A docking, transfer resupply system module for a satellite

Abstract

The application discloses a satellite docking, transmission and supply system module which comprises a docking control system, an active docking module and a passive docking module, the active docking module comprises a positioning assembly, a stepping motor, a reinforcing plate and a docking device, and the stepping motor and the positioning assembly are arranged on the reinforcing plate; the application designs a set of platform integrating docking and refueling for the on-orbit refueling scene of a micro-satellite platform, and the platform has high integration degree and effectively utilizes the valuable space on the satellite.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of satellite device technology, and in particular to a satellite docking, transmission and supply system module. Background Technology

[0002] Replacing faulty spacecraft components with modules in orbit can effectively extend the spacecraft's lifespan, reduce costs, enhance its mission capabilities, and facilitate upgrades using new technologies. With the widespread use of microsatellite platforms, a suitable on-orbit docking and propellant replenishment component is urgently needed for its application scenarios. This invention provides a reference standard for modular refueling in space, which will greatly contribute to the standardization of on-orbit refueling for future space satellites. Furthermore, using a unified refueling module on all spacecraft will significantly advance and promote the development of future space maintenance microsatellites.

[0003] Currently, existing satellite docking devices are mainly cone-shaped docking devices, consisting of flexible and non-flexible guide heads and docking locking mechanisms. Some newer docking devices use a combination of guidance and magnetic attraction for dual-satellite docking.

[0004] Current satellite docking devices are mainly adapted to large satellite platforms. Due to their large size, they are not suitable for the increasingly widely used microsatellite platforms. Therefore, this docking device was designed. Through optimization and improvement of the docking mechanism, it can simultaneously perform docking and propellant replenishment, improving the integration of the device and effectively utilizing the valuable space on the satellite.

[0005] With the widespread application of microsatellites, there is a need to enable on-orbit maintenance and propellant replenishment of microsatellite platforms. Compared to traditional docking devices for large satellite platforms, this invention provides a simple and lightweight docking device that simultaneously enables on-orbit docking and propellant replenishment. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to solve the technical problems existing in the prior art and to provide a satellite docking and transmission supply system module.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution provided by the present invention is: a satellite docking and transmission supply system module, comprising a docking control system, an active docking module, and a passive docking module. The active docking module comprises a positioning component, a stepper motor, a reinforcing plate, and a docking device. The stepper motor and the positioning component are disposed on the reinforcing plate. The positioning component comprises a positioning fixing plate, a connector, and a positioning fixing rod. The connector and the positioning fixing rod are disposed on the positioning fixing plate.

[0008] The docking device comprises a docking fixing rod, a docking shaft fixing block, a screw, a lower part of the docking ball head, an upper part of the docking ball head, and a docking spring. The docking shaft fixing block is connected to the reinforcing plate, the output end of the stepper motor is connected to the internal bearing of the docking shaft fixing block, one end of the docking fixing rod is connected to the docking shaft fixing block by a screw, and the other end of the docking fixing rod is fitted to the lower part of the docking ball head. One end of the screw is connected to the internal threaded sleeve of the docking shaft fixing block, and the other end of the screw is connected to the upper part of the docking ball head. The docking spring is disposed between the lower part of the docking ball head and the upper part of the docking ball head.

[0009] The passive docking module consists of a positioning cone, a circuit docking assembly, a docking upright plate, a docking cone, and a docking cone pressure plate. The docking cone pressure plate is provided with a passive end fluid circuit interface. The docking cone is fastened to the docking upright plate by the docking cone pressure plate, and the positioning cone and the circuit docking assembly are mounted on the docking upright plate.

[0010] Preferably, the active docking module further includes a liquid path docking device, which is disposed between the docking shaft fixing block and the docking fixing rod. The liquid path docking device includes an active end liquid path interface and a liquid path docking ring. The liquid path docking ring is composed of sealing ring grooves and flow guide grooves of different depths, which are used to dock with the docking cone when transferring and supplying propellant. During docking, the active end liquid path interface and the passive end liquid path interface are respectively connected to their respective storage tank pipelines.

[0011] Preferably, within the yield strength of the docking spring, adjusting the forward movement of the stepper motor can change the deformation of the docking spring, thereby changing the external pressure between the docking cone and the fluid connection ring.

[0012] Preferably, when the active docking module and the passive docking module dock, the docking control system receives an external docking start command. When the control system controls the stepper motor to rotate in the positive direction, the deformation of the docking spring increases, guiding the docking cone to fit with the liquid circuit docking ring. When the docking cone fits with the liquid circuit docking ring, the connector and the circuit docking assembly achieve circuit connection.

[0013] Preferably, when the active docking module and the passive docking module are disconnected, when the control system controls the stepper motor to rotate in the opposite direction, the deformation of the docking spring decreases, the connector is disconnected from the circuit docking assembly, and the docking cone is disconnected from the liquid circuit docking ring.

[0014] Beneficial effects of this invention:

[0015] Traditional satellite docking components are bulky due to the equipment they are designed for, making them unsuitable for microsatellite platforms. This invention addresses the on-orbit refueling scenario for microsatellite platforms by designing a platform that integrates docking and refueling capabilities. It features both on-orbit docking and refueling capabilities, demonstrating a high degree of integration and effectively utilizing valuable space on the satellite. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are provided to further illustrate the invention and constitute a part of this invention, are illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the active docking module structure of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the passive docking module structure of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention.

[0020] Attached image captions:

[0021] 1-Dating shaft fixing block, 2-Active end liquid circuit interface, 3-Liquid circuit docking ring, 4-Dating fixing rod, 5-Lower part of docking ball head, 6-Dating spring, 7-Upper part of docking ball head, 8-Screw, 9-Positioning fixing rod, 10-Connector, 11-Positioning fixing plate, 12-Reinforcing plate, 13-Stepper motor, 14-Dating upright plate, 15-Dating cone pressure plate, 16-Dating cone, 17-Passive end liquid circuit interface, 18-Positioning cone, 19-Circuit docking assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0022] This section will describe in detail specific embodiments of the present invention. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings. The purpose of the drawings is to supplement the textual description with graphics, so that people can intuitively and vividly understand each technical feature and overall technical solution of the present invention, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] Reference Figures 1-3 According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a satellite docking and transmission supply system module includes an active docking module and a passive docking module. The active docking module comprises a positioning component, a stepper motor 13, a reinforcing plate 12, and a docking device. The stepper motor 13 and the positioning component are disposed on the reinforcing plate 12. The positioning component comprises a positioning fixing plate 11, a connector 10, and a positioning fixing rod 9. The connector 10 and the positioning fixing rod 9 are disposed on the positioning fixing plate 11 to realize positioning and circuit connection during the docking process.

[0024] The docking device consists of a docking fixing rod 4, a docking shaft fixing block 1, a screw 8, a lower part of the docking ball head 5, an upper part of the docking ball head 7, and a docking spring 6. The docking shaft fixing block 1 is connected to the reinforcing plate 12. The output end of the stepper motor 13 is connected to the internal bearing of the docking shaft fixing block 1. The screw 8 passes through the docking fixing rod 4 and is connected to the internal threaded sleeve of the docking shaft fixing block 1, so that the stepper motor 13 rotates and drives the screw 8 to move axially up and down, thereby driving the upper part of the docking ball head 7 to move axially along the docking direction, realizing the stretching and compression of the docking spring 6. The docking fixing rod 4 is connected to the docking shaft fixing block 1 by screws. The other end of the docking fixing rod 4 is attached to the lower part of the docking ball head 5 to restrict its movement. The other end of the screw 8 is connected to the upper part of the docking ball head 7. The docking spring 6 is disposed between the lower part of the docking ball head 5 and the upper part of the docking ball head 7.

[0025] The passive docking module consists of a positioning cone 18, a circuit docking assembly 19, a docking upright plate 14, a docking cone 16, and a docking cone pressure plate 15. The docking cone 16 is fastened to the docking upright plate 14 by the docking cone pressure plate 15, and is used for positioning during the docking process and to form a sealed fluid injection channel when docking is completed. The docking cone pressure plate 15 is provided with a passive end fluid circuit interface 17. The positioning cone 18 and the circuit docking assembly 19 are installed on the docking upright plate 14 for positioning and circuit connection during the docking process. During docking, the positioning cone 18 is connected to the docking fixing rod 4 to constrain the relative position of the active end and the passive end.

[0026] In this embodiment, the active docking module further includes a liquid path docking device, which is disposed between the docking shaft fixing block 1 and the docking fixing rod 4. The liquid path docking device includes an active end liquid path interface 2 and a liquid path docking ring 3. The liquid path docking ring 3 is composed of sealing ring grooves and flow guide grooves of different depths, which are used to dock with the docking cone 16 when transmitting and supplying propellant. During docking, the active end liquid path interface 2 and the passive end liquid path interface 17 are respectively connected to their respective storage tank pipelines, thereby providing a sealed fluid refueling channel.

