A rope-driven double-platform repeatable spatial locking and releasing mechanism

Abstract

This invention proposes a rope-driven, dual-platform, repeatable space locking and release mechanism, belonging to the field of locking and release technology for space gravitational wave detection devices. It solves problems such as uncontrolled gaps after separation, high collision risks, and complex structures in existing technologies. It includes two sets of locking mechanisms, a base plate, a floating lower platform, a floating upper platform, and a rope-driven U-shaped rod. The two sets of locking mechanisms are symmetrically arranged and fixed to the base plate at their lower ends. The floating upper platform is positioned within the locking working space above the two sets of locking mechanisms, and the floating lower platform is located below the base plate. After separation, the completed cables, disc springs, and other triggering and actuating elements remain on the platform end and are reusable, generating no waste and not affecting subsequent spacecraft operations. The locking and release process of this invention is repeatable; after release, the completed U-shaped rods and compression springs remain on the platform end and are reusable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of locking and releasing technology for space gravitational wave detection devices, and in particular relates to a rope-driven, dual-platform, repeatable space locking and releasing mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Gravitational wave detection is of great significance to fields such as general relativity, astrophysics, and cosmology. Due to the low frequency and small amplitude of gravitational waves, stringent requirements are placed on the accuracy of the entire detection system. The required detection equipment must be released in orbit at extremely precise locations and at extremely low speeds, necessitating both accurate positioning and high release precision. Simultaneously, it must be able to maintain a locked state for the space motion mechanism both on Earth and during launch, limiting displacement and providing safety protection, and reliably releasing the space motion mechanism after it enters orbit, allowing the space payload to enter normal operating conditions. Therefore, the locking and release mechanism must not only reliably lock and controllably unlock, but also create sufficient clearance between the locked structures after release to prevent friction or collision, ensuring the normal operation of the spacecraft.

[0003] Existing space locking and release mechanisms include Kevlar rope melt release mechanisms and shape memory alloy driven release mechanisms. These mechanisms suffer from problems such as single-use, complexity, large size and weight, and high power consumption, making them unsuitable for solving the on-orbit locking and release problems required for active vibration isolation technology in microgravity environments. Developing a low-impact, fast-response locking and release mechanism that can be repeatedly verified on the ground has become an urgent task. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention aims to solve the problems of uncontrolled gap after separation, high collision risk, and complex structure in the prior art, and provides a locking and releasing mechanism that is compact, reliably connected, and reusable after release. This mechanism will employ a rope-driven method to reduce impact and damage to spacecraft structures and improve the safety and reliability of spacecraft when applied in the field of gravitational wave detection in the space environment.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a rope-driven dual-platform repeatable spatial locking and releasing mechanism, comprising two sets of locking mechanisms, a base plate, a floating lower platform, a floating upper platform, and a rope-driven U-shaped rod. The two sets of locking mechanisms are symmetrically arranged and are fixedly connected to the base plate at their lower ends. The floating upper platform is mounted within the locking working space above the two sets of locking mechanisms, and the floating lower platform is located below the base plate.

[0006] The rope-driven U-shaped rod includes a left cable, a U-shaped rod, two tension springs, and a right cable. The left and right cables are respectively installed on both sides of the U-shaped rod. Two tension springs are installed below the U-shaped rod, with one end of each spring connected to the U-shaped rod and the other end connected to the locking frame. The left and right cables move the vertical shaft of the locking mechanism up and down by pulling the U-shaped rod left and right. In turn, the upper and lower pressure nuts on the vertical shaft press the second and first disc springs of the floating upper and lower platforms, respectively, so that the two platforms are subjected to longitudinal compression or release, realizing the locking and releasing process.

[0007] Furthermore, the substrate is a rocket shell.

[0008] Furthermore, the locking mechanism includes a U-shaped component, a compression spring, a vertical shaft, an upper pressure nut, a locking frame, an upper connecting rod, a lower connecting rod, and a lower pressure nut. The upper end of the upper connecting rod is hinged to the vertical shaft, and its lower end is hinged to the lower connecting rod. The lower end of the lower connecting rod is hinged to the locking frame. The hinged positions of the upper and lower connecting rods are simultaneously hinged to the U-shaped rod. The upper and lower pressure nuts are respectively fixed to the upper and lower ends of the vertical shaft. The vertical shaft, the upper connecting rod, and the lower connecting rod are linked together.

