A centroid testing device and method for solar panel

Abstract

This invention relates to a centroid testing device and method for solar panels. The device measures the centroid of a solar panel by flexibly suspending it in a naturally suspended state. An electric slide table automatically adjusts the counterweight, and a laser sensor provides real-time feedback on the solar panel's offset during adjustment. The centroid position of the panel is calculated using a formula. This simplified measurement process enables high-precision measurement of the solar panel's centroid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of spacecraft ground equipment technology, specifically relating to a centroid testing device and method suitable for solar panels. Background Technology

[0002] Solar panels are the energy source for satellites, commonly used to power satellites and spacecraft. During satellite launch, the solar panels are folded; after separation from the launch vehicle, they unfold and are continuously adjusted in orientation during flight to align the solar cells with the sun, providing energy for the entire satellite. The solar panels unfold in a weightless environment in space, and ground testing requires a similar zero-gravity environment to ensure the panels are in a standard orientation during center-of-mass suspension, thus counteracting the effects of gravity.

[0003] Solar panels are non-standard and require a center of mass (CMC) test to determine their location. Traditional CMC testing methods often employ a multi-point support mass measurement approach, using three or more mass sensors to support the measuring platform. The CMC is calculated by determining the moment of each sensor relative to a reference center. Traditional CMC measuring platforms rely on a manually operated, torsion trapezoidal lifting mechanism for raising and lowering, which is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and lacks guaranteed accuracy. Furthermore, traditional testing systems use a single-measurement method, requiring multiple measurements and counterweight adjustments to complete the CMC measurement, making the process cumbersome and time-consuming.

[0004] In the context of mass production of satellites, in order to complete the centroid testing of multiple models of solar panels in a short period of time, there is an urgent need for a testing device that can automatically complete the centroid testing task and collect centroid data with high precision. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem solved by this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a centroid testing device and method suitable for solar panels, so as to achieve high-precision measurement of the centroid of solar panels.

[0006] The solution to the technical problem of this invention is: a centroid testing device suitable for solar panels, the device comprising a profile fixture, a lifting mounting frame, a suspension drive mechanism, a wire rope lifting electric push rod, guide wheels, a wire rope, a centroid adjustment unit, a suspension mounting component, and a laser displacement sensor; wherein:

[0007] The suspension drive mechanism drives the lifting installation frame to move vertically along the profile tooling. The wire rope lifting electric actuator is installed on the lifting installation frame. The wire rope lifting electric actuator controls the rise and fall of the wire rope. One end of the wire rope is connected to the output end of the wire rope lifting electric actuator, and the other end is turned by the guide wheel and then vertically downward connected to the center of gravity adjustment unit.

[0008] The center of gravity adjustment unit includes an adjustment platform, a connector, a first electric slide, a second electric slide, a first adjustment counterweight, a second adjustment counterweight, a Hooke joint, a first base counterweight, and a second base counterweight;

[0009] The adjustment platform is a cross-shaped platform, including mutually perpendicular X-direction and Y-direction crossbeams; the upper end of the connector is connected to the wire rope, and the lower end is connected to the adjustment platform via a Hooke hinge; a first electric slide and a first adjusting counterweight are installed at one end of the X-direction crossbeam of the cross platform, and a first basic counterweight is fixedly installed at the other end of the X-direction crossbeam of the cross platform; a second electric slide and a second adjusting counterweight are installed at one end of the Y-direction crossbeam of the cross platform, and a second basic counterweight is fixedly installed at the other end of the Y-direction crossbeam of the cross platform; the first electric slide is used to move the position of the first adjusting counterweight; the second electric slide is used to move the position of the second adjusting counterweight; the hanging installation component is installed at the lower end of either the X-direction or Y-direction crossbeam of the cross platform.

[0010] At least five laser displacement sensors are installed on the profile fixture. At least three of them are installed on a preset reference plane to measure the displacement of the solar panel surface in a naturally suspended state. At least two of them are installed on a straight line perpendicular to the ground to measure the displacement of one side of the solar panel in a naturally suspended state.

[0011] Preferably, the hanging drive mechanism includes a mounting base plate, a guide rail, a slider, a ball screw, and a drive mechanism;

[0012] The mounting base plate is fastened to the profile tooling, the guide rail is fixedly mounted on the profile tooling, the lifting mounting frame is connected to the mounting base plate through the slider, the ball screw is connected to the slider, and the drive mechanism is used to drive the ball screw to provide lifting power for the lifting mounting frame.

