer II10, and a sleeve II11. These components are arranged sequentially from the inside out. The bottom surface of the cylindrical rod I7 is fixed to the washer I8, the top annular surface of the sleeve I9 ​​is ​​fixed to the washer I8, the bottom surface of the outer ring of the sleeve I9 ​​is ​​fixed to the washer II10, and the top annular surface of the sleeve II11 is fixed to the washer II10. Because both extension and retraction actions must be accommodated, the sleeves and washers must be tightly connected. Both washer I8 and washer II10 are sleeve-type. The inner ring of washer I8 has 30 to 35 axial grooves of groove group I12a, and the outer ring of washer I8 has axial grooves... The groove group II12b has 30 to 35 grooves, which are evenly distributed on the circumference of the cross-section of the gasket I8; the inner ring of the gasket II10 has 35 to 40 grooves of the groove group III12c, and the outer ring of the gasket II10 has 35 to 40 grooves of the groove group IV12d, which are evenly distributed on the circumference of the cross-section of the gasket II10; the grooves of the groove groups I12a, II12b, III12c and IV12d are matched with a corresponding number of heating wires of the heating wire group 14; the grooves I15 and II16 are located at the bottom of the gasket I8 and the gasket II10 to form an electric circuit through the heating wires; the bottom of the gasket I8, sleeve I9, gasket II10 and sleeve II11 are provided with through holes 13 for connecting the heating wires through wires. In the extended state (normal state), the cylindrical rod I7, sleeve I9, and sleeve II11 are at their longest. In the retracted state (active state), the heating wire on gasket I8 is energized and heats up, thus heating the cylindrical rod I7 and sleeve I9. Sleeve I9 ​​retracts, pulling gasket I8, which in turn pulls the cylindrical rod I7, which itself retracts. Similarly, the heating wire on gasket II10 is energized and heats up the sleeves I9 and II11. Sleeve II11 retracts, pulling gasket II10, which in turn pulls the sleeve I9, which also retracts. In summary, the overall length of the cylindrical rod I7, sleeve I9, and sleeve II11 decreases due to their retraction caused by heating.

[0008] The single-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod assembly C2 consists of four sets of single-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rods. The four sets of single-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rods have identical structures, each consisting of a cylindrical rod II17, a groove group V12e, and a washer III18. The bottom of the outer ring of the cylindrical rod II17 is fixedly connected to the washer III18 to accommodate both extension and retraction. The inner ring of the washer III18 has 25 to 30 coils of the groove group V12e axially distributed evenly on the circumference of the washer III18's cross-section. The outer ring of the washer III18 and the four holes of the hole group II4 in the non-complete spherical body B are interference-fitted. The single-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod assembly C2 makes the connection more reliable. Simultaneously, during reconnection in space, the single-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod assembly C2 serves a positioning function. As a positioning rod, C2 makes the connection efficient, quickly locating the connection position of the multi-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod assembly C1. During reconnection, the cylindrical rod II17 of the single-stage C2 first enters the limiting groove, then rotates to its end; at this point, the multi-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod assembly C1 will reach the designated connection position.

[0009] The top cover A, the incomplete spherical body B, and the bottom cover D are all made of the same material, namely, any one of aerospace-grade titanium alloy, magnesium alloy, nickel-based high-temperature alloy, and stainless steel; the cylindrical rod I7, sleeve I9, sleeve II11, and cylindrical rod II17 are all made of nickel-titanium shape memory alloy. Nickel-titanium alloy can repeatedly retract and extend, therefore this invention can achieve multiple connections and separations of spacecraft in space, enabling reuse and effectively meeting current needs.

[0010] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0011] This invention pertains to non-pyrotechnic separation devices. The separation device is small in size, lightweight, has minimal impact, and is simple to operate.

[0012] The main body of this invention is a sphere. Compared with other connection structures, the shape of the sphere is easier to match when connecting spacecraft. When the sphere comes into contact with the connection position, the connection structure can be easily and tightly joined by thrust alone.

[0013] The single-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod assembly C2 of the present invention is a positioning rod, which can make the connection efficient and quickly locate the connection position of the multi-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod assembly C1.