[0027] In this embodiment, within the yield strength of the docking spring 6, adjusting the number of rotations of the stepper motor 13 can change the deformation of the docking spring 6, thereby changing the external pressure between the docking cone 16 and the liquid channel docking ring 3, thus adjusting the maximum pressure that the liquid filling channel can withstand.

[0028] In this embodiment, when the active docking module and the passive docking module dock, the docking control system, upon receiving an externally issued refueling start command, sends a command to the stepper motor according to a preset docking procedure, controlling the stepper motor to rotate. When the control system controls the stepper motor 13 to rotate in the positive direction, the deformation of the docking spring 6 increases, guiding the docking cone 16 to fit with the liquid circuit docking ring 3; when the docking cone 16 fits with the liquid circuit docking ring 3, the connector 10 and the circuit docking assembly 19 achieve a circuit connection, and the docking control system obtains control authority over the liquid circuit system of the passive docking module.

[0029] In this embodiment, when the active docking module and the passive docking module are disconnected, when the control system controls the stepper motor 13 to rotate in the opposite direction, the deformation of the docking spring 6 decreases, the connector 10 is disconnected from the circuit docking assembly 19, the docking cone 16 is disconnected from the liquid circuit docking ring 3, and the control of the passive docking module is returned.

[0030] Traditional satellite docking components are bulky due to the equipment they are designed for, making them unsuitable for microsatellite platforms. This invention addresses the on-orbit refueling scenario for microsatellite platforms by designing a platform that integrates docking and refueling capabilities. It features both on-orbit docking and refueling capabilities, demonstrating a high degree of integration and effectively utilizing valuable space on the satellite.

[0031] Satellite docking process

[0032] During satellite docking, the positioning fixing rod 9 and the connector 10 are connected to the positioning cone 18 and the circuit docking assembly 19, respectively, restricting the relative position of the two satellites. In the connecting device, one end of the screw 8 passes through the docking fixing rod 4 and connects to the internal threaded sleeve of the docking shaft fixing block 1; the other end of the screw 8 connects to the upper part 5 of the docking ball head. As the two satellites gradually approach each other, the stepper motor 13 reverses from its default position, causing the docking spring 6 to stretch to its maximum deformation, allowing the upper part 7 and lower part 5 of the docking ball head to enter the interior of the docking cone 16. At this time, the control system controls the stepper motor 13 to rotate forward, thereby pulling the upper part 7 of the docking ball head to move, gradually reducing the distance between the upper part 7 and lower part 5 of the docking ball head, thus triggering the elastic deformation of the docking spring 6. The deformed docking spring 6 contacts the inner wall of the docking cone 16. Gradually increasing the deformation of the docking spring 6 increases the preload between the docking cone 16 and the hydraulic docking ring 3, enabling the hydraulic circuit to withstand greater working pressure. As the docking spring 6 is compressed and deformed to its maximum deformation, the distance between the injecting star and the injected star gradually decreases, and the connector 10 and the circuit docking assembly 19 achieve circuit connection based on the docking.

[0033] Satellite refueling process

[0034] After the connector 10 completes the circuit connection with the circuit docking assembly 19, the refueling satellite gains control of the propellant pipeline section of the refueling satellite. At this time, the refueling satellite control system initiates a pipeline seal test to check whether the channel between the docking cone 16 and the liquid circuit docking ring 3 is properly sealed under a predetermined pressure to accommodate propellant refueling. After the seal test is completed, the refueling satellite control system issues a propellant refueling command, turns on the refueling management switch of the refueling satellite, and acquires relevant sensor data.

[0035] Satellite separation process

[0036] The docking control system determines the end point of the refueling process by acquiring parameters from the flow sensor and the pressure sensor in the refueling satellite's tank. When refueling is complete, the remaining propellant in the refueling fluid path is purged under the control of the refueling satellite docking control system. After purging, the stepper motor 13 reverses direction, controlling the docking spring 6 to extend from its maximum compressibility to its maximum tensile deformation. Under the action of the compressed sealing ring between the docking cone 16 and the fluid path docking ring 3, and the residual gas in the pipeline, they gradually separate. When the refueling satellite and the refueled satellite are completely separated, the stepper motor 13 rotates forward to its initial position. The docking-refueling-separation process ends.

[0037] Without causing conflict, those skilled in the art can freely combine and use the above-mentioned additional technical features.