[0013] Preferably, the suspension drive mechanism also includes two positioning columns. The connector at the upper end of the center of gravity adjustment unit is provided with two positioning pins and a locking mechanism. One end of the positioning column is fixed on the lifting mounting frame, and the other end is used to match and dock with the positioning pin. The locking mechanism is used to lock and unlock the positioning column.

[0014] Preferably, the interfaces between the two positioning posts and the positioning pins are different to prevent mis-insertion.

[0015] Another technical solution of the present invention is: a method for testing the centroid of a solar panel, the method comprising the following steps:

[0016] S1. Suspend the standard parts on the center of gravity adjustment unit and use the standard parts to calibrate the initial positions L2 and L3 of the laser displacement sensor mounting reference surface, the first base counterweight, and the second base counterweight.

[0017] S2. Drive the electric push rod to lower the hanging mounting component to the upper surface of the solar panel, unlock the connector of the hanging component adjustment unit, and connect the hanging mounting component to the hanging hole on the solar panel;

[0018] S3. The drive mechanism drives the lifting mounting frame to rise, so that the solar panels are in a natural suspended state.

[0019] S4. Move the positions of the first and second adjusting weights until the surface of the solar panel is parallel to the reference plane and the side is perpendicular to the ground.

[0020] S5. Calculate the centroid offset of the measured solar panel based on the displacement L1 of the first adjusting weight, the displacement L4 of the second adjusting weight, the gravity F1 of the first adjusting weight, the gravity F2 of the first base weight, the gravity F3 of the second base weight, the gravity F4 of the second adjusting weight, and the gravity G of the solar panel.

[0021] Preferably, the centroid offset of the solar panel under test is:

[0022]

[0023]

[0024] Where x is the offset of the center of mass of the solar panel under test along the X direction, and y is the offset of the center of mass of the solar panel under test along the Y direction.

[0025] Preferably, a laser displacement sensor located on a reference plane is used to determine whether the surface of the solar panel is parallel to the reference plane:

[0026] When the reading difference between the three laser displacement sensors located on the reference plane is less than the preset value, the surface of the solar panel is considered to be parallel to the reference plane; otherwise, the surface of the solar panel is considered not to be parallel to the reference plane.

[0027] Preferably, when the difference in readings between at least two sensors installed on a straight line perpendicular to the ground is less than a preset value, the side of the solar panel is considered to be perpendicular to the ground; otherwise, the side of the solar panel is considered not to be perpendicular to the ground.

[0028] The advantages of this invention compared to the prior art are:

[0029] (1) The present invention uses a rapid displacement micro electric cylinder to realize the centroid test of a single board of the product, which effectively shortens the test time and can control the centroid test time within 3 minutes.

[0030] (2) The lifting mounting frame of the present invention has automatic height adjustment, which can meet the measurement needs of various types of solar panels and improve work efficiency.

[0031] (3) The present invention uses a high-precision magnetic grating ruler to record the displacement of the counterweight during the adjustment of the center of gravity, and at the same time uses a laser displacement sensor to feed back the leveling status of the battery panel, so that the center of gravity test adjustment accuracy can be controlled within 0.5mm. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1(a) is a front view of the structure of the solar panel centroid testing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 1(b) is a schematic diagram of the back of the solar panel centroid testing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the center of gravity adjustment unit, hanging installation parts, and other components in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the centroid adjustment process of the hanging component adjustment unit in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the centroid testing principle of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] In the diagram, 1. Profile tooling; 2. Lifting mounting frame; 3. Center of gravity adjustment unit; 4. Hanging mounting component; 5. Laser displacement sensor; 6. Mounting base plate; 7. Guide rail slider; 8. Ball screw; 9. Drive mechanism; 10. Wire rope lifting electric actuator; 11. Guide wheel; 12. Wire rope; 13. Adjustment platform; 14. Locking mechanism; 15. Electric slide table; 16. Adjusting counterweight; 17. Universal joint; 18. Spring pin; 19. Foundation counterweight; 20. Locking pin; 21. Solar panel. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to specific embodiments. These embodiments will help those skilled in the art to further understand the present invention, but do not limit the invention in any way. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention. These all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0039] As shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), this invention provides a centroid testing device suitable for solar panels, specifically for rapid testing of the centroid of a solar panel. The centroid testing device includes a profile fixture 1, a lifting mounting frame 2, a suspension drive mechanism, a wire rope lifting electric push rod 10, a guide wheel 11, a wire rope 12, a centroid adjustment unit 3, a suspension mounting component 4, and a laser displacement sensor 5; wherein:

[0040] The suspension drive mechanism drives the lifting mounting frame 2 to move vertically along the profile tooling 1. The wire rope lifting electric actuator 10 is installed on the lifting mounting frame 2. The wire rope lifting electric actuator 10 controls the rise and fall of the wire rope 12. One end of the wire rope 12 is connected to the output end of the wire rope lifting electric actuator 10, and the other end is connected vertically downward to the center of gravity adjustment unit 3 after being turned by the guide wheel 11.