[0014] The multi-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod assembly C1 of the present invention increases the telescopic length of the nickel-titanium shape memory alloy rod by 2.8 times within a limited distance. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1A half-sectional view of the nickel-titanium shape memory alloy spacecraft connection and separation structure;

[0016] Figure 2 A structural diagram of the nickel-titanium shape memory alloy spacecraft connection and separation structure;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a top view of the top cover A;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a sectional view of the top cover A;

[0019] Figure 5 This is a sectional view of the non-complete spherical body B;

[0020] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the multi-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod assembly C1;

[0021] Figure 7 This is a top view of gasket I;

[0022] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of C2, a single-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod assembly;

[0023] Among them: A. Top cover B. Incomplete spherical body C1. Multi-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod assembly C2. Single-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod assembly D. Bottom cover 1. Countersunk hole assembly 2. Recess 3. Hole assembly I 4. Hole assembly II 5. Hole 6. Threaded hole assembly 7. Cylindrical rod I 8. Gasket I 9. Sleeve I 10. Gasket II 11. Sleeve II 12a. Wire groove assembly I 12b. Wire groove assembly II 12c. Wire groove assembly III 12d. Wire groove assembly IV 12e. Wire groove assembly V 13. Through hole 14. Heating wire assembly 15. Groove I 16. Groove II 17. Cylindrical rod II 18. Gasket III. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The present invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0025] like Figures 1 to 5As shown, the present invention discloses a nickel-titanium shape memory alloy spacecraft connection and separation structure, comprising a top cover A, a non-integral spherical body B, a multi-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod group C1, a single-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod group C2, and a bottom cover D. The spacecraft connection and separation structure is a symmetrical structure about its central cross-section aa. Therefore, the upper half of the central cross-section aa is described as an example: The top cover A has three countersunk holes of countersunk hole group 1, evenly distributed around the central circumference to embed screw heads, preventing screw head protrusion. The bottom center of the top cover A has a recess 2 for placing a power supply device for powering the heating wire group 14. The power supply device and the moving parts are integrated, simplifying the structure. The upper half of the non-integral spherical body B, near the central cross-section aa, has four holes of hole group I 3 arranged in a cross shape. The upper half of the non-integral spherical body B, near the upper horizontal plane, has four holes of hole group II 4 arranged in a cross shape. The cross-shaped arrangement makes the connection more robust and resistant to external forces. Strong force capability; the center of the non-integral spherical body B has a hole 5 for passing wires, and the inner ends of the four holes of hole group I3 and the four holes of hole group II4 of the non-integral spherical body B are all connected to hole 5 in the form of small holes; the top of the non-integral spherical body B has three threaded holes of threaded hole group 6, which correspond to the positions of the three countersunk holes of countersunk hole group 1 in the top cover A; the outer ring of the sleeve II11 of the four sets of multi-stage telescopic rods in the multi-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod group C1 is respectively connected to the four holes of hole group I3 in the non-integral spherical body B. Interference fit; Single-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod assembly C2 consists of four single-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rods with identical structures; the outer ring of the gasket Ⅲ18 of the four single-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rods of single-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod assembly C2 is respectively interference fitted to the four holes of the hole group Ⅱ4 in the incomplete spherical body B; the top cover A, the incomplete spherical body B and the bottom cover D are arranged in order from top to bottom and fixed by screws to form a complete spherical body, which is easy for the spacecraft to reconnect in space.

[0026] like Figure 6As shown, the multi-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod group C1 consists of four sets of multi-stage telescopic rods. The multi-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod group C1 reduces the space occupied by adopting a multi-stage extension and retraction form. The total retraction amount of the three-stage telescopic rod group is about 2.8 times the retraction amount under the same space size. The four sets of multi-stage telescopic rods have the same structure, each consisting of a cylindrical rod I7, a washer I8, a sleeve I9, a washer II10, and a sleeve II11. These components are arranged sequentially from the inside out. The bottom surface of the cylindrical rod I7 is fixed to the washer I8, the top annular surface of the sleeve I9 ​​is ​​fixed to the washer I8, the bottom surface of the outer ring of the sleeve I9 ​​is ​​fixed to the washer II10, and the top annular surface of the sleeve II11 is fixed to the washer II10. Because both extension and retraction actions must be accommodated, the sleeves and washers must be tightly connected. Both washer I8 and washer II10 are sleeve-type. The inner ring of washer I8 has 30 to 35 axial grooves of groove group I12a, and the outer ring of washer I8 has axial grooves. Group II 12b has 30 to 35 grooves, which are evenly distributed on the circumference of the cross-section of gasket I 8; the inner ring of gasket II 10 has 35 to 40 grooves of group III 12c, and the outer ring of gasket II 10 has 35 to 40 grooves of group IV 12d, which are evenly distributed on the circumference of the cross-section of gasket II 10; the grooves of group I 12a, group II 12b, group III 12c and group IV 12d are matched with a corresponding number of heating wires of heating wire group 14; groove I 15 and groove II 16 are located at the bottom of gasket I 8 and gasket II 10 to form an electric circuit through the heating wires; the bottom of gasket I 8, sleeve I 9, gasket II 10 and sleeve II 11 are provided with through holes 13 for connecting to the heating wires through wires.

[0027] like Figure 7 As shown, the single-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod group C2 consists of four sets of single-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rods. The four sets of single-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rods have the same structure, each consisting of a cylindrical rod II17, a wire groove group V12e, and a gasket III18. The bottom surface of the outer ring of the cylindrical rod II17 is fixedly connected to the gasket III18. The inner ring of the gasket III18 is axially provided with 25 to 30 coils of the wire groove group V12e, which are evenly distributed on the circumference of the cross-section of the gasket III18.

[0028] The top cover A, the non-complete spherical body B, and the bottom cover D are made of the same material, namely any one of aerospace titanium alloy, magnesium alloy, nickel-based high-temperature alloy, and stainless steel; the cylindrical rod I7, sleeve I9, sleeve II11, and cylindrical rod II17 are all made of nickel-titanium shape memory alloy.

[0029] This invention also proposes a method for connecting, separating, and reconnecting a spacecraft to a spacecraft via a spacecraft connection and separation structure.

[0030] In the initial connection state, at a relatively low temperature, the multi-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod assembly C1 is in an extended state. At this time, the spacecraft is fixed to the launch device through the spacecraft connection and separation structure.

[0031] In the separation state, when separation is required, the energy device located in the recess 2 of the top cover A supplies power, and the heating wires on gaskets I8, II10, and III18 heat up, causing the cylindrical rod I7, sleeve I9, sleeve II11, and cylindrical rod II17 to retract due to increased temperature. The multi-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod assembly C1 and the single-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod assembly C2 also retract. After the spacecraft detaches from the spacecraft connection and separation structure, the energy device in the recess 2 of the top cover A stops supplying power, the heating wires on gaskets I8, II10, and III18 cease heating, and the cylindrical rod I7, sleeve I9, sleeve II11, and cylindrical rod II17 extend due to decreased temperature. The multi-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod assembly C1 and the single-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod assembly C2 return to their extended state.

[0032] Upon reconnection, the spacecraft first advances to the connection position. The energy device located in the recess 2 of the top cover A supplies power, and the heating wires on gaskets I8, II10, and III18 heat up, causing the cylindrical rod I7, sleeve I9, sleeve II11, and cylindrical rod II17 to retract due to increased temperature. The multi-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod group C1 and the single-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod group C2 retract. When the complete sphere, formed by the top cover A, the incomplete spherical body B, and the bottom cover D arranged sequentially from top to bottom and fixed by screws, contacts the connecting ball groove, the spacecraft generates thrust that allows the complete sphere to slide into the connecting ball groove. At this point, the single-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod assembly C2 plays a positioning role. The heating wire on gasket III18 is de-energized and stops heating. The temperature of cylindrical rod II17 decreases and it elongates, completing the connection action. Then, the spacecraft rotates to bring the multi-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod assembly C1 to the designated connection position. At this time, the heating wires on gasket I8 and gasket II10 are de-energized and stop heating. The temperature of cylindrical rod I7, sleeve I9 ​​and sleeve II11 decreases and they elongate. The multi-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod assembly C1 extends to the designated connection position, realizing the reconnection in space.

Claims

1. A nickel-titanium shape memory alloy spacecraft connection and separation structure, characterized in that... Composed of a top cover (A), a non-integral spherical body (B), a multi-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod assembly (C1), a single-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod assembly (C2), and a bottom cover (D), the spacecraft connection and separation structure is a symmetrical structure about its central cross-section. The upper half of the central cross-section of aa is as follows: the top cover (A) has three countersunk holes of countersunk hole assembly (1) evenly distributed on the central circumference, and the bottom center of the top cover (A) has a recess (2); the upper half of the non-integral spherical body (B) has four holes of hole assembly I (3) arranged in a cross shape on the same horizontal plane near the central cross-section of aa; the upper half of the non-integral spherical body (B) has four holes of hole assembly II (4) on the same horizontal plane near the top. And arranged in a cross shape; the center of the non-incomplete spherical body (B) has a hole (5), and the inner ends of the four holes of hole group I (3) and the four holes of hole group II (4) of the non-incomplete spherical body (B) are connected to the hole (5) in the form of small holes; the top of the non-incomplete spherical body (B) has three threaded holes of threaded hole group (6), which correspond to the positions of the three countersunk holes of countersunk hole group (1) in the top cover (A); the outer ring of the sleeve II (11) of the four sets of multi-stage telescopic rods in the multi-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod group (C1) is respectively interference connected to the four holes of hole group I (3) in the non-incomplete spherical body (B); The single-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod assembly (C2) consists of four single-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rods with the same structure; the outer ring of the gasket Ⅲ (18) of the four single-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rods of the single-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod assembly (C2) is respectively interference-connected to the four holes of the hole group Ⅱ (4) in the incomplete spherical body (B); the top cover (A), the incomplete spherical body (B) and the bottom cover (D) are arranged in order from top to bottom and fixed by screws to form a complete spherical body; the materials of the top cover (A), the incomplete spherical body (B) and the bottom cover (D) are the same, and are any one of aerospace titanium alloy, magnesium alloy, nickel-based high temperature alloy and stainless steel.

2. The nickel-titanium shape memory alloy spacecraft connection and separation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod assembly (C1) consists of four sets of multi-stage telescopic rods. The four sets of multi-stage telescopic rods have the same structure, each consisting of a cylindrical rod I (7), a gasket I (8), a sleeve I (9), a gasket II (10), and a sleeve II (11). The cylindrical rod I (7), gasket I (8), sleeve I (9), gasket II (10), and sleeve II (11) are arranged sequentially from the inside out. The bottom surface of the cylindrical rod I (7) in contact with the gasket I (8) is fixed to the gasket I (8). The top annular surface of the sleeve I (9) is fixed to the gasket I (8). The bottom surface of the outer ring of the sleeve I (9) is fixed to the gasket II (10). The top annular surface of the sleeve II (11) is fixed to the gasket II (10). Both the gasket I (8) and the gasket II (10) are sleeves. In this configuration, the inner ring of gasket I (8) is provided with 30 to 35 grooves of groove group I (12a) axially, and the outer ring of gasket I (8) is provided with 30 to 35 grooves of groove group II (12b) axially, and they are evenly distributed on the circumference of the cross-section of gasket I (8); the inner ring of gasket II (10) is provided with 35 to 40 grooves of groove group III (12c) axially, and the outer ring of gasket II (10) is provided with 35 to 40 grooves of groove group IV (12d) axially, and they are evenly distributed on the circumference of the cross-section of gasket II (10); the grooves of groove group I (12a), groove group II (12b), groove group III (12c) and groove group IV (12d) are each matched with a corresponding number of heating wires of heating wire group (14); the groove I (15) is located at the bottom end of gasket I (8); The groove II (16) is located at the bottom end of the gasket II (10); the bottom ends of the gasket I (8), sleeve I (9), gasket II (10), and sleeve II (11) are provided with through holes (13); the cylindrical rod I (7), sleeve I (9), and sleeve II (11) are all made of nickel-titanium shape memory alloy.

3. The nickel-titanium shape memory alloy spacecraft connection and separation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned The single-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rod assembly (C2) consists of four sets of single-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rods. The four sets of single-stage nickel-titanium shape memory alloy telescopic rods have the same structure, each consisting of a cylindrical rod II (17), a groove group V (12e), and a gasket III (18). The bottom surface of the outer ring of the cylindrical rod II (17) is fixedly connected to the gasket III (18). The inner ring of the gasket III (18) is axially provided with 25 to 30 coils of the groove group V (12e), which are evenly distributed on the circumference of the cross-section of the gasket III (18). The material of the cylindrical rod II (17) is nickel-titanium shape memory alloy.

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