Flexible lunar dust spiral conveying device

Abstract

The invention discloses a flexible lunar dust spiral conveying device, and relates to the technical field of lunar dust conveying. In order to solve the technical problems that in the prior art, a rigid mechanical structure is prone to being eroded by lunar dust and fails, a pneumatic conveying mode is difficult to adapt to low-gravity and atmosphere-free environments, the adaptability of an electrostatic conveying technology in complex terrains is insufficient, and the conveying efficiency is reduced due to high adhesion and accumulation of the lunar dust. According to the technical scheme, the flexible lunar dust spiral conveying device comprises an inner wall, an outer wall and a conveying surface, the inner wall and the outer wall jointly form a conveying channel, and the conveying surface is arranged between the inner wall and the outer wall and used for conveying lunar dust. And an electrode is arranged on the conveying surface and is used for generating an electric field to push the lunar dust to move. The electric field is a wave electric field, and lunar dust is pushed through electrostatic force. The lunar dust conveying device is suitable for lunar dust conveying work.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of lunar dust transportation, and in particular to a flexible lunar dust spiral transportation device. Background Art

[0002] The exploration and development of the moon has become an important part of space exploration, especially in the in-situ utilization of lunar resources. The lunar dust on the lunar surface, or "lunar soil", contains rich oxygen, water and other usable elements, providing huge resource potential for the long-term existence of humans on the moon. Therefore, the effective collection and transportation of lunar dust has become a key link in the construction of lunar bases and sustainable resource utilization.

[0003] Existing lunar surface material transportation technologies mainly rely on mechanical equipment, such as lunar rovers and tracked transport systems, which rely on rigid-structured robotic arms, tracks, and rotating components to collect and transport lunar dust. The Apollo mission and subsequent lunar exploration missions used similar mechanical methods to collect and load lunar dust using bulldozers or bucket-type equipment, but these methods are prone to wear during transportation, and the fine particles of lunar dust can easily invade mechanical components, causing severe wear and failure. In addition, the fine particles of lunar dust are highly adhesive and abrasive, making them difficult to fully control in a low-gravity environment, which can easily lead to reduced transportation efficiency and equipment damage.

[0004] In recent years, with the rapid development of in-situ utilization technology of lunar resources, scholars have also tried a variety of new transportation methods. For example, some studies have proposed the use of pneumatic conveying systems to transport lunar dust, using pressurized gas to drive the movement of lunar dust particles. However, due to the microgravity and lack of atmosphere on the moon, the pneumatic conveying method is limited by pressure and sealing control issues, cannot achieve long-distance transportation, and has high equipment complexity and power consumption.

[0005] Other studies have explored electrostatic transport methods, using the electrostatic force generated by electrodes to drive the movement of lunar dust particles. For example, some NASA laboratories have tried to use electrostatic shovels to transport lunar dust along a predetermined path. This method has good adaptability to microgravity environments, but existing designs are mostly planar transport, which is easily limited by terrain changes and particle accumulation problems. In addition, the control of uniform transportation of lunar dust particles is still imperfect, resulting in poor reliability in complex terrain.

[0006] The main technical problems existing in the existing technology include: the rigid mechanical structure is easily eroded by lunar dust and fails, the pneumatic conveying method is difficult to adapt to the low gravity and atmosphere-free environment, the electrostatic conveying technology is not adaptable enough in complex terrain, and the high adhesion and accumulation of lunar dust lead to reduced transport efficiency. In order to solve these problems, a new type of lunar dust transport device is urgently needed, which can adapt to the complex environmental conditions on the lunar surface, has efficient, continuous and flexible lunar dust transport capabilities, and can effectively control the adhesion and accumulation of lunar dust particles to improve the reliability and efficiency of the overall system. Summary of the invention

[0007] In order to solve the technical problems existing in the prior art, that the rigid mechanical structure is easily eroded by lunar dust and fails, that the pneumatic conveying method is difficult to adapt to the low gravity and atmosphere-free environment, that the electrostatic conveying technology is insufficiently adaptable to complex terrain, and that the high adhesion and accumulation of lunar dust lead to reduced conveying efficiency, the technical solution provided by the present invention is as follows:

[0008] A flexible lunar dust spiral transport device comprises an inner wall, an outer wall and a transport surface, wherein the inner wall and the outer wall together form a transport channel, and the transport surface is arranged between the inner wall and the outer wall for transporting lunar dust.

[0009] Furthermore, a preferred embodiment is provided, wherein the inner wall and the outer wall are coaxially arranged.

[0010] Furthermore, a preferred embodiment is provided, wherein the inner wall and the outer wall are both cylindrical.

[0011] Furthermore, a preferred embodiment is provided, wherein the transport surface is a spiral structure.

[0012] Furthermore, a preferred embodiment is provided in which electrodes are provided on the transport surface for generating an electric field to drive the movement of lunar dust.

[0013] Furthermore, a preferred embodiment is provided, wherein the electric field is a wave electric field, which pushes the lunar dust through electrostatic force.

[0014] Based on the same inventive concept, the present invention also provides a flexible lunar dust spiral transport system, including the above-mentioned device and a control system for providing and adjusting the voltage and frequency of the electrode.

[0015] Based on the same inventive concept, the present invention also provides a flexible lunar dust spiral transport method, which is implemented based on the system and includes:

[0016] The step of collecting the running state of lunar dust in the transport device;

[0017] A step of obtaining an adjusted output voltage according to the operating state;

[0018] The step of outputting the adjusted output voltage.

[0019] Based on the same inventive concept, the present invention also provides a computer storage medium for storing a computer program, and when the computer reads the computer program, the computer executes the described method.

[0020] Based on the same inventive concept, the present invention also provides a computer program product, which is a computer program. When the computer program is executed, the method described above is implemented.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution provided by the present invention is beneficial in that:

[0022] The flexible lunar dust spiral transport device effectively adapts to the complex environment of the lunar surface through the design of flexible inner and outer walls, especially showing good stability when dealing with extreme temperature differences and low gravity environments. Compared with existing rigid structure lunar dust transport equipment, the flexible material can absorb external shocks, reduce the impact of vibration on system stability, and significantly improve the reliability and adaptability of the device in harsh environments.

[0023] The traveling wave electric curtain electrode drives the lunar dust particles to move along the spiral transport surface through electrostatic force, achieving directional control of the lunar dust. Compared with the traditional mechanical transport method, the electrostatic force drive method avoids the reduction in efficiency caused by friction and mechanical loss, and can effectively reduce the risk of lunar dust accumulation and scattering, ensuring the continuity and efficiency of lunar dust transportation. This method is particularly suitable for the low-gravity lunar environment and significantly improves the transportation efficiency.

[0024] The design of the spiral transport surface combines the adsorption properties of flexible materials with the transmission capacity of spiral motion, allowing lunar dust particles to be stably transported to the target area along the designed path. Compared with a linear transport path, the spiral structure provides a longer transport distance in a low-gravity environment, thereby increasing the contact time with lunar dust and improving the stability and reliability of transmission. The design also further enhances the control of lunar dust particles by cooperating with the traveling wave electric field.

[0025] The real-time adjustment function of the control system enables the traveling wave electric field to be dynamically adjusted according to the physical characteristics of the lunar dust particles, so that lunar dust particles of different sizes and shapes can be effectively transported. Unlike traditional static electrode systems, this control system has high flexibility and can optimize the transport efficiency under different working environments, effectively coping with the complex and changing conditions on the lunar surface. This function significantly improves the adaptability and overall efficiency of the system, especially when facing complex and uneven lunar dust particles.

[0026] The support structure and fastening device are made of high-strength and lightweight materials. The foldable design ensures the stability of the device on the lunar surface and facilitates storage and transportation when not in use. Compared with the existing rigid support structure, the multi-joint design of the flexible support structure is more flexible during deployment, and can adjust the device posture according to the actual terrain, reducing the impact of environmental changes on system operation, thereby improving transportation stability and deployment convenience.

[0027] It is suitable for use in the work of lunar dust transportation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 The three-dimensional model of the flexible lunar dust spiral transport device and its structural schematic diagram;

[0029] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the reverse transport of lunar dust by the flexible lunar dust spiral transport device.

[0030] Among them, 1 represents the inner wall, 2 represents the outer wall, 3 represents the transport surface, and 4 represents the electrode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] In order to make the advantages and benefits of the technical solution provided by the present invention more clearly reflected, the technical solution provided by the present invention is now further described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, specifically:

[0032] Embodiment 1. This embodiment provides a flexible lunar dust spiral transport device, including an inner wall 1, an outer wall 2 and a transport surface. The inner wall 1 and the outer wall 2 together form a transport channel. The transport surface is arranged between the inner wall 1 and the outer wall 2 for transporting lunar dust.

[0033] Embodiment 2: This embodiment further limits the flexible lunar dust spiral transport device provided in Embodiment 1, and the inner wall 1 and the outer wall 2 are coaxially arranged.

[0034] Embodiment 3: This embodiment further limits the flexible lunar dust spiral transport device provided in embodiment 1, and the inner wall 1 and the outer wall 2 are both cylindrical.

[0035] Embodiment 4: This embodiment further limits the flexible lunar dust spiral transport device provided in embodiment 1, and the transport surface is a spiral structure.

[0036] Embodiment 5: This embodiment further limits the flexible spiral lunar dust transport device provided in embodiment 1. Electrodes 4 are provided on the transport surface to generate an electric field to drive the movement of lunar dust.

[0037] Specifically, the technical solution provided in this embodiment includes:

[0038] Flexible inner wall 1 and flexible outer wall 2:

[0039] The flexible inner wall 1 and outer wall 2 are made of foldable materials, and the main materials may include polymer composite materials with high radiation resistance and temperature resistance. The selection of flexible materials takes into account the extreme temperature changes and microgravity environment on the lunar surface to ensure that the device can adapt and remain stable under the complex lunar terrain.

[0040] The flexible inner and outer walls 2 not only provide a protective structure for the device, but also make the device easy to transport and quickly deploy through its scalability and foldability. This is especially important for robotic missions on the moon, because transportation space is limited and flexible equipment deployment is required.

[0041] Screw transport surface:

[0042] The spiral transport surface is a key part of the device, responsible for transporting lunar dust from one area to another. The surface uses a material that can absorb and transport lunar dust, such as a nano-scale flexible conductive composite material that combines high conductivity with excellent flexibility.

[0043] The spiral angle of the spiral transport surface is optimized to achieve the best transport efficiency in a low-gravity environment. Combined with the overall structure of the device, this design ensures that lunar dust particles will not accumulate but will be transported smoothly along the designed path.

[0044] Traveling wave electric curtain electrode 4:

[0045] The traveling wave electric curtain electrode 4 is composed of multiple layers of parallel electrodes 4, which generate a dynamic traveling wave electric field by applying alternating current at different stages.

[0046] By adjusting the frequency and voltage of the traveling wave electric field, a specific electrostatic force can be applied to the lunar dust particles, thereby overcoming their adhesion to the surface and driving them to move along the spiral transport surface. The system can adapt to lunar dust of different particle sizes and different physical properties, thereby achieving efficient transport of various types of lunar dust.

[0047] The electrode 4 material may be a composite material that is resistant to high radiation and lightweight (such as an aluminum-silver-plated electrode 4), and an additional surface coating may be used to reduce the wear on lunar dust particles.

[0048] Control system:

[0049] The control system includes a power module, a control unit, a sensor interface and a communication module. The power module supplies power to the entire transport device to ensure the operation of the traveling wave electric field and the transport device.

[0050] The control unit uses an embedded microcontroller and integrates various control algorithms to adjust the voltage and frequency of electrode 4 to adapt to changes in the physical properties and transport paths of lunar dust.

[0051] The communication module exchanges data with the lunar rover or lunar base, providing remote control and monitoring capabilities, which is very important for operating complex devices in remote environments.

[0052] Support frame and fastening devices:

[0053] This part ensures the stability of the flexible component after deployment and provides sufficient mechanical support for the entire structure. The support frame uses high-strength lightweight materials such as titanium alloy or carbon fiber composite materials to provide sufficient strength to cope with the lunar terrain.

[0054] The support frame is designed with multiple joints and can be folded up when not in use for easy transportation.

[0055] Sensor unit:

[0056] The device is equipped with a variety of sensor units to monitor the operating status of the device, the movement of lunar dust particles, environmental parameters, etc. Sensor types include temperature sensors, pressure sensors, electrostatic field strength sensors, and acceleration sensors.

[0057] Data is collected in real time by the control system to dynamically adjust the status of the device to ensure the stability and efficiency of the transportation process.

[0058] in,

[0059] Connection structure and interaction of each component

[0060] Flexible inner wall 1 and flexible outer wall 2:

[0061] The flexible inner wall 1 and the outer wall 2 are fixed by a series of mechanical connection points and support structures to form a stable transport channel. These connection points adopt a detachable lock design, so that the flexible wall can be quickly adjusted during installation and removal to adapt to different working environments.