[0041] The center of gravity adjustment unit 3 includes an adjustment platform 13, a connector, a first electric slide, a second electric slide, a first adjustment counterweight, a second adjustment counterweight, a Hooke hinge 17, a locking pin 18, a first base counterweight, and a second base counterweight;

[0042] There are two electric slides, designated as the first electric slide and the second electric slide;

[0043] Two adjustment weights, designated as the first adjustment weight and the second adjustment weight, are used.

[0044] There are two basic counterweights, denoted as the first basic counterweight and the second basic counterweight.

[0045] The adjustment platform 13 is a cross platform, including mutually perpendicular X-direction and Y-direction crossbeams; the upper end of the connector is connected to the wire rope 12, and the lower end is connected to the adjustment platform 13 via a Hooke hinge 17; a locking pin 18 is used to lock the connector and the adjustment platform 13; a first electric slide and a first adjusting counterweight are installed at one end of the X-direction crossbeam of the cross platform, and a first basic counterweight is fixedly installed at the other end of the X-direction crossbeam of the cross platform; a second electric slide and a second adjusting counterweight are installed at one end of the Y-direction crossbeam of the cross platform, and a second basic counterweight is fixedly installed at the other end of the Y-direction crossbeam of the cross platform; the first electric slide is used to move the position of the first adjusting counterweight; the second electric slide is used to move the position of the second adjusting counterweight; the hanging mounting component 4 is installed at the lower end of the X-direction crossbeam or the Y-direction crossbeam of the cross platform;

[0046] At least five laser displacement sensors 5 are installed on the profile fixture 1. At least three of them are installed on a preset reference plane to measure the displacement of the solar panel surface in a naturally suspended state; at least two of them are installed on a straight line perpendicular to the ground to measure the displacement of one side of the solar panel in a naturally suspended state.

[0047] Preferably, the hanging drive mechanism includes a mounting base plate 6, a guide rail, a slider, a ball screw 8, and a drive mechanism 9;

[0048] Mounting base plate 6 is fastened to profile fixture 1 with screws. Guide rail is fixedly mounted on profile fixture 1. Lifting mounting frame 2 is connected to mounting base plate 6 via slider. Ball screw 8 is connected to slider. Drive mechanism 9 is used to drive ball screw 8 to provide lifting power for lifting mounting frame 2.

[0049] Preferably, the suspension drive mechanism also includes two positioning columns. The connector at the upper end of the center of gravity adjustment unit is provided with two positioning pins and a locking mechanism. One end of the positioning column is fixed on the lifting mounting frame, and the other end is used to match and dock with the positioning pin. The locking mechanism is used to lock and unlock the positioning column.

[0050] Preferably, the interfaces between the two positioning posts and positioning pins are different to prevent mis-insertion. The purpose of locking the positioning posts and positioning pins is to prevent the center of gravity adjustment unit from shaking when the hanging installation part 4 is moved. The purpose of locking the positioning posts and positioning pins is to facilitate the subsequent mating of the clamping holes and the hanging holes.

[0051] The purpose of adjusting the position of the counterweight is to control the movement of the counterweight by an electric slide table, and to accurately feed back the displacement of the counterweight by a magnetic scale. The center of gravity offset is calculated based on the displacement of the counterweight when the solar panel is finally leveled.

[0052] Based on the above-described apparatus, the present invention also provides a method for testing the centroid of a solar panel, the method comprising the following steps:

[0053] S1. Before hanging the solar panel, suspend the standard component on the center of gravity adjustment unit. Use the standard component to calibrate the initial positions L2 and L3 of the laser displacement sensor mounting reference surface, the first base counterweight, and the second base counterweight to ensure the accuracy of subsequent tests. After calibration, the transfer equipment will transport the solar panel to the test docking position.