[0009] Furthermore, the floating lower platform includes two No. 1 disc springs, two No. 1 disc spring pads, and two floating lower plates. Each floating lower plate is equipped with a No. 1 disc spring, and a No. 1 disc spring pad is placed between them.

[0010] Furthermore, the floating upper platform includes two No. 2 disc springs, two No. 2 disc spring pads, and two floating upper plates. Each floating upper plate is equipped with a No. 2 disc spring, and a No. 2 disc spring pad is placed between them. The floating upper plate cooperates with the Z-shaped component through the compression spring of the locking mechanism.

[0011] A locking method for a rope-driven, dual-platform, repeatable spatial locking and releasing mechanism is disclosed. The left cable drives the U-shaped rod to move to the left, which in turn drives the upper and lower connecting rods and the vertical shaft to move upward. The upper pressure nut contacts the second disc spring pad, compressing the first disc spring and generating an axial tension, thereby locking the floating upper plate and the U-shaped component. At the same time, the compression spring generates a preload. The lower pressure nut contacts the first disc spring pad, compressing the first disc spring and generating an axial tension, thereby locking the floating lower plate and the base plate.

[0012] A release method for a rope-driven dual-platform repeatable spatial locking and release mechanism is disclosed. The right cable drives the U-shaped rod to move to the right, which in turn drives the upper connecting rod, the lower connecting rod, and the vertical shaft to move downward. The upper pressure nut separates from the second disc spring pad, realizing the release between the floating upper plate and the U-shaped component. At the same time, due to the preload of the compression spring, the floating upper plate will move downward a certain distance. The lower pressure nut separates from the first disc spring pad, realizing the release between the floating lower plate and the base plate.

[0013] The locking or releasing method of the rope-driven dual-platform repeatable spatial locking and releasing mechanism allows for repeated operation of the locking and releasing process. After release, the triggering and actuating elements such as the U-shaped rod and compression spring, which have completed their functions, are retained on the platform end and can be reused.

[0014] Compared with existing technologies, the innovative features and beneficial effects of the rope-driven dual-platform repeatable spatial locking and releasing mechanism described in this invention are as follows:

[0015] 1. Regarding the locking method, the present invention adopts a disc spring assembly for support. By changing the number of discs or the combination of discs, different load-bearing capacities can be obtained.

[0016] 2. In terms of triggering method, the present invention adopts rope drive, which has a rapid response, high precision, low power consumption, small impact magnitude, and can achieve repeated tests on the ground.

[0017] 3. Regarding the release method, the present invention uses two sets of locking mechanisms to release simultaneously. While the cable is unloaded, the U-shaped rod will stop in a fixed position due to the tension, and will not move left or right, thus avoiding unnecessary contact.

[0018] 4. After separation, the completed triggering and actuating elements such as cables and disc springs are retained on the platform end and can be reused. No waste is generated and it will not affect the subsequent operation of the spacecraft. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which constitute part of the present invention, are intended to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are intended to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a rope-driven dual-platform repeatable spatial locking and releasing mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism in a rope-driven, dual-platform, repeatable spatial locking and releasing mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the floating lower platform in a rope-driven, dual-platform repeatable spatial locking and releasing mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the floating upper platform in a rope-driven, dual-platform repeatable spatial locking and releasing mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the rope-driven U-shaped rod in a rope-driven dual-platform repeatable spatial locking and releasing mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the linkage components in a rope-driven, dual-platform, repeatable spatial locking and releasing mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the locking process in a rope-driven, dual-platform, repeatable spatial locking and releasing mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the release process in a rope-driven, dual-platform, repeatable spatial locking and release mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1-Locking mechanism; 101-U-shaped component; 102-Compression spring; 103-Vertical shaft; 104-Upper pressure nut; 105-Locking frame; 106-Upper connecting rod; 107-Lower connecting rod; 108-Lower pressure nut; 2-Base plate; 3-Floating lower platform; 301-Disc spring No. 1; 302-Disc spring No. 1 pad; 303-Floating lower plate; 4-Floating upper platform; 401-Disc spring No. 1; 402-Disc spring No. 2 pad; 403-Floating upper plate; 5-Rope-driven U-shaped rod; 501-Left cable; 502-U-shaped rod; 503-Tension spring; 504-Right cable. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other, and the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments.