[0038] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Any technical solution that achieves the purpose of the present invention by essentially the same means is within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A satellite docking, transmission, and supply system module, characterized in that: It includes a docking control system, an active docking module, and a passive docking module. The active docking module consists of a positioning component, a stepper motor (13), a reinforcing plate (12), and a docking device. The stepper motor (13) and the positioning component are mounted on the reinforcing plate (12). The positioning component includes a positioning fixing plate (11), a connector (10), and a positioning fixing rod (9). The connector (10) and the positioning fixing rod (9) are mounted on the positioning fixing plate (11). The docking device consists of a docking fixing rod (4), a docking shaft fixing block (1), a screw (8), a lower part of the docking ball head (5), an upper part of the docking ball head (7), and a docking spring (6); the docking shaft fixing block (1) is connected to the reinforcing plate (12), the output end of the stepper motor (13) is connected to the internal bearing of the docking shaft fixing block (1), one end of the docking fixing rod (4) is connected to the docking shaft fixing block (1) by a screw, the other end of the docking fixing rod (4) is attached to the lower part of the docking ball head (5), one end of the screw (8) is connected to the internal threaded sleeve of the docking shaft fixing block (1), the other end of the screw (8) is connected to the upper part of the docking ball head (7), and the docking spring (6) is disposed between the lower part of the docking ball head (5) and the upper part of the docking ball head (7); The passive docking module consists of a positioning cone (18), a circuit docking assembly (19), a docking upright plate (14), a docking cone (16), and a docking cone pressure plate (15); the docking cone (16) is fastened to the docking upright plate (14) by the docking cone pressure plate (15), the docking cone pressure plate (15) is provided with a passive end liquid circuit interface (17), and the positioning cone (18) and the circuit docking assembly (19) are installed on the docking upright plate (14); The active docking module also includes a liquid docking device, which is disposed between the liquid docking ring (3) and the positioning cone (18), and includes an active end liquid interface (2) and a passive end liquid interface (17). When the active docking module docks with the passive docking module, the positioning fixing rod (9) cooperates with the positioning cone (18), and the upper part (7) and the lower part (5) of the docking ball head enter the docking cone (16); the docking control system controls the stepper motor (13) to drive the screw (8) to move axially along the docking direction, so as to reduce the distance between the upper part (7) and the lower part (5) of the docking ball head, so that the docking spring (6) elastically deforms and contacts the inner wall of the docking cone (16), so as to form a mechanical constraint between the active docking module and the passive docking module; as the deformation of the docking spring (6) continues to increase, the pre-tightening effect between the docking cone (16) and the liquid circuit docking ring (3) increases; when the docking cone (16) and the liquid circuit docking ring (3) are attached and form a sealed fluid injection channel, the connector (10) and the circuit docking assembly (19) realize circuit connection.

2. The satellite docking, transmission, and supply system module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The active docking module also includes a liquid docking device. The liquid docking ring (3) is composed of sealing ring grooves and flow guide grooves of different depths, which are used to dock with the docking cone (16) when transmitting and supplying propellant. During docking, the active end liquid interface (2) and the passive end liquid interface (17) are respectively connected to their respective storage tank pipelines.

3. The satellite docking, transmission, and supply system module according to claim 1, characterized in that: Within the yield strength of the docking spring (6), adjusting the number of rotations of the stepper motor (13) can change the deformation of the docking spring (6), thereby changing the pre-tightening effect between the docking cone (16) and the fluid docking ring (3) and the filling pressure that the fluid filling channel can withstand.

4. A satellite docking, transmission, and resupply system module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The docking control system is configured to: after the connector (10) and the circuit docking assembly (19) complete the circuit connection, obtain the control authority of the passive docking module liquid circuit system, and perform a sealing test on the fluid injection channel between the docking cone (16) and the liquid circuit docking ring (3) under a predetermined pressure; after the sealing test is passed, start the propellant injection and obtain the sensor data of the injected satellite.

5. A satellite docking, transmission, and supply system module according to claim 4, characterized in that: The docking control system is also configured to: determine the refueling endpoint based on the parameters of the flow sensor and the pressure sensor in the refueling vessel's storage tank; after refueling, purge the remaining propellant in the refueling fluid path, and after purging, control the stepper motor (13) to rotate in the reverse direction, so that the compression deformation of the docking spring (6) gradually decreases, the connector (10) disconnects from the circuit docking assembly (19), and the docking cone (16) separates from the fluid path docking ring (3); after separation, control the stepper motor (13) to return to the initial position.

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