[0054] S2. Drive the electric push rod to lower the hanging mounting part 4 to the upper surface of the solar panel (about 5mm above the upper surface of the solar panel), unlock the connector of the hanging part adjustment unit, and connect the hanging mounting part 4 to the hanging hole on the solar panel.

[0055] S3. The drive mechanism drives the lifting mounting frame to rise, so that the solar panels are in a natural suspended state.

[0056] S4. Move the positions of the first and second adjusting weights until the surface of the solar panel is parallel to the reference plane and the side is perpendicular to the ground.

[0057] S5. Calculate the centroid offset of the measured solar panel based on the displacement L1 of the first adjusting weight, the displacement L4 of the second adjusting weight, the gravity F1 of the first adjusting weight, the gravity F2 of the first base weight, the gravity F3 of the second base weight, the gravity F4 of the second adjusting weight, and the gravity G of the solar panel.

[0058] The centroid offset of the tested solar panel is:

[0059]

[0060]

[0061] Where x is the offset of the center of mass of the solar panel under test along the X direction, and y is the offset of the center of mass of the solar panel under test along the Y direction.

[0062] After calculating the centroid offset of the solar panel under test, the centroid offset can be transmitted to the PLC and fed back to the adjustment mechanism to achieve closed-loop centroid adjustment.

[0063] Laser displacement sensors use a three-point plane determination method to determine whether a product is parallel to a reference plane. A laser displacement sensor located on the reference plane is used to determine whether the surface of the solar panel is parallel to the reference plane.

[0064] When the reading difference between the three laser displacement sensors located on the reference plane is less than the preset value, the surface of the solar panel is considered to be parallel to the reference plane; otherwise, the surface of the solar panel is considered not to be parallel to the reference plane.

[0065] If the difference in readings between at least two sensors installed on a straight line perpendicular to the ground is less than a preset value, the side of the solar panel is considered to be perpendicular to the ground; otherwise, the side of the solar panel is considered not to be perpendicular to the ground.

[0066] Example:

[0067] See Figure 2 , Figure 3 The solar panel 20 is fixed to the test device's hanging mounting component 4 via a transfer device. The lifting mounting frame 2 is powered by the drive mechanism 9 and moves to a suitable height according to the specifications of the solar panel 20 until the tested solar panel leaves the ground. The wire rope lifting electric push rod 10 controls the wire rope 12 to descend until the locking pin 20 is released, unlocking the spring pin 18. The electric slide in the center of gravity adjustment unit 3 operates, driving the adjustment counterweight 16 to move. The laser displacement sensor 5 measures the distance between the back and side of the solar panel 20 in real time. The plane is determined using the three-point plane determination method. When the difference between the readings of any two laser sensors 5 corresponding to the same plane is less than 0.3mm, the electric slide in the corresponding direction stops moving, and the system records the displacement of the electric slide. After the displacement of the electric slide in both directions is recorded, based on... Figure 4 The principle of centroid testing is to calculate the centroid offset of the solar panel. The calculation formula is as follows:

[0068]

[0069] Where x is the offset of the center of mass of the solar panel under test along the X direction, and y is the offset of the center of mass of the solar panel under test along the Y direction.

[0070] After the test is completed, the data processing software can perform the following functions:

[0071] Based on the data collected by sensors at different positions, the centroid offset is calculated in real time and the data is transmitted to the PLC.

[0072] A visual interface is required, where the collected / transmitted data needs to be displayed in real time and can be read manually.

[0073] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make possible changes and modifications to the technical solutions of the present invention by utilizing the methods and techniques disclosed above without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solutions of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the technical solutions of the present invention.

