Device and system for displaying flag on extraterrestrial celestial body

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a device and a system for displaying a flag in an extraterrestrial celestial body. The device comprises a flagpole, a display screen and a display screen, the first end part of the elastic rod is fixed to the flagpole, and the first edge of the flag is fixed to the elastic rod; the fixing assembly is used for fixing the second end of the elastic rod in the bent state to the flagpole in a releasable mode, and when the second end of the elastic rod is released, the elastic rod elastically returns to the unfolded state from the bent state so as to display the flag.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of aerospace engineering, and in particular to a device and system for displaying a flag on an extraterrestrial body. Background Art

[0002] Due to the particularity of the space environment, such as microgravity, high vacuum, extreme temperature differences, and strong radiation, ordinary flags cannot be displayed in space. Therefore, special designs and technologies are required to ensure that the flags can be successfully displayed in the space environment.

[0003] There are currently two main ways to display flags in space. The first is a completely rolled-up unfolding method. Specifically, the flag is rolled up and stored by a scroll mechanism, and after reaching the destination, the flag is unfolded flat by an unfolding mechanism. For example, the Chang'e 5 and Tianwen-1 probes use this scheme. The flag is unfolded by a scroll, but this unfolding method may leave curling marks on the flag, affecting the fluttering effect. The second is a folding unfolding method. Specifically, the flag is stored in a folding manner, and external force (such as manual or mechanical devices) is required to assist in unfolding. For example, the American flag in the Apollo mission was folded and unfolded by astronauts on the lunar surface. This method is likely to leave creases on the flag and relies on manual or complex mechanical devices.

[0004] The existing space flag display methods have the following technical problems: the complete rolling or folding of the flag for the purpose of reducing the space occupied during launch may leave curling or folding marks on the flag that are difficult to eliminate, resulting in the flag not being completely flat after unfolding, affecting the display effect; due to the lack of air flow in space, the traditional flag fluttering effect is difficult to achieve, because in the current display method, the flag is fixed by a rigid structure, which restricts the free movement of the flag and affects its display effect. In summary, although the existing space flag display technology has achieved basic display functions, there is still room for improvement, especially in terms of the flatness and fluttering effect of the flag when it is displayed. Summary of the invention

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the embodiments of the present disclosure hope to provide a device and system for displaying flags on extraterrestrial bodies, which can avoid the problem of serious and irremovable curling marks or folding marks, and can make the flags less constrained and thus obtain a better fluttering effect under external force.

[0006] The technical solution of the present disclosure is achieved as follows: In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a device for displaying a flag on an extraterrestrial body, the device comprising: flagpole; an elastic rod, a first end of the elastic rod being fixed to the flagpole, wherein a first side of the flag is fixed to the elastic rod; A fixing assembly is used to releasably fix the second end of the elastic rod in a bent state to the flagpole, wherein when the second end of the elastic rod is released, the elastic rod elastically recovers from the bent state to the unfolded state to display the flag.

[0007] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a system for displaying a flag on an extraterrestrial body, the system comprising: The device for displaying a flag on an extraterrestrial body according to the first aspect; A launch vehicle, wherein the launch vehicle is used to launch the device to the extraterrestrial body.

[0008] By utilizing the elastic deformation of the elastic rod, the flag takes up less space when stored and leaves no creases when unfolded, keeping the flag flat and beautiful. After unfolding, at least one corner of the flag is free, which can simulate the fluttering effect in a microgravity environment and enhance the visual impact. The flag can be automatically unfolded only through the elastic recovery of the elastic rod, eliminating complex mechanical devices, reducing weight, reducing costs, and improving the reliability of the system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device for displaying a flag on an extraterrestrial body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the elastic rod is shown in an extended state; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a device for displaying a flag on an extraterrestrial body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the elastic rod is shown in a bent state; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a fixing assembly of a device for displaying a flag on an extraterrestrial body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 4 A perspective view of a flag that cooperates with a device for displaying a flag on an extraterrestrial body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 5 It is a front view of a flag coupled to a device for displaying a flag on an extraterrestrial body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] Due to the uniqueness of the space environment, including microgravity, high vacuum, extreme temperature differences, and strong cosmic radiation, traditional flag display methods face major challenges in space. Existing space flag display technologies mainly use two storage and unfolding methods: fully wound and folded. However, these methods have significant technical problems, which limit the effect and application scope of flag display. Although the fully wound storage method saves space, it often leaves curl marks on the flag that are difficult to eliminate, resulting in the flag not being completely flat after unfolding, seriously affecting the display effect. In addition, in the current display method, the flag is fixed by a rigid structure, which restricts its free movement and affects its display effect.

[0012] In view of the above problems existing in the prior art, the present disclosure proposes a new space flag display device, which aims to solve the problems of flag flatness and fluttering effect. Figure 1 The embodiment of the present disclosure provides a device 1 for displaying a flag F on an extraterrestrial body, wherein the flag F is Figure 1 and Figure 2 The area filled with hatching is schematically shown in the figure. The device 1 may include a flagpole 10, an elastic rod 20, and a fixing assembly 30. The first end 201 of the elastic rod 20 is fixed to the flagpole 10, and the first side FS1 of the flag F is fixed to the elastic rod 20. The first side FS1 of the flag F is fixed to the elastic rod 20, which means that the first side FS1 is fixed in a manner of being stretched out and extending along the elastic rod 20. The fixing assembly 30 is used to releasably fix the second end 202 of the elastic rod 20 in a bent state to the flagpole 10. When the second end 202 of the elastic rod 20 is released, the elastic rod 20 elastically recovers from the bent state to the unfolded state to display the flag F. Here, Figure 2 FIG. 2 shows a state where the second end portion 202 is fixed to the flagpole 10, and FIG. Figure 1 FIG. 2 shows a state where the second end portion 202 is released.

[0013] The device 1 disclosed in the present invention realizes the storage and unfolding of the flag F through the elastic deformation of the elastic rod 20. The flag F can be stored in a small space, which is convenient for carrying and transportation, and can leave no creases after being unfolded, because the elastic deformation of the elastic rod 20 will not cause a sudden change in the extension direction, or in other words, the curve formed by the deformation is smooth, so the flag F fixed to the elastic rod 20 will not produce a sudden change in the extension direction, or in other words, no "sharp" creases will be produced, which ensures that the flag F can remain flat after being unfolded, with a neat appearance and no creases, greatly improving the display effect. When the elastic rod 20 elastically returns to the unfolded state, for example, for a rectangular flag F, at least one corner is free, which means that the flag F can simulate the fluttering effect under external stimulation (such as the movement of a spacecraft or a slight touch) in the space environment despite the lack of air flow. This design makes the flag F more vivid and attractive when displayed in space, and enhances the visual impact of the display. The flag F is stored and unfolded only by relying on the elastic deformation of the elastic rod 20. Due to the elastic recovery characteristics of the elastic rod 20, once the fixing assembly 30 releases the second end 202 of the elastic rod 20, the elastic rod 20 can reliably return from the bent state to the unfolded state, ensuring the smooth unfolding of the flag F, improving the reliability of the display, and eliminating complex mechanical devices such as additional drive motors, complex connecting rod mechanisms, etc. The fixing assembly 30 is used to releasably fix the second end 202 of the elastic rod 20. It has a simple structure and is easy to operate. This simplified design not only reduces the weight of the device 1, but also reduces the manufacturing and maintenance costs. In summary, the technical solution of the present disclosure achieves effective storage and smooth unfolding of the flag F by cleverly utilizing the elastic characteristics of the elastic rod 20, while ensuring the display effect and simplifying the mechanical structure.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The device 1 may further include a winding shaft 40, around which the elastic rod 20 is wound so that the section of the elastic rod 20 between the winding shaft 40 and the flagpole 10 is in a straight line. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 2 , the spring rod 20 can be wound up similar to the bending of a measuring tape.

