Multi-channel synchronous separation device for drop tower zero-gravity test and control method
By introducing an automated control system that combines AC mains power modules, the problems of time delay and inaccurate synchronization caused by electromagnet demagnetization in traditional zero-gravity test devices have been solved. This has enabled instantaneous separation and precise synchronization of the test objects, improving the reliability and safety of the test.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411514968.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-29
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-05
- Estimated Expiration
- 2044-10-29
AI Technical Summary
In traditional zero-gravity experimental devices, the time delay caused by the demagnetization process of electromagnets and the inaccurate synchronization of multi-channel separation affect the accuracy and reliability of the experiment.
The system employs a combination of AC mains power module, circuit breaker module, conversion module, switch module, first separation interface module, relay module, power supply module, second separation interface module, and high-temperature cutoff module to achieve real-time separation and precise synchronization of the test object through an automated control system.
By effectively utilizing the free fall time, the test object is precisely separated from the release chamber, which improves the reliability and safety of the test, reduces reliance on manual control, and enhances the repeatability of the test.
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Figure CN119408747B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of zero gravity testing technology, and in particular to a multi-channel synchronous separation device and control method for a drop tower type zero gravity test. Background Technology
[0002] With the continuous development of technology, people are gradually conducting various experiments under zero gravity. Traditional zero-gravity experimental environments can be constructed using the free-fall method. The working principle is to utilize the consistency of acceleration between the released test chamber and the test object inside to ensure a state of zero apparent weight. That is, the test object inside the released test chamber can achieve a state of complete weightlessness during the free-fall phase. When the released test chamber and the test object are in free fall, the zero-gravity separation effect can be achieved, allowing for further testing and verification of the ejection attitude and flight trajectory control algorithms of the test object after separation. Related technologies typically use the method of simultaneously de-energizing multiple electromagnets to achieve a state of zero apparent weight; however, the experimental results of zero-gravity experimental devices using electromagnets are relatively poor.
[0003] Therefore, how to provide a zero-gravity experimental device with good experimental results has become a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention
[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a multi-channel synchronous separation device and control method for drop tower zero gravity experiments, aiming to achieve better zero gravity experiment results.
[0005] This application provides a multi-channel synchronous separation device for a drop tower zero gravity experiment, the device comprising:
[0006] The system includes an AC mains power module, a circuit breaker module, a conversion module, a switch module, a first separation interface module, a relay module, a power supply module, a second separation interface module, and a high-temperature cutoff module. The first separation interface module includes a first connector and a second connector, and the second separation interface module includes a third connector and a fourth connector.
[0007] The first terminal of the AC mains power module is connected to the first terminal of the circuit breaker module, the second terminal of the AC mains power module is connected to the third terminal of the circuit breaker module, and the third terminal of the AC mains power module is connected to the third terminal of the conversion module.
[0008] The second terminal of the circuit breaker module is connected to the first terminal of the conversion module, and the fourth terminal of the circuit breaker module is connected to the second terminal of the conversion module.
[0009] The fourth end of the conversion module is connected to the female head of the second connector of the first separation interface module, the fifth end of the conversion module is connected to the first end of the switch module, and the second end of the switch module is connected to the female head of the first connector.
[0010] The male connector of the first connector is connected to the first end of the relay module, and the male connector of the second connector is connected to the eighth end of the relay module. Between the male connectors of the first and second connectors are six coils corresponding to the channels.
[0011] The first end of the power module is connected to the female head of the third connector, and the second end of the power module is connected to the female head of the fourth connector.
[0012] The male end of the third connector is connected to the first end of the high-temperature cutoff module, the second end of the high-temperature cutoff module is connected to the third end of the relay module, and the male end of the fourth connector is connected to the second end of the relay module.
[0013] In one possible implementation, the power module includes six DC regulated power supplies, the third connector includes six sets of plugs, the fourth connector includes six sets of plugs, the high-temperature cutoff module includes three pyrotechnic components, and the device further includes:
[0014] The six DC regulated power supplies of the power module, the six sets of plugs of the third connector, the six sets of plugs of the fourth connector, the three pyrotechnic devices, and the six channels of the relay module form an initiation power supply circuit.
[0015] In one possible implementation, the detonation power supply circuit includes three sets of pyrotechnic circuits;
[0016] Each pyrotechnic circuit includes a pyrotechnic device, two sets of plugs of the third connector, two sets of plugs of the fourth connector, and two DC regulated power supplies.
