A track molecule screen for increasing the volume and vacuum of a wake zone

Abstract

The application provides a track molecular screen for increasing the volume and vacuum degree of a wake flow area, a screen surface of the track molecular screen has an arc-shaped feature, wherein the arc-shaped screen surface is convex towards a flight direction of the track molecular screen, so that when the track molecular screen flies in a low orbit, an ultra-high vacuum area is formed in the arc-shaped screen surface, the vacuum degree of the ultra-high vacuum area is 10 ‑11 Pa, and a central angle between a line connecting two ends of a cross section of the arc-shaped screen surface and a horizontal center line of the convex center of the cross section is θ, wherein 0<θ<90°; a thickness of the cross section of the arc-shaped screen surface is d, wherein 0 d<100 cm; and a curvature between a neutral axis of the cross section of the arc-shaped screen surface and a rotation center point of the cross section is r, wherein 0 r<∞. The track molecular screen provided by the application solves the problem of a small vacuum volume and a low vacuum degree of an ultra-high vacuum area formed by a conventional track molecular screen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of aerospace equipment, and in particular to an orbital molecular screen that increases the volume and vacuum level of the wake region. Background Technology

[0002] An orbital molecular screen is a stainless steel disk designed for high-speed flight in low orbits (300km-500km). Placed in front of the orbiter or experimental equipment in the direction of flight, it generates an ultra-high vacuum region (approximately 10...) in its wake region based on the principles of high-speed kinematics. -11 (Pa), providing an ultra-high vacuum region for orbiters or experimental equipment.

[0003] The United States launched three spaceflight missions carrying an orbital molecular screen, the "Wake Shield Facility," between 1994 and 1996. Russia began implementing a similar orbital molecular screen space device, "Screen-M," in 1996. However, both devices are almost identical: a flat stainless steel disk approximately 3.7 meters in diameter and 0.3 meters thick. While this design can achieve ultra-high vacuum in its wake region within a predetermined orbit, it falls far short of theoretical calculations (approximately 10...). -11 Pa), only reached 10 -9 Pa.

[0004] Therefore, due to the limitations of its planar disk-shaped structure, the existing orbital molecular screens not only have too small a vacuum volume for the ultra-high vacuum region to be formed, but also have a low vacuum degree.

[0005] The rapid development of space science and technology in recent years, especially the emergence of commercial space companies like SpaceX, has significantly reduced the cost of space transportation, and this trend is expected to continue. Against this backdrop, space experiments and space manufacturing have experienced rapid growth. Orbital molecular screens provide the necessary experimental and production environment for space-based molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) experiments and the large-scale production of high-performance semiconductor materials. Therefore, the optimized structural design of orbital molecular screens will provide technological support for this trend. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides an orbital molecular screen that increases the volume and vacuum level of the wake region, thereby solving the issues of insufficient vacuum volume and low vacuum level in the ultra-high vacuum region formed by traditional orbital molecular screens.

[0007] The technical solution of this invention is:

[0008] An orbital molecular screen for increasing the volume and vacuum level of the wake region, wherein the screen surface has an arc-shaped feature, wherein the arc-shaped screen surface convexes towards the flight direction of the orbital molecular screen, so that when the orbital molecular screen flies in a low orbit, an ultra-high vacuum region is formed within the arc-shaped screen surface, and the vacuum level of the ultra-high vacuum region is 10. -11 Pa.

[0009] As one of the preferred embodiments, the cross-section of the curved screen has the following characteristics:

[0010] The center angle between the lines connecting the two ends of the cross section of the arc-shaped screen to the center of the protrusion of the cross section and the horizontal center line is θ, where 0 < θ < 90°;

[0011] The thickness of the cross section of the arc-shaped screen is d, where 0 < d < 100 cm;

[0012] The curvature of the arc-shaped screen surface between the neutral axis of its cross-section and the center of rotation of the cross-section is r, where 0 < r < ∞.

[0013] As one preferred embodiment, on the profile of the cross-section of the curved screen, the central angle θ1 formed by one end of the cross-section of the curved screen is equal to the central angle θ2 formed by the other end of the cross-section of the curved screen.

[0014] As one of the preferred solutions, the d at any position on the profile of the cross-section of the curved screen surface may be the same or different.