[0015] The device 1 winds the elastic rod 20 around the winding shaft 40 so that the section of the elastic rod 20 between the winding shaft 40 and the flagpole 10 is straight. This design makes the stored flag F flat as a whole. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the space occupied by the stored flag F is further reduced, saving precious space resources for the spacecraft. In the stored state, the cooperation between the elastic rod 20 and the winding shaft 40 makes the storage of the flag F more compact, optimizes the storage state, and is convenient for transportation and installation.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, see Figure 3 Combined with Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the fixing assembly 30 comprises: A bracket 51, the bracket 51 is hinged to the flagpole 10, so that the bracket 51 can rotate relative to the flagpole 10 around its first end 511; A pressing plate 52, used for pressing the flag F; A spring 53 connected between the bracket 51 and the pressure plate 52; The connecting member 54 is used to detachably connect the second end 512 of the bracket 51 to the flagpole 10, wherein when the second end 512 of the bracket 51 is connected to the flagpole 10, the second end 512 presses the second end 202 of the elastic rod 20 against the flagpole 10, and the pressing plate 52 presses the second side FS2 of the flag F against the flagpole 10 through the elastic restoring force of the spring 53, wherein, here, the second side FS2 is still pressed in a manner of stretching and extending along the flagpole 10, and the second side FS2 of the flag F is adjacent to the first side FS1 of the flag F and is close to the second end 202 of the elastic rod 20 in the extending direction of the elastic rod 20, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown in .

[0017] Through the design of the fixing assembly 30, especially the hinged structure of the bracket 51 and the flagpole 10, the pressure plate 52 can apply uniform pressure to the second side FS2 of the flag F under the action of the spring 53. This structure ensures that the flag F can be pressed against the flagpole 10 when it is stored. At the same time, due to the flatness of the pressure plate 52, it ensures that the flag F remains flat in the folded state, avoiding wrinkles or damage during the storage process. Since the spring 53 is used as the source of the restoring force, this design not only provides a reliable pressing force, but also maintains consistent performance during long-term use. The design of the spring 53 also takes durability into consideration, and can withstand repeated use without losing elasticity, ensuring the flat state of the flag F during multiple storage and unfolding processes. Through the above technical solution, the present disclosure can ensure that the flag F is both compact and flat when stored, thereby improving the practicality and aesthetics of the device 1.

[0018] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 It is easy to understand that since the second end 202 of the elastic rod 20 needs to be fixed to the flagpole 10, and the second side FS2 of the flag F also needs to be pressed against the flagpole 10 in a manner of being stretched and extending along the flagpole 10, therefore, when the first side FS1 of the flag F is fixed to the front side of the elastic rod 20, the front side here refers to the side at the bottom of the flagpole 10. Figure 1In the case shown in FIG. 1 , the flag F is in front and the elastic rod 20 is in the back. If the flagpole 10 is smooth, the second side FS2 of the flag F may be wrinkled, or a part of the flag F may not be in direct contact with the flagpole 10. In this regard, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, see Figure 1 The flagpole 10 may be formed with a groove 10R for accommodating the second end 202 of the elastic rod 20, so that after the second end 202 is fixed to the flagpole 10, the entire second side FS2 of the flag F may be pressed against the flagpole 10 in a manner of stretching and extending along the flagpole 10.

[0019] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the connector 54 may be a hot knife wire tie or a release nut. Figure 3 An example of hot knife wire binding is shown in FIG.

[0020] By using a hot knife wire as a connector 54, a quick and impact-free unlocking process can be achieved. The core component of the hot knife wire is the hot knife, which can quickly cut the rope or similar structure by being powered on and heated to a high temperature, thereby achieving the rapid release of the flag F. This unlocking method has the characteristics of high temperature and rapid action, making the unlocking process both quick and reliable. In addition, the hot knife wire can be controlled remotely, increasing the flexibility and safety of the operation. The hot knife wire unlocking method has extremely small impact (about 25g), a load-bearing capacity of up to 3kN, and can be reused more than 8 times, making it suitable for the release of various spatially foldable accessory structures. The separation nut is used as a connector 54, which has the advantages of simple structure, strong load-bearing capacity, and reliable action. The separation nut is usually composed of a series of connection and separation device modules, most of which are pyrotechnic devices, and the task functions are different. The main advantages of the separation nut include significantly reducing the impact load from 104g of the pyrotechnic to 102g, improving the impact environment of the spacecraft; eliminating the safety protection problem of gunpowder, avoiding safety measures in a series of processes such as manufacturing, transportation, and storage of gunpowder; there are no harmful gases or fragments produced when gunpowder burns or explodes, and no pollution to the surrounding environment; most of them can be completely used multiple times, which is convenient for test verification and easy to ensure the reliability of the release device.

[0021] In addition, when the connecting member 54 is a hot knife wire tie, the flagpole 10 can be formed with a hot knife wire tie groove, such as in Figure 1 The top of the flagpole 10 is shown to prevent the hot knife tie wire from slipping relative to the flagpole 10.

[0022] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the elastic rod 20 may be made of carbon fiber material.

[0023] Carbon fiber has extremely high tensile strength, which is more than 5 times that of steel of the same weight, and its elastic modulus is also higher than that of steel. This allows carbon fiber to withstand large loads and stresses when used as an elastic material, ensuring stable performance in various applications. Carbon fiber has a low density, only 1 / 4 of that of steel. This lightweight property allows the elastic rod 20 using carbon fiber to reduce the weight of the overall structure while still providing the required strength and rigidity, making it particularly suitable for fields such as aerospace that have strict weight requirements.

[0024] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, see Figure 1 The flagpole 10 may include a pole body 11 and a vertical plate 12 , the vertical plate 12 is fixed to the pole body 11 , and the first end 201 of the elastic rod 20 is fixed to the vertical plate 12 .

[0025] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, see Figure 4 , the flag F can include a white cover LS and a back cover LH, and then combined with Figure 1 or Figure 2 The white sleeve LS is sleeved on the vertical plate 12 , and the back sleeve LH is sleeved on the elastic rod 20 .

[0026] By adding a cover LS and a back cover LH to the flag F, and using the flagpole 10 and the elastic rod 20, the mechanical components supporting the flag F are effectively prevented from being exposed, thereby visually maintaining the neatness and beauty of the front of the flag F. This design allows the audience to see only the flag F itself when the flag F is displayed, without noticing the supporting structure behind it, thereby improving the aesthetics of the display. The design of the cover LS and the back cover LH increases the rigidity of the edge of the flag F, making it easier for the flag F to remain flat. This structural design helps to reduce wrinkles that appear on the flag F during storage and unfolding. Even in a microgravity environment, the flag F can remain relatively flat and is not prone to sagging.

[0027] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, see Figure 1 Combined with Figure 4 The vertical plate 12 may be formed with a sewing hole 10H for passing a sewing thread to sew the cover LS to the vertical plate 12 , and here, again, the cover LS is sewn in a manner of being stretched out and extending along the flagpole 10 .

[0028] By providing a sewing hole 10H on the flagpole 10, the cover LS can be fixed to the flagpole 10 by sutures. This design effectively prevents the cover LS of the flag F from sliding along the flagpole 10, thereby preventing the flag F from wrinkling during storage and display. This fixing method ensures that the flag F can maintain a good display effect in various environments. The design of the sewing hole 10H forms a firm connection between the cover LS and the flagpole 10, increasing the stability of the overall structure. This stability not only helps to maintain the flatness of the flag F, but also reduces the risk of deformation and damage of the flag F under the influence of wind or other external factors.

[0029] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, see Figure 5 Combined with Figure 4 The elastic rod 20 may be formed with a tying hole 20H for passing a tether through the tether hole 20H to tether the end portion of the back cover LH away from the flagpole 10 to the elastic rod 20 .

[0030] The elastic rod 20 is designed with a rope hole 20H, and the end portion of the back cover LH is tied to the elastic rod 20 through a rope. This design reduces the rigid constraints on the flag F, allowing the flag F to move freely within a certain range. At the same time, the tension of the rope can prevent the flag F from sag and maintain the display posture of the flag F. The design of the rope hole 20H allows the flag F to have better spatial freedom while maintaining connection. This allows the flag F to produce a fluttering-like movement under external excitation (such as wind or vibration), enhancing the dynamic effect of the display while avoiding the stiffness caused by complete fixation.

[0031] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, see Figure 5 The number of the rope tie holes 20H may be two, and the first rope tie hole 20H1 is arranged so that the back cover LH is tied at the first position, and the second rope tie hole 20H2 is arranged so that the back cover LH is tied at the second position, and the distance D1 between the first position and the end of the back cover LH is between 3% and 7% of the length of the back cover LH, and the distance D2 between the second position and the end of the back cover LH is between 15% and 25% of the length of the back cover LH. Preferably, the distance D1 between the first position and the end of the back cover LH is 5% of the length of the back cover LH, and the distance D2 between the second position and the end of the back cover LH is 20% of the length of the back cover LH.