[0062] The fastening device of the support frame is used to stabilize the flexible structure, especially when the system is subjected to vibration and impact on the lunar surface, to ensure that the internal structure does not produce relative displacement.

[0063] Spiral transport surface and traveling wave electric curtain electrode 4:

[0064] The traveling wave electric curtain electrode 4 is embedded in the base near the spiral transport surface to ensure that it can generate a sufficiently strong electrostatic force to drive the movement of the lunar dust particles. The spiral transport surface is supported by a flexible material and keeps in contact with the electric field generation area of ​​the traveling wave electric curtain, so that the electric field can exert an effective force on the lunar dust particles.

[0065] The interaction between the transport surface and the electrode 4 system is coordinated through the adjustment of the control system to ensure that the direction of the electric field force is consistent with the mechanical spiral force, ensuring that the lunar dust maintains orderly movement during the transport process.

[0066] Control system and other parts:

[0067] The control system is connected to the electrode 4 and the sensor unit through cables, and communicates with the remote operation center wirelessly. It detects the real-time status of lunar dust transportation through a feedback mechanism and adjusts the working state of the electrode 4 so that the electrostatic field applied by the electrode 4 adapts to the current transportation needs.

[0068] The support structure works in conjunction with the control system to change the configuration of the entire device by adjusting the position of the support points, so that the optimal operating state can be maintained under different terrain and environmental conditions.

[0069] at last,

[0070] Coordination of components and realization of overall functions

[0071] The flexible structure (inner wall 1 and outer wall 2) provides a stable transport channel, enabling the device to maintain a consistent working state in the complex environment of the lunar surface and reduce the impact of the external environment (such as temperature difference and microgravity) on the system.

[0072] The combination of the spiral transport surface and the traveling wave electric curtain electrode 4 ensures efficient transport of lunar dust in a low gravity environment. The spiral structure provides the basic transport direction, while the traveling wave electric field provides additional thrust, especially when lunar dust particles are difficult to move due to electrostatic forces and surface adhesion forces, the traveling wave electric field can effectively exert electrostatic effects to overcome these forces.

[0073] The real-time adjustment function of the control system allows the device to dynamically adjust according to environmental changes during operation to optimize the transportation efficiency. For example, when encountering the rugged terrain on the lunar surface or when the transportation direction needs to be changed, the control system can ensure the orderly and continuous transportation of lunar dust by adjusting the frequency and voltage of the electrode 4.

[0074] Real-time data feedback from the sensor unit enables the control system to adapt to the variability of the lunar environment, such as temperature changes and changes in radiation intensity, thereby adjusting the system's operating state to ensure long-term stable operation of the transport device.

[0075] The support frame and fastening device enable the flexible components of the entire device to be reliably unfolded and fixed in the specified position. In particular, when the lunar rover is moving or performing other operations, the support frame can prevent the flexible material from twisting or dislocation, thereby ensuring the stability of transportation.

[0076] Implementation method six: This implementation method is a further limitation of the flexible lunar dust spiral transport device provided in implementation method five. The electric field is a wave electric field, which pushes the lunar dust through electrostatic force.

[0077] Embodiment 7: This embodiment provides a flexible lunar dust spiral transport system, including the device provided in embodiment 5, and a control system for providing and adjusting the voltage and frequency of the electrode 4.

[0078] Embodiment 8: This embodiment provides a flexible spiral transport method for lunar dust, which is implemented based on the system provided in embodiment 7 and includes:

[0079] The step of collecting the running state of lunar dust in the transport device;

[0080] A step of obtaining an adjusted output voltage according to the operating state;

[0081] The step of outputting the adjusted output voltage.

[0082] Embodiment 9: This embodiment provides a computer storage medium for storing a computer program. When the computer reads the computer program, the computer executes the method provided in embodiment 8.

[0083] Embodiment 10: This embodiment provides a computer program product, which is a computer program. When the computer program is executed, the method provided in embodiment 8 is implemented.

[0084] Implementation Method XI: Combination Figure 1-2 This embodiment is described in detail by using specific examples to further describe the technical solution provided above. Specifically:

[0085] The flexible lunar dust spiral transport device is composed of a flexible inner wall 1, a flexible outer wall 2, a transport surface and a traveling wave electric curtain electrode 4, and is designed as a spiral shape for the transport of lunar dust. Its main structural features include:

[0086] Flexible inner wall 1 and flexible outer wall 2: Flexible foldable materials are used to provide support and protection structure for the entire device to ensure the stability of the system during transportation. Flexible materials can adapt to the complex particle characteristics of lunar dust, improve the adaptability of the device in the irregular environment of the lunar surface, and can change the configuration of the entire device according to different transportation directions during use.

[0087] Spiral transport surface: This surface serves as the main transport channel for lunar dust. It can be made of appropriate flexible materials and have appropriate adsorption properties for lunar dust particles, and promote the transport of lunar dust from one area to a target area through spiral motion.

[0088] Traveling wave electric curtain electrodes 4: Installed near the spiral transport surface, used to generate traveling wave electric curtains. The traveling wave electric curtains can push the lunar dust along the transport channel through electrostatic force, effectively enhancing the control of the lunar dust during the transport process. The voltage of these electrodes 4 can be adjusted by the control system to adapt to different types of lunar dust particles.

[0089] Among them, the flexible design: the flexible outer wall 2 and inner wall 1 can effectively adapt to the complex environment of the lunar surface, reduce the impact of vibration and shock on the system, and thus increase the stability and durability of the device.

[0090] Traveling wave electric curtain drive: The traveling wave electric curtain generated by electrode 4 can exert a directional electrostatic force on the lunar dust particles, causing them to move in an orderly manner along the transport surface, reducing the accumulation and scattering of lunar dust and ensuring the continuity and efficiency of transport.

[0091] Efficient transport: The spiral structure is combined with a traveling wave electric curtain, using the synergistic effect of adsorption and electrostatic forces to effectively transport lunar dust, especially in the low-gravity lunar environment, significantly improving the transport efficiency.

[0092] Flexible transportation: The device adopts a flexible design as a whole, which is easy to stretch and fold for storage, and is very suitable for rapid deployment in extraterrestrial environments such as the moon.

[0093] Versatility: The voltage and frequency of the traveling wave electric curtain can be adjusted according to actual needs, allowing the device to adapt to lunar dust of different particle sizes and physical properties, improving its overall flexibility and adaptability.

[0094] The flexible lunar dust conveying device is responsible for transporting the small-sized lunar dust obtained after processing by the screening machine to the storage box of the lander test part in order to carry out relevant experiments. Electrostatic traveling wave transport is an electrostatic transport method based on multi-phase alternating current. By designing a layer of parallel alternating electrodes 4 on the lunar dust transport surface, when alternating current is applied to the electrode 4, an alternating strong electric field exists on the surface. Under the polarization of the strong electric field, the electric field force exerted on the lunar dust particles overcomes the adhesion force and gravity to produce saltation. Due to the small spiral slope, the lunar dust particles will move upward along the transport surface, realizing the reverse transport of lunar dust.

[0095] The technical solution provided by the present invention is further described in detail above through several specific implementation modes in order to highlight the advantages and benefits of the technical solution provided by the present invention. However, the several specific implementation modes described above are not intended to be used as limitations on the present invention. Any reasonable modification and improvement of the present invention, combination of implementation modes and equivalent substitution within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flexible lunar dust spiral transport device, characterized in that: It includes an inner wall, an outer wall and a transport surface. The inner wall and the outer wall together form a transport channel. The transport surface is arranged between the inner wall and the outer wall for transporting lunar dust.

2. A flexible lunar dust spiral transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall and the outer wall are coaxially arranged.

3. The flexible lunar dust spiral transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall and the outer wall are both cylindrical.

4. The flexible lunar dust spiral transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transport surface is a spiral structure.

5. The flexible lunar dust spiral transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Electrodes are provided on the transport surface for generating an electric field to drive the movement of lunar dust.

6. The flexible lunar dust spiral transport device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The electric field is a wave electric field, which pushes the lunar dust through electrostatic force.

7. A flexible lunar dust spiral transport system, characterized in that: The invention comprises the device as claimed in claim 5, and a control system for providing and adjusting the voltage and frequency of the electrodes.

8. A flexible spiral transport method for lunar dust, characterized in that: The method is implemented based on the system according to claim 7, and includes: The step of collecting the running state of lunar dust in the transport device; A step of obtaining an adjusted output voltage according to the operating state; The step of outputting the adjusted output voltage.

9. A computer storage medium for storing a computer program, characterized in that: When the computer reads the computer program, the computer executes the method of claim 8.

10. A computer program product, being a computer program, characterized in that When the computer program is executed, the method of claim 8 is implemented.

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