[0017] This application also provides a control method for a multi-channel synchronous separation device used in a drop tower zero gravity experiment, the method comprising the following steps:
[0018] Turn on the switch module and release the test chamber;
[0019] After the test chamber is released for the first preset time, the male and female heads of the first connector of the first separation interface are disconnected, and the male and female heads of the second connector are disconnected, and the high temperature cut-off module is powered through the detonation power supply circuit.
[0020] After the test chamber is released for a second preset time, the male and female heads of the third connector of the second separation interface are disconnected by the action of the high-temperature cut-off module.
[0021] This application also provides an electronic device, which includes a processor and a memory:
[0022] The memory is used to store computer programs and to transfer the computer programs to the processor;
[0023] The processor is used to execute the steps of the above-described control method for the multi-channel synchronous separation device for the drop tower zero gravity test according to the instructions in the computer program.
[0024] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that the computer-readable storage medium is used to store a computer program, which, when executed by an electronic device, implements the steps of the above-described control method for a multi-channel synchronous separation device for a drop tower zero gravity test.
[0025] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following beneficial effects:
[0026] This application provides a novel multi-channel synchronous separation device and control method for zero-gravity drop tests, introducing a novel separation mechanism that avoids the time delay inherent in traditional electromagnet demagnetization processes. This means the test object can be separated instantly in a state of complete weightlessness, effectively utilizing the free fall time and minimizing test accuracy loss due to separation delays. This application ensures precise synchronization of multi-channel separation. This improvement solves the synchronization problem caused by inconsistent electromagnet demagnetization in existing technologies, making the separation between the test object and the release test chamber more precise, thereby improving the reliability and safety of the test. The method of this application reduces reliance on manual control, avoiding inaccurate detonation timing due to human error. Through an automated control system, the separation mechanism can be accurately activated after the test chamber reaches the ideal weightless state, significantly improving the repeatability and reliability of the test. Attached Figure Description
[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-channel synchronous separation device for a drop tower zero gravity test provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0029] Figure 2 This application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of an initiation power supply circuit;
[0030] Figure 3 A flowchart of a control method for a multi-channel synchronous separation device for a drop tower zero gravity test provided in this application. Detailed Implementation
[0031] As described earlier, traditional zero-gravity test environments can be constructed using the free-fall method. Their working principle utilizes the consistency of acceleration between the release chamber and the test object inside to ensure a state of zero apparent weight. That is, the test object inside the release chamber achieves a state of complete weightlessness during the free-fall phase. When the release chamber and the test object are in free fall, a zero-gravity separation effect can be achieved, allowing for further testing and verification of the ejection attitude and flight trajectory control algorithms of the separated test object. Related zero-gravity test devices typically use the method of simultaneously de-energizing multiple electromagnets to achieve a state of zero apparent weight; however, the experimental results of zero-gravity test devices using electromagnets are relatively poor.
[0032] Research has revealed that traditional multi-channel synchronous separation typically uses the method of simultaneously de-energizing multiple electromagnets. While this achieves a similar effect, it still has two shortcomings. First, there is the issue of separation delay. The separation of the test object inside the chamber is accomplished through demagnetization. According to the working principle of electromagnets, the demagnetization process involves a significant time delay. Since the effective time for free-fall tests is typically very short, the time wasted due to the electromagnet demagnetization process is not negligible and is unavoidable. Second, multi-channel separation cannot achieve precise synchronization. Based on practical needs, the test object and the release test chamber are usually physically connected via multiple channels (multiple electromagnets). However, it is difficult to ensure that the electromagnet demagnetization process is completely synchronized, thus failing to guarantee precise synchronous separation. This will severely affect the accuracy of zero-gravity experiments.
[0033] Traditional multi-channel synchronous separation methods often employ the simultaneous detonation of multiple high-temperature resistant cut-off devices. While achieving high synchronization accuracy, this approach suffers from two main problems: First, traditional detonation controllers rely on manual detonation. Given the extremely short time required for the test chamber to descend, manual control of the detonation timing is difficult. This can lead to premature detonation before fully entering zero gravity, resulting in an incorrect test environment and test failure. Alternatively, the test chamber may land immediately after detonation, leaving insufficient test time and also causing failure. Building on this first point, an additional timing control circuit must be designed within the test chamber to simultaneously detonate multiple high-temperature resistant cut-off devices once the chamber has entered free fall, significantly increasing design costs. Furthermore, during repeated drop-tower zero-gravity tests, the timing control circuit repeatedly absorbs the landing impact along with the test chamber, increasing the risk of electronic component failure and malfunction, thus greatly reducing the overall reliability of the test system.