[0032] By precisely setting two tying holes 20H, namely the first tying hole 20H1 and the second tying hole 20H2, the present disclosure achieves effective fixing and display of the back cover LH of the flag F while minimizing the number of tying components. This design reduces unnecessary ropes and holes, reduces material usage and potential failure points, and ensures the flatness and display effect of the flag F. The specific position setting of the first tying hole 20H1 and the second tying hole 20H2 enables the back cover LH to be effectively tied at two key points when unfolded. The position where the back cover LH is tied provides the flag F with the best balance point and display posture.

[0033] The present disclosure also provides a system for displaying a flag F on an extraterrestrial body, which is not shown in the drawings. The system may include: The device 1 for displaying a flag F on an extraterrestrial body according to the aforementioned embodiments of the present disclosure; A launch vehicle is used to launch the device 1 to an extraterrestrial body.

[0034] It should be noted that the technical solutions described in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be combined arbitrarily without conflict.

[0035] The above are only specific embodiments of the present disclosure, but the protection scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any technician familiar with the technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present disclosure, which should be included in the protection scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the protection scope of the present disclosure should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A device for displaying a flag on an extraterrestrial body, characterized in that: The device comprises: flagpole; an elastic rod, a first end of the elastic rod being fixed to the flagpole, wherein a first side of the flag is fixed to the elastic rod; A fixing assembly is used to releasably fix the second end of the elastic rod in a bent state to the flagpole, wherein when the second end of the elastic rod is released, the elastic rod elastically recovers from the bent state to the unfolded state to display the flag.

2. The device for displaying a flag on an extraterrestrial body according to claim 1, characterized in that: The device further includes a winding shaft, around which the elastic rod is wound such that a section of the elastic rod between the winding shaft and the flagpole is in a straight line.

3. The device for displaying a flag on an extraterrestrial body according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The fixing assembly comprises: a bracket hinged to the flagpole so that the bracket can rotate relative to the flagpole about a first end thereof; A pressing plate, used for pressing the flag; A spring connected between the bracket and the pressure plate; A connecting member, wherein the connecting member is used to detachably connect the second end of the bracket to the flagpole, wherein when the second end of the bracket is connected to the flagpole, the second end presses the second end of the elastic rod against the flagpole, and the pressure plate presses the second side of the flag against the flagpole through the elastic restoring force of the spring, and the second side of the flag is adjacent to the first side of the flag and close to the second end of the elastic rod.

4. The device for displaying a flag on an extraterrestrial body according to claim 3, characterized in that: The connecting piece is a hot knife wire tie or a separation nut.

5. The device for displaying a flag on an extraterrestrial body according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The elastic rod is made of carbon fiber material.

6. The device for displaying a flag on an extraterrestrial body according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flagpole comprises a pole body and a vertical plate, wherein the vertical plate is fixed to the pole body, and the first end portion of the elastic pole is fixed to the vertical plate.

7. The device for displaying a flag on an extraterrestrial body according to claim 6, characterized in that: The flag comprises a white cover and a back cover, wherein the white cover is mounted on the vertical plate, and the back cover is mounted on the elastic rod.

8. The device for displaying a flag on an extraterrestrial body according to claim 7, characterized in that: The elastic rod is formed with a lanyard hole for passing a lanyard through the lanyard to lanyard the end portion of the back cover away from the flagpole to the elastic rod.

9. The device for displaying a flag on an extraterrestrial body according to claim 8, characterized in that: The number of the lanyard holes is two, and the first lanyard hole is arranged so that the back cover is lanyarded at a first position, and the second lanyard hole is arranged so that the back cover is lanyarded at a second position, the distance between the first position and the end of the back cover is between 3% and 7% of the length of the back cover, and the distance between the second position and the end of the back cover is between 15% and 25% of the length of the back cover.

10. A system for displaying a flag on an extraterrestrial body, characterized in that: The system comprises: A device for displaying a flag on an extraterrestrial body according to any one of claims 1 to 9; A launch vehicle, wherein the launch vehicle is used to launch the device to the extraterrestrial body.

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