Claims

1. A centroid testing device suitable for solar panels, characterized in that... Includes profile tooling (1), lifting mounting frame (2), suspension drive mechanism, wire rope lifting electric push rod (10), guide wheel (11), wire rope (12), center of gravity adjustment unit (3), suspension mounting components (4), and laser displacement sensor (5); among which: The suspension drive mechanism drives the lifting mounting frame (2) to move vertically along the profile tooling (1). The wire rope lifting electric push rod (10) is installed on the lifting mounting frame (2). The wire rope lifting electric push rod (10) controls the wire rope (12) to rise and fall. One end of the wire rope (12) is connected to the output end of the wire rope lifting electric push rod (10), and the other end is connected vertically downward to the center of gravity adjustment unit (3) after being turned by the guide wheel (11). The center of gravity adjustment unit (3) includes an adjustment platform (13), a connector, a first electric slide (15), a second electric slide, a first adjustment counterweight, a second adjustment counterweight, a Hooke joint (17), a first base counterweight, and a second base counterweight; The adjustment platform (13) is a cross platform, including mutually perpendicular X-direction and Y-direction crossbeams; the upper end of the connector is connected to the wire rope (12), and the lower end is connected to the adjustment platform (13) through a Hooke hinge (17); the first electric slide and the first adjusting counterweight are installed at one end of the X-direction crossbeam of the cross platform, and the first basic counterweight is fixedly installed at the other end of the X-direction crossbeam of the cross platform; the second electric slide and the second adjusting counterweight are installed at one end of the Y-direction crossbeam of the cross platform, and the second basic counterweight is fixedly installed at the other end of the Y-direction crossbeam of the cross platform; the first electric slide is used to move the position of the first adjusting counterweight; the second electric slide is used to move the position of the second adjusting counterweight; the hanging installation component (4) is installed at the lower end of the X-direction crossbeam or the Y-direction crossbeam of the cross platform; At least five laser displacement sensors (5) are installed on the profile fixture (1), of which at least three are installed on a preset reference plane to measure the displacement of the solar panel surface in a naturally suspended state; and at least two are installed on a straight line perpendicular to the ground to measure the displacement of one side of the solar panel in a naturally suspended state.

2. The centroid testing device for solar panels according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hanging drive mechanism includes a mounting base plate (6), a guide rail, a slider, a ball screw (8), and a drive mechanism (9); The mounting base (6) is fastened to the profile fixture (1), the guide rail is fixedly installed on the profile fixture (1), the lifting mounting frame (2) is connected to the mounting base (6) through the slider, the ball screw (8) is connected to the slider, and the drive mechanism (9) is used to drive the ball screw (8) to provide lifting power for the lifting mounting frame (2).

3. The centroid testing device for solar panels according to claim 1, characterized in that, The suspension drive mechanism also includes two positioning columns. The connector at the upper end of the center of gravity adjustment unit is equipped with two positioning pins and a locking mechanism. One end of the positioning column is fixed on the lifting mounting frame, and the other end is used to match and dock with the positioning pin. The locking mechanism is used to lock and unlock the positioning column.

4. The centroid testing device for solar panels according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interfaces between the two positioning posts and positioning pins are different to prevent mis-insertion.

5. A method for testing the centroid of a solar panel using the centroid testing device of claim 1, characterized in that... Includes the following steps: S1. Suspend the standard parts on the center of gravity adjustment unit and use the standard parts to calibrate the initial positions L2 and L3 of the laser displacement sensor mounting reference surface, the first base counterweight, and the second base counterweight. S2. Drive the electric push rod to lower the hanging mounting part (4) to the upper surface of the solar panel, unlock the connector of the hanging part adjustment unit, and connect the hanging mounting part (4) to the hanging hole on the solar panel; S3. The drive mechanism drives the lifting mounting frame to rise, so that the solar panels are in a natural suspended state. S4. Move the positions of the first and second adjusting weights until the surface of the solar panel is parallel to the reference plane and the side is perpendicular to the ground. S5. Calculate the centroid offset of the measured solar panel based on the displacement L1 of the first adjusting weight, the displacement L4 of the second adjusting weight, the gravity F1 of the first adjusting weight, the gravity F2 of the first base weight, the gravity F3 of the second base weight, the gravity F4 of the second adjusting weight, and the gravity G of the solar panel.

6. The method for testing the centroid of a solar panel according to claim 5, characterized in that... The centroid offset of the tested solar panel is: Where x is the offset of the center of mass of the solar panel under test along the X direction, and y is the offset of the center of mass of the solar panel under test along the Y direction.

7. The method for testing the centroid of a solar panel according to claim 5, characterized in that... A laser displacement sensor located on a reference plane is used to determine whether the surface of the solar panel is parallel to the reference plane. When the reading difference between the three laser displacement sensors located on the reference plane is less than the preset value, the surface of the solar panel is considered to be parallel to the reference plane; otherwise, the surface of the solar panel is considered not to be parallel to the reference plane.

8. The method for testing the centroid of a solar panel according to claim 5, characterized in that... If the difference in readings between at least two sensors installed on a straight line perpendicular to the ground is less than a preset value, the side of the solar panel is considered to be perpendicular to the ground; otherwise, the side of the solar panel is considered not to be perpendicular to the ground.

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