[0034] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present application.
[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a multi-channel synchronous separation device for a drop tower zero gravity test provided in an embodiment of this application. The device includes:
[0036] The AC mains power module 100, circuit breaker module 200, conversion module 300, switch module 400, first separation interface module 500, relay module 600, power supply module 700, second separation interface module 800 and high temperature cut-off module 900. The first separation interface module includes connector A (first connector) and connector B (second connector), and the second separation interface module includes connector C (third connector) and connector D (fourth connector).
[0037] The AC mains module has three ports: L (terminal 1), N (terminal 2), and G (terminal 3). The circuit breaker module has four ports: port 1 (terminal 1), port 2 (terminal 2), port 3 (terminal 3), and port 4 (terminal 4).
[0038] The conversion module includes five ports: Vin- (first port), VIN+ (second port), GND (third port), out- (fourth port), and out+ (fifth port).
[0039] The first terminal of the AC mains power module is connected to the first terminal of the circuit breaker module, the second terminal of the AC mains power module is connected to the third terminal of the circuit breaker module, and the third terminal of the AC mains power module is connected to the third terminal of the conversion module.
[0040] The second terminal of the circuit breaker module is connected to the first terminal of the conversion module, and the fourth terminal of the circuit breaker module is connected to the second terminal of the conversion module.
[0041] The fourth end of the conversion module is connected to the female head of the second connector of the first separation interface module, the fifth end of the conversion module is connected to the first end of the switch module, and the second end of the switch module is connected to the female head of the first connector.
[0042] The relay module includes a relay coil and relay output contacts. The relay coil includes connection terminal 1 (first terminal), connection terminal 8 (eighth terminal), and six corresponding coils (coil 1-coil 6). The relay output contacts include contact 2 (second terminal) and contact 3 (third terminal).
[0043] The male connector of the first connector is connected to the first end of the relay module, and the male connector of the second connector is connected to the eighth end of the relay module. The coils corresponding to the six channels are located between the male connectors of the first and second connectors.
[0044] The power module includes Output- (first terminal) and Output+ (second terminal).
[0045] The first end of the power module is connected to the female head of the third connector, and the second end of the power module is connected to the female head of the fourth connector.
[0046] The high-temperature cutoff module includes port 4 (first end) and port 2 (second end).
[0047] The male connector of the third connector is connected to the first end of the high-temperature cutoff module, the second end of the high-temperature cutoff module is connected to the third end of the relay module, and the male connector of the fourth connector is connected to the second end of the relay module.
[0048] The AC mains module 100, circuit breaker module 200, conversion module 300, switch module 400, and first separation interface module 500 of the multi-channel synchronous separation device for drop tower zero gravity test can have female connector A and female connector B on the drop tower. The male connector A and male connector B of the first separation interface module 500, relay module 600, power supply module 700, second separation interface module 800, and high temperature cutoff module 900 can be installed on the test chamber.
[0049] As the test chamber is released, it begins free fall. After a preset time, the female connector A and female connector B separate from the male connector A and male connector B.
[0050] In one possible implementation, the power module includes six DC regulated power supplies, the third connector includes six sets of plugs, the fourth connector includes six sets of plugs, and the high-temperature cutoff module includes three pyrotechnic components.
[0051] The six DC regulated power supplies of the power module, the six sets of plugs of the third connector, the six sets of plugs of the fourth connector, the six channels of the three pyrotechnic and relay modules form the detonation power supply circuit.
[0052] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an initiation power supply circuit provided in this application. Figure 2 The components include DC regulated power supplies 1-6, pyrotechnic components 1-3, and relay channel contacts 1-6.
[0053] exist Figure 2 In this circuit, one pyrotechnic device, two relay channel contacts, two sets of plugs, and two DC regulated power supplies form part of the circuit. Taking pyrotechnic device 1 as an example, its two 2-pin connectors are connected to relay channel 1 and relay channel 2 contacts respectively. Relay 1 contact is connected to 1 disconnect plug +, and relay 2 contact is connected to 2 disconnect plug +. Pyrotechnic device 1's two 4-pin connectors are connected to 1 disconnect plug - and 2 disconnect plug - respectively. The other part of the circuit connects 1 disconnect plug - and 1 disconnect plug + to DC regulated power supply 1, and 2 disconnect plug - and 2 disconnect plug + to DC regulated power supply 2.
[0054] As the test chamber was released, it began free fall. After a preset time, connectors A and B (female) separated from connectors A and B (male). Following separation, the relay module was de-energized, and the detonation power supply circuit then powered the high-temperature cutoff module. The high-temperature cutoff module then operated, and after a period of time, connectors C and D (female) separated from connectors C and D (male). The test chamber then continued free fall until the experiment concluded.
[0055] This application provides a novel multi-channel synchronous separation device and control method for zero-gravity drop tests, introducing a novel separation mechanism that avoids the time delay inherent in traditional electromagnet demagnetization processes. This means the test object can be separated instantly in a state of complete weightlessness, effectively utilizing the free fall time and minimizing test accuracy loss due to separation delays. This application ensures precise synchronization of multi-channel separation. This improvement solves the synchronization problem caused by inconsistent electromagnet demagnetization in existing technologies, making the separation between the test object and the release test chamber more precise, thereby improving the reliability and safety of the test. The method of this application reduces reliance on manual control, avoiding inaccurate detonation timing due to human error. Through an automated control system, the separation mechanism can be accurately activated after the test chamber reaches the ideal weightless state, significantly improving the repeatability and reliability of the test.
[0056] Figure 3 A flowchart of a control method for a multi-channel synchronous separation device for a drop tower zero gravity test provided in this application is provided. The method includes the following steps:
[0057] S301: Open the switch module and release the test chamber.
[0058] The processing equipment opens the switch module and releases the test chamber.
[0059] Before using the synchronization separation device, it can be preset. For example, the processing equipment can be set to constant voltage mode with an output voltage of 20.5V, and the output of the DC regulated power supply can be started.
[0060] When the switching module of the processing equipment is turned on, the coil of the relay module is energized, and the contacts of the relay module are disconnected.
[0061] S302: After the test chamber is released for the first preset time, the male and female heads of the first connector of the first separation interface are disconnected, and the male and female heads of the second connector are disconnected, so that the high temperature cut-off module is powered through the detonation power supply circuit.
[0062] After the test chamber is released, it undergoes free fall. To better simulate the test requirements, in one possible implementation, the cable length between the male and female connectors of the first connector and the second connector is 31cm in the first separation interface module. If the test chamber undergoes free fall, the separation of the male and female connectors in the first separation interface takes 252ms. At this time, the relay module coil is de-energized, the contacts are closed, and the detonation power supply circuit is activated, supplying power to the high-temperature cutoff module. The first preset time is determined by the cable length between the male and female connectors of the first connector.
[0063] S303: After the test chamber is released for a second preset time, the male and female heads of the third connector of the second separation interface are disconnected by the action of the high-temperature cut-off module.
[0064] After the test chamber is released for the first preset time, it will continue its free fall motion. After the test chamber is released for the second preset time, the male and female connectors in the second separation interface will separate. To better reflect the actual test scenario, in one possible implementation, the cable length between the male and female connectors in the second separation interface is 67cm, which is 36cm shorter than the cable length in the first separation interface module. The test chamber separation takes 369ms. That is, the time interval between the two separations is 117ms, which meets the power-on time requirement of the high-temperature cutting module, ensuring sufficient detonation, and the test chamber lands and the test ends.
[0065] This application provides a novel multi-channel synchronous separation device and control method for zero-gravity drop tests, introducing a novel separation mechanism that avoids the time delay inherent in traditional electromagnet demagnetization processes. This means the test object can be separated instantly in a state of complete weightlessness, effectively utilizing the free fall time and minimizing test accuracy loss due to separation delays. This application ensures precise synchronization of multi-channel separation. This improvement solves the synchronization problem caused by inconsistent electromagnet demagnetization in existing technologies, making the separation between the test object and the release test chamber more precise, thereby improving the reliability and safety of the test. The method of this application reduces reliance on manual control, avoiding inaccurate detonation timing due to human error. Through an automated control system, the separation mechanism can be accurately activated after the test chamber reaches the ideal weightless state, significantly improving the repeatability and reliability of the test.
[0066] This application also provides a control device for a multi-channel synchronous separation device for a drop tower zero gravity test, wherein the device includes a memory and a processor, the memory is used to store instructions or code, and the processor is used to execute the instructions or code to cause the device to perform the steps of the control method for the multi-channel synchronous separation device for a drop tower zero gravity test as described in any embodiment of this application.
[0067] In practical applications, the computer-readable storage medium can be any combination of one or more computer-readable media. The computer-readable medium can be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium.
[0068] Computer-readable storage media can be, for example, but not limited to, electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatuses, or devices, or any combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media (a non-exhaustive list) include: electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fibers, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof. In this embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium that contains or stores a program that can be used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.
[0069] Computer-readable signal media may include data signals propagated in baseband or as part of a carrier wave, carrying computer-readable program code. Such propagated data signals may take various forms, including but not limited to electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any suitable combination thereof. Computer-readable signal media may also be any computer-readable medium other than computer-readable storage media, capable of sending, propagating, or transmitting programs for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.
[0070] Program code contained on a computer-readable medium may be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to wireless, wire, optical fiber, RF, etc., or any suitable combination thereof.
[0071] Computer program code for performing the operations of this invention can be written in one or more programming languages or a combination thereof, including object-oriented programming languages such as Java, Smalltalk, and C++, as well as conventional procedural programming languages such as "C" or similar programming languages. The program code can be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In cases involving remote computers, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer via any type of network—including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)—or can be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet service provider).
[0072] It should be noted that the various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, and the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to mutually. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments. In particular, for the device embodiments, since they are basically similar to the method embodiments, the description is relatively simple, and the relevant parts can be referred to the description of the method embodiments. The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative, and the units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components indicated as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment solution according to actual needs. Those skilled in the art can understand and implement this without creative effort.
[0073] The above description is merely one specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A multi-channel synchronous separation device for drop tower type zero gravity test, characterized in that, include: The system includes an AC mains power module, a circuit breaker module, a conversion module, a switch module, a first separation interface module, a relay module, a power supply module, a second separation interface module, and a high-temperature cutoff module. The first separation interface module includes a first connector and a second connector, and the second separation interface module includes a third connector and a fourth connector. The first terminal of the AC mains power module is connected to the first terminal of the circuit breaker module, the second terminal of the AC mains power module is connected to the third terminal of the circuit breaker module, and the third terminal of the AC mains power module is connected to the third terminal of the conversion module. The second terminal of the circuit breaker module is connected to the first terminal of the conversion module, and the fourth terminal of the circuit breaker module is connected to the second terminal of the conversion module. The fourth end of the conversion module is connected to the female head of the second connector of the first separation interface module, the fifth end of the conversion module is connected to the first end of the switch module, and the second end of the switch module is connected to the female head of the first connector. The male connector of the first connector is connected to the first end of the relay module, and the male connector of the second connector is connected to the eighth end of the relay module. Between the male connectors of the first and second connectors are six coils corresponding to the channels. The first end of the power module is connected to the female head of the third connector, and the second end of the power module is connected to the female head of the fourth connector. The male end of the third connector is connected to the first end of the high-temperature cutoff module, the second end of the high-temperature cutoff module is connected to the third end of the relay module, and the male end of the fourth connector is connected to the second end of the relay module.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power module includes six DC regulated power supplies, the third connector includes six sets of plugs, the fourth connector includes six sets of plugs, the high-temperature cutoff module includes three pyrotechnic components, and the device further includes: The six DC regulated power supplies of the power module, the six sets of plugs of the third connector, the six sets of plugs of the fourth connector, the three pyrotechnic devices, and the six channels of the relay module form an initiation power supply circuit.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The detonation power supply circuit includes three sets of pyrotechnic circuits; Each pyrotechnic circuit includes one pyrotechnic device, two sets of plugs for the third connector, two sets of plugs for the fourth connector, and two DC regulated power supplies.
4. A control method for a multi-channel synchronous separation device used in a drop-tower zero-gravity test, based on the device described in claim 1, characterized in that, include: Turn on the switch module and release the test chamber; After the test chamber is released for the first preset time, the male and female heads of the first connector of the first separation interface are disconnected, and the male and female heads of the second connector are disconnected, and the high temperature cut-off module is powered through the detonation power supply circuit. After the test chamber is released for a second preset time, the male and female heads of the third connector of the second separation interface are disconnected by the action of the high-temperature cut-off module.
5. An electronic device, characterized in that, Includes memory and processor, wherein: The memory is used to store computer programs; The processor is configured to execute the computer program to implement the control method as described in claim 4.
6. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, Used to store a computer program, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the control method as described in claim 4.
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