[0015] As one of the preferred solutions, the r at any position on the profile of the cross-section of the curved screen surface may be the same or different.

[0016] As one of the preferred options, the orbital molecular screen is a hemispherical disk.

[0017] As one of the preferred options, the material of the orbital molecular screen is 304L stainless steel or U15C stainless steel.

[0018] As one of the preferred options, the 304L stainless steel is prepared through multiple steps including cleaning, baking, gas discharge bombardment, and surface treatment.

[0019] As one of the preferred embodiments, the inner surface of the orbital molecular screen is equipped with at least production equipment and quality inspection equipment, and the outer surface of the orbital molecular screen is equipped with at least measuring equipment, computing equipment and positioning equipment.

[0020] As one of the preferred options, the low-orbit range is 300km-500km.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following advantages:

[0022] This invention proposes an orbital molecular screen to improve the volume and vacuum level of the wake region. The screen surface has an arc-shaped feature, wherein the arc-shaped screen surface convexes towards the flight direction of the orbital molecular screen, so that when the orbital molecular screen flies in a low orbit, an ultra-high vacuum region is formed within the arc-shaped screen surface, and the vacuum level of the ultra-high vacuum region is 10. -11 Pa.

[0023] By adopting the technical solution of this application, the embodiments of this invention employ an orbital molecular screen with arc-shaped features. With a fixed launch vehicle payload size, compared to traditional molecular screens, this invention not only increases the volume of the wake region but also improves the vacuum level within it. Therefore, the experimental equipment can obtain a more ideal working environment during orbital flight, reducing gas particles flowing from the side towards the center of the wake region during space experiments, thus lowering the risk of contamination. Therefore, the optimized design of this orbital molecular screen not only meets various experimental requirements but also promotes the comprehensive development of space experimentation and manufacturing industries. The arc-shaped structure optimizes vacuum conditions and adapts to the needs of future large-scale manufacturing. With the continued development of commercial spaceflight, orbital molecular screens will become core equipment for achieving high-quality material production and complex experiments, providing crucial support for future space economy and technological innovation. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application, the drawings used in the description of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the formation principle of the ultra-high vacuum region of the orbital molecular screen;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a multi-view combination diagram of the traditional orbital molecular screen;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a multi-view combination diagram of the optimized orbital molecular screen described in one embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a characteristic diagram of the cross-sectional design of the orbital molecular screen described in one embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly position of the orbital molecular screen and external equipment according to an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0031] 1. Orbital molecular screen; 2. Inner surface equipment; 3. Outer surface equipment. Detailed Implementation

[0032] 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, 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.

[0033] An orbital molecular screen is a stainless steel disk designed for high-speed flight in low orbits (300km-500km). Placed in front of the orbiter or experimental equipment in the direction of flight, it generates an ultra-high vacuum region (approximately 10...) in its wake region based on the principles of high-speed kinematics. -11 (Pa), providing an ultra-high vacuum region for orbiters or experimental equipment.

[0034] It is known that the molecular orbital screen has unique and specific applications. The molecular orbital screen is not only used to create extremely high vacuum conditions, but it can also fly under extreme conditions such as low Earth orbit, meeting the unique technical requirements and environmental conditions of space. Unlike traditional experimental equipment, its functions and applications are unique in high-performance material production and scientific experiments, making it particularly suitable for the growth of high-performance semiconductor materials and precision experiments in space environments. Furthermore, the molecular orbital screen integrates production equipment, quality testing equipment, environmental monitoring equipment, and a computing system, and can also serve as a carrier for constructing comprehensive experimental platforms.

[0035] Reference Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 This illustration demonstrates the structure and working principle of the ultra-high vacuum region formed by the orbital molecular screen 1 during its flight in low Earth orbit. When flying at approximately 7800 m / s in low Earth orbit, a cone-shaped, layered ultra-high vacuum region forms in the wake region behind the screen. Within this ultra-high vacuum region, the vacuum level gradually decreases from front to back, whereas the highest vacuum level in the vacuum region of a conventional orbital molecular screen 1 typically only reaches 10... -9 Pa.

[0036] Combination Figure 1 And continue to refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a multi-view composite image of the existing orbital molecular screen 1. It can be seen that the existing orbital molecular screen 1 is a planar disk structure. When this structure flies in low-altitude orbit, the ultra-high vacuum region it creates not only has a very small vacuum volume, but also a low vacuum degree.

[0037] In view of the current shortcomings, namely the limitations of existing orbital molecular screens due to their planar disk-like structure, the designers, through continuous research and based on years of practical experience, discovered that one of the reasons for this phenomenon is that high-speed hydrogen atoms enter the wake region, causing an increase in pressure in the wake region. Furthermore, the planar configuration of the orbital molecular screen 1 makes it easier for hydrogen atoms to enter the wake region along the sides, further increasing pressure. Therefore, due to the limitations of the planar disk-like structure, it cannot provide an ideal ultra-high vacuum environment for space experiments and manufacturing.

[0038] Therefore, based on this background and research findings, the present invention aims to optimize the structural design of the orbital molecular screen 1, improve the structural form and the path of hydrogen atoms entering the wake region, and propose an optimized design scheme to expand the vacuum region volume and improve the vacuum degree.

[0039] Reference Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 This is a multi-view composite diagram of the optimized orbital molecular screen 1 shown in this invention. This invention provides an orbital molecular screen 1 that improves the volume and vacuum level of the wake region. The screen surface of the orbital molecular screen 1 has an arc-shaped feature, wherein the arc-shaped screen surface convexes towards the flight direction of the orbital molecular screen 1, so that when the orbital molecular screen 1 flies in a low orbit, an ultra-high vacuum region is formed within the arc-shaped screen surface, and the vacuum level of the ultra-high vacuum region is 10. -11 Pa.

[0040] Specifically, this invention improves upon the traditional orbital molecular screen 1 by transforming its structural form from a flat, disc-shaped surface into a three-dimensional screen with arc-shaped features. During low-orbit flight, such as at 300km-500km, an ultra-high vacuum region is formed in the wake region. In this embodiment, the convex surface of the arc-shaped structure faces the flight direction, i.e., the convex surface faces the wind, thus blocking and guiding more airflow to the outside, and forming a larger and more stable conical vacuum region within the arc-shaped opening. Manufacturing can be supported within this vacuum region, and it can also serve as a verification platform for new technologies, allowing for testing under extreme conditions that cannot be achieved in ground-based laboratories, providing new breakthroughs for scientific research and laying the foundation for future technological innovation.

[0041] The orbital molecular screen 1 is designed with an arc-shaped surface. This arc reduces edge effects, allowing gas molecules to disperse along the arc and flow smoothly around the sides of the screen. This prevents hydrogen atoms from directly flowing back and being drawn into the wake region from the sides, significantly reducing the probability of hydrogen atoms entering the wake region from the sides of the screen. The reduction in hydrogen atoms further lowers the gas pressure in the wake region, making the vacuum level closer to the theoretical value (10). -11 Therefore, the optimized structure can improve the vacuum level in the wake region, further enhance the performance of the orbital molecular screen 1, and provide a more ideal ultra-high vacuum environment for future spacecraft and experimental equipment.

[0042] Meanwhile, during low-Earth orbit flight, the arc-shaped structure guides the airflow to be more concentrated and extended backward, and gas molecules are less likely to bypass the arc-shaped screen to enter the wake region, thus forming a longer and more stable conical wake region. Therefore, the conical opening of the wake region of this optimized structure is larger than that of the planar configuration, allowing the vacuum region behind the screen to cover a larger space.

[0043] Based on these principles, this invention employs an orbital molecular screen 1 with an arc-shaped feature. With a fixed launch vehicle payload size, compared to traditional molecular screens, this invention not only increases the volume of the wake region but also improves the vacuum level within it. Therefore, the experimental equipment can achieve a more ideal working environment during orbital flight, reducing gas particles flowing from the side towards the center of the wake region during space experiments, thus lowering the risk of contamination. Therefore, the optimized design of this orbital molecular screen 1 not only meets various experimental requirements but also promotes the comprehensive development of space experimentation and manufacturing industries. The arc-shaped structure optimizes vacuum conditions and adapts to the needs of future large-scale manufacturing. With the continued development of commercial spaceflight, the orbital molecular screen 1 will become a core device for achieving high-quality material production and complex experiments, providing crucial support for future space economy and technological innovation.

[0044] In some embodiments, the screen surface of the orbital molecular screen 1 may be partially or entirely composed of arcuate features. For example, the arcuate feature may be a spherical arc with an opening, an elliptical arc with an opening, a parabolic arc, a hemispherical arc, a multi-segment arc composed of multiple arc segments with different curvatures, a hyperbolic parabolic arc, etc.

[0045] More specifically, the arcuate feature of the orbital molecular screen 1 can be selected based on its geometry, curvature, and application requirements. The following are several selectable arcuate feature forms for the orbital molecular screen 1 in this embodiment:

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 The diagram shows the design characteristics of the cross-section of the orbital molecular screen 1, where a is the front view, b is the side view, c is the top view, and d is the side view. X and Y represent the horizontal and vertical axes of the cross-section at the center of rotation of the orbital molecular screen 1, respectively. The curved dashed line represents the neutral axis of the curved screen's cross-section. The two slanted straight dashed lines represent the lines connecting the two ends of the curved screen's cross-section to the center of the protrusion of that cross-section. The rectangular dashed outline represents the limiting case of the curved screen.

[0047] The cross-section of the arc-shaped screen has the following characteristics:

[0048] The center angle between the lines connecting the two ends of the cross section of the arc-shaped screen to the center of the protrusion of the cross section and the horizontal center line is θ, where 0 < θ < 90°;

[0049] The thickness of the cross section of the arc-shaped screen is d, where 0 < d < 100 cm;

[0050] The curvature of the arc-shaped screen surface between the neutral axis of its cross-section and the center of rotation of the cross-section is r, where 0 < r < ∞.

[0051] Specifically, this invention relates to a disk-shaped orbital molecular screen 1 with a certain thickness, comprising curvature (radius), thickness, and bending angle. The cross-section of the arc-shaped screen surface is a two-dimensional plane; in this embodiment, this cross-section can be a longitudinal section. The two ends of the cross-section are the two endpoints of the arc-shaped profile, and the protrusion is the vertex of the arc-shaped profile. Therefore, the protrusion extends in two directions to the two ends of the cross-section. In some embodiments, the arc lengths of the protrusion extending to the two ends of the cross-section can be equal and symmetrical, or unequal and irregular. In some embodiments, when the curvature is the same, the arc length can be determined by the central angle.

[0052] Specifically, the center angles between the lines connecting the two ends of the cross section to the center of the protrusion and the horizontal centerline are respectively θ, and include all possible θ values ​​from 0 to 90°. In this embodiment, θ represents the opening size of the orbital molecular screen 1, i.e., the degree of opening of the arc-shaped profile. For example, if θ is a small angle, the endpoints of the arc-shaped profile are closer to the horizontal centerline. If θ is a large angle, the endpoints of the arc-shaped profile are farther from the horizontal centerline, resulting in a larger arc surface. When θ is 90°, it represents the limit case of this arc-shaped screen surface, i.e., a planar configuration (such as...). Figure 4 (The rectangle is shown by the dashed line in the image).

[0053] Therefore, θ can determine the degree of curvature of the screen, covering a structure that gradually transitions from a near-planar configuration to an approximate spherical or rugby ball shape.

[0054] Specifically, the thickness of the cross-section of the arc-shaped screen is d, and it includes all possible design schemes with thicknesses d from 0 to 100 cm. The orbital molecular screen 1 is relatively thin, close to 0 cm, resulting in light weight and easy launch, but poor resistance to deformation and unstable vacuum performance. A thicker screen, close to 100 cm, offers high structural stability and reduces vibration and environmental interference, but increases weight. Therefore, 0 to d < 100 cm balances the relationship between the structural stability and weight of the orbital molecular screen 1, ensuring effective airflow blocking without affecting launch costs and performance.

[0055] Specifically, the curvature of the cross-section of the arc-shaped screen surface between the neutral axis and the center of rotation of the cross-section is r, and includes all possible curvature (radius) designs resulting from 0 < r < ∞. For a two-dimensional cross-section, the neutral axis is the centerline of the curvature along the arc contour, located at the geometric center of the arc surface. r determines the curvature of the arc surface, i.e., the radius of the arc or curved surface shape. If r is the same at any point, it is a concentric curvature. If r is different at multiple / any points, an asymmetrical arc surface will be formed, such as an abrupt arc, ellipse, or parabola. For example, a smaller radius (r gradually approaches 0) will produce a tightly curved arc surface with a shallow arc structure, a smaller arc opening, and a smaller wake volume. A larger radius (r gradually approaches ∞) will infinitely approach a planar structure.

[0056] Therefore, the curved screen not only meets the requirements of ultra-high vacuum environments but also maintains structural stability and optimizes airflow during flight. The proper design of at least one feature can provide a theoretical basis and design guidance for subsequent practical applications and performance verification, helping to ensure the efficient performance of the orbital molecular screen in actual use.

[0057] Preferably, the structural features of the arc-shaped screen include one or more combinations of the above three features, forming a non-planar arc-shaped orbital molecular screen 1 with various regular symmetric or complex three-dimensional curved surfaces. Through reasonable combination and optimization, it can meet the needs of different types of space missions in the future and achieve higher vacuum and wake volume.

[0058] In some embodiments, when optimizing the structure of the orbital molecular screen 1 to improve the vacuum level and volume of the wake region, further optimization can be achieved through parameters such as material selection and surface treatment.

[0059] Furthermore, on the profile of the cross-section of the curved screen, the central angle θ1 formed by one end of the cross-section of the curved screen is equal to the central angle θ2 formed by the other end of the cross-section of the curved screen. In this embodiment, on the profile of the cross-section of the curved screen, the central angle θ1 can also be formed between the line connecting the first endpoint of the two endpoints and the center of the protrusion and the horizontal centerline along the length direction of the neutral axis. The central angle θ2 can also be formed between the line connecting the second endpoint of the two endpoints and the center of the protrusion and the horizontal centerline.

[0060] Specifically, θ1 equals θ2. Therefore, when the thickness and curvature transition uniformly or are the same at both ends, the arc-shaped profile is symmetrical, such as a hemisphere, bowl, sphere, ellipse, or parabolic molecular screen.

[0061] Specifically, θ1 and θ2 are different, so the cross-section is asymmetrical arc shape, with the first end having a smaller or larger opening than the second end.

[0062] Furthermore, on the profile of the cross-section of the curved screen, d may be the same or different at any location. In this embodiment, the curved cross-section has a uniform thickness, that is, the thickness is consistent at all locations on the screen.

[0063] Furthermore, on the profile of the cross-section of the curved screen, the radius r at any position may be the same or different. In this embodiment, there are several curvatures along the length direction from the center of rotation to the neutral axis. These curvatures may be completely identical, partially identical, or completely different.

[0064] If, with all other parameters being equal, the radius r is the same at all locations on the cross section, a symmetrical arc surface with uniform curvature is formed; if the radius r is different, a symmetrical / asymmetrical arc surface with non-uniform curvature is formed.

[0065] For example, the screen surface can be hemispherical, quasi-spherical, or bowl-shaped, with the same curvature in all directions.

[0066] For example, the screen can be an elliptical arc, similar to an arc cut from an ellipse, flattened, with different curvatures in different directions, but the overall structure is symmetrical.

[0067] For example, the screen can be a parabolic arc with curvature that gradually decreases from the central region to the two edges. The curvature is partially different and partially the same in different directions, but the overall structure is also symmetrical.

[0068] For example, the screen surface can be a multi-segment arc, composed of multiple arc segments with different curvatures to form an irregular arc surface. In this embodiment, the curvature between each segment can vary uniformly or intermittently to form a symmetrical wavy surface.

[0069] In a further technical solution, the orbital molecular screen 1 is a hemispherical disk.

[0070] In conjunction with the above embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the orbital molecular screen 1 is preferably θ1 equal to θ2, with the same thickness d, and the same r at any position, such as r1 equal to r2. It also possesses partial spherical characteristics, but its curvature is not as deep as that of a hemisphere, i.e., shorter than the arc length of a complete hemisphere. Therefore, this structural design can form a uniform vacuum region over a larger area, making the gas pressure in the wake region more uniform and closer to the theoretical vacuum value. Furthermore, it can accommodate more experimental equipment, making it suitable for commercial space missions, molecular beam epitaxy experiments of high-performance semiconductor materials, and large-scale production of high-performance semiconductor materials in space.

[0071] In another preferred embodiment derived from this example, the material of the orbital molecular screen 1 is 304L stainless steel or U15C stainless steel. In this embodiment, the device is limited to use in space (i.e., more than 100 kilometers above the Earth's surface). Therefore, the molecular orbital screen 1 is specifically designed for operation in space environments under extreme conditions. The choice of material for the orbital molecular screen (304L stainless steel or U15C stainless steel) combined with the space operating environment ensures its high efficiency under extreme conditions, meeting the unique needs of space applications.

[0072] Specifically, the equipment is manufactured using stainless steels with the lowest gas escape rate and good protection against the extreme environment of space, such as 304L or U15C. 304L stainless steel is a low-carbon austenitic stainless steel whose low carbon content allows it to maintain good mechanical properties at both high and low temperatures, making it suitable for use in extreme conditions, especially in space. It resists corrosion from microparticles and gases, ensuring a long-term stable vacuum state. U15C stainless steel, as a high-strength, corrosion-resistant alloy, is particularly suitable for high-load and high-temperature environments, making it suitable for use in space and capable of withstanding dynamic loads during flight.

[0073] It is known that by selecting 304L or U15C stainless steel, the orbital molecular screen can create an extremely high vacuum environment in space.

[0074] The gas exhalation rate of a material is related not only to the inherent properties of the material itself, but also to its manufacturing process and storage conditions. Therefore, pretreatment processes (such as cleaning, baking, gas discharge bombardment, and surface treatment) have a significant impact on the gas exhalation rate. By comparing the gas exhalation rates of different materials and under different surface conditions, 304 stainless steel with a surface that has undergone vacuum baking, glass ball polishing, degreasing, and chemical cleaning was selected as the material for manufacturing the orbital molecular screen 1.

[0075] Understandably, in pretreatment processes, cleaning removes surface dirt, grease, and other contaminants to reduce the likelihood of gas release. Baking removes moisture and volatile substances from the material through heating, reducing the gas emission rate. Gas discharge bombardment uses low-pressure gas discharge to clean the material surface, removing oxide layers and microscopic impurities. Surface treatment improves the properties of the material surface through chemical or physical methods, reducing gas adsorption.

[0076] In some embodiments, the gas exhalation rate of the material is affected by a variety of factors. Pretreatment processes may also include polishing, chemical passivation, deposition, etc., to further optimize the gas exhalation rate and performance of the material, ensuring the stability and reliability of 304L stainless steel in an ultra-high vacuum environment.

[0077] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the assembly position of the orbital molecular screen 1 and the external equipment according to an embodiment of this application.

[0078] In some other embodiments, the inner surface of the orbital molecular screen 1 is equipped with at least production equipment and quality inspection equipment, and the outer surface of the orbital molecular screen 1 is equipped with at least measuring equipment, computing equipment and positioning equipment.

[0079] In this embodiment, the inner surface device 2 includes: production equipment and quality inspection equipment.

[0080] Production equipment may include molecular beam epitaxy systems for growing high-performance semiconductor thin films under ultra-high vacuum conditions. Thin film evaporation equipment supports the evaporation and deposition of thin film materials, such as metal oxides and nitrides, in ultra-high vacuum environments. 3D printing and additive manufacturing equipment is used for the fabrication of new materials and the processing of structural components, enabling large-scale production in space. Quality inspection equipment may include optical inspection instruments for real-time monitoring of film thickness and surface finish. X-ray analyzers are used to detect the crystal structure of materials, ensuring the quality of the produced semiconductor materials. Temperature and vacuum monitoring systems ensure that the production equipment operates in a constant temperature and stable vacuum environment.

[0081] The external surface device 3 includes: measuring equipment, computing equipment, and positioning equipment.

[0082] Measuring equipment may include environmental sensors for detecting temperature, radiation, and residual gas concentration in the orbital environment. Pressure sensors monitor the vacuum level in the wake region of the screen in real time, ensuring the vacuum environment meets experimental requirements. Computing equipment processes experimental data and controls various devices of the orbital molecular screen 1, ensuring intelligent system operation, while simultaneously recording production and experimental data in real time and transmitting the data back to Earth via satellite communication. Positioning equipment may include a GPS system or a BeiDou navigation system to accurately locate the orbital molecular screen 1 in space, ensuring attitude control of the screen. Attitude control devices include gyroscopes and attitude control thrusters, used to adjust the flight direction of the orbital molecular screen 1 to maintain optimal operating conditions.

[0083] Therefore, by configuring the inner surface device 2 and the outer surface device 3 on the orbital molecular screen 1, the molecular screen can efficiently and accurately support space experiments and material manufacturing, providing an ideal platform for the future development of space technology and industry.

[0084] In summary, with the rapid development of commercial spaceflight and the deepening of space science research, traditional barrier devices can no longer meet the demands of manufacturing high-performance materials in ultra-high vacuum environments. The orbital molecular screen 1 with arc-shaped features in this invention aims to overcome these limitations. With a fixed launch vehicle payload size, compared to traditional molecular screens, this invention not only increases the volume of the wake region but also improves the vacuum level there. Therefore, the experimental equipment can obtain a more ideal working environment during orbital flight, reducing gas particles flowing from the side towards the center of the wake region during space experiments, thus lowering the risk of contamination. Therefore, the optimized design of this orbital molecular screen 1 not only meets various experimental requirements but also promotes the comprehensive development of space experiments and the manufacturing industry. The arc-shaped structure optimizes vacuum conditions and adapts to the needs of future large-scale manufacturing. This orbital molecular screen 1 can leverage its unique applications and technological advantages in ultra-high vacuum environments to conduct relevant experiments on platforms such as the International Space Station, making it an ideal solution for high-performance materials in space experiments and production.

[0085] It should be noted that the various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0086] It should also be noted that, in this document, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations, nor should they be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Moreover, the term "comprising" or any other variation thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or terminal device that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or terminal device.

[0087] The above provides a detailed description of an orbital molecular screen for increasing the volume and vacuum level of the wake region, as 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 aiding understanding this application, and the content of this specification should not be construed as limiting this application. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and variations in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on this application are possible. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementation methods here, but any obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An orbital molecular screen for increasing the volume and vacuum level of the wake region, characterized in that, The orbital molecular screen has an arc-shaped surface, with the arc protruding towards the flight direction of the orbital molecular screen. This allows an ultra-high vacuum region to be formed within the arc-shaped surface when the orbital molecular screen is flying in a low orbit. The vacuum level of the ultra-high vacuum region is 10. -11 Pa; The orbital molecular screen is a hemispherical disk with partial spherical features and an arc length shorter than that of a complete hemisphere. The screen material of the orbital molecular screen is 304L stainless steel or U15C stainless steel. The 304L stainless steel is prepared by multiple steps including cleaning, baking, gas discharge bombardment and surface treatment. The cross-section of the arc-shaped screen has the following characteristics: The center angle between the lines connecting the two ends of the cross section of the arc-shaped screen to the center of the protrusion of the cross section and the horizontal center line is θ, where 0 < θ < 90°; The thickness of the cross section of the arc-shaped screen is d, where 0 < d < 100 cm; The curvature of the arc-shaped screen surface between the neutral axis of its cross-section and the center of rotation of the cross-section is r, where 0 < r < ∞.

2. The orbital molecular screen for improving the volume and vacuum level of the wake region according to claim 1, characterized in that, On the profile of the cross-section of the curved screen, the central angle θ1 formed by one end of the cross-section of the curved screen is equal to the central angle θ2 formed by the other end of the cross-section of the curved screen.

3. The orbital molecular screen for improving the volume and vacuum level of the wake region according to claim 1, characterized in that, On the profile of the cross-section of the arc-shaped screen, d may be the same or different at any position.

4. The orbital molecular screen for improving the volume and vacuum level of the wake region according to claim 1, characterized in that, On the profile of the cross-section of the arc-shaped screen, the value of r may be the same or different at any position.

5. The orbital molecular screen for improving the volume and vacuum level of the wake region according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner surface of the orbital molecular screen is equipped with at least production equipment and quality inspection equipment, and the outer surface of the orbital molecular screen is equipped with at least measuring equipment, computing equipment and positioning equipment.

6. The orbital molecular screen for improving the volume and vacuum level of the wake region according to claim 1, characterized in that, The low-orbit range is 300km-500km.

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