[0030] See Figure 1-8 This embodiment describes a rope-driven, dual-platform, repeatable spatial locking and releasing mechanism. 1. It includes two sets of locking mechanisms 1, a base plate 2, a floating lower platform 3, a floating upper platform 4, and a rope-driven U-shaped rod 5. The two sets of locking mechanisms 1 are symmetrically arranged and fixedly connected to the base plate 2 at their lower ends. The floating upper platform 4 is positioned within the locking working space above the two sets of locking mechanisms 1. The floating lower platform 3 is located below the base plate 2.

[0031] The rope-driven U-shaped rod 5 includes a left cable 501, a U-shaped rod 502, two tension springs 503, and a right cable 504. The left cable 501 and the right cable 504 are respectively installed on both sides of the U-shaped rod 502. Two tension springs 503 are installed below the U-shaped rod 502. One end of the tension spring 503 is connected to the U-shaped rod 502, and the other end is connected to the locking frame 105. The left cable 501 and the right cable 504 move the vertical shaft 103 of the locking mechanism 1 up and down by pulling the U-shaped rod 502 left and right. Then, the upper pressure nut 104 and the lower pressure nut 108 on the vertical shaft 103 squeeze the second disc spring 401 and the first disc spring 301 of the floating upper platform 4 and the floating lower platform 3 respectively, so that the two platforms are subjected to longitudinal compression or release, realizing the locking and releasing process.

[0032] The substrate 2 is a rocket shell.

[0033] The locking mechanism 1 includes a U-shaped component 101, a compression spring 102, a vertical shaft 103, an upper pressure nut 104, a locking frame 105, an upper connecting rod 106, a lower connecting rod 107, and a lower pressure nut 108. The upper end of the upper connecting rod 106 is hinged to the vertical shaft 103, and its lower end is hinged to the lower connecting rod 107. The lower end of the lower connecting rod 107 is hinged to the locking frame 105. The hinged positions of the upper connecting rod 106 and the lower connecting rod 107 are simultaneously hinged to the U-shaped rod 502. The upper pressure nut 104 and the lower pressure nut 107 are respectively fixed to the upper and lower ends of the vertical shaft 103. The vertical shaft 103 is linked with the upper connecting rod 106 and the lower connecting rod 107.

[0034] The floating lower platform 3 includes two No. 1 disc springs 301, two No. 1 disc spring pads 302, and two floating lower plates 303. Each floating lower plate 303 is equipped with a No. 1 disc spring 301, and a No. 1 disc spring pad 302 is placed between them.

[0035] The floating upper platform 4 includes two No. 2 disc springs 401, two No. 2 disc spring pads 402, and two floating upper plates 403. Each floating upper plate 403 is equipped with a No. 2 disc spring 401, and a No. 2 disc spring pad 402 is placed between them. The floating upper plate 403 cooperates with the Z-shaped piece 101 through the compression spring 102 of the locking mechanism 1.

[0036] This invention uses a disc spring assembly for load bearing, and different load bearing capacities can be obtained by changing the number of discs or the combination of discs.

[0037] A locking method for a rope-driven, dual-platform, repeatable spatial locking and releasing mechanism is disclosed. The left cable 501 drives the U-shaped rod 502 to move to the left, thereby driving the upper connecting rod 107, the lower connecting rod 108, and the vertical shaft 103 to move upward. The upper pressure nut 104 contacts the second disc spring pad 402, compressing the second disc spring 401 and generating an axial tension, thereby locking the floating upper plate 403 and the U-shaped component 101. At the same time, the compression spring 102 generates a preload. The lower pressure nut 108 contacts the first disc spring pad 302, compressing the first disc spring 301 and generating an axial tension, thereby locking the floating lower plate 303 and the base 2.

[0038] A release method for a rope-driven dual-platform repeatable spatial locking and release mechanism: the right cable 504 drives the U-shaped rod 502 to move to the right, thereby driving the upper connecting rod 107, the lower connecting rod 108, and the vertical shaft 103 to move downward. The upper pressure nut 104 separates from the second disc spring pad 402, realizing the release between the floating upper plate 403 and the U-shaped component 101. At the same time, due to the preload of the compression spring 102, the floating upper plate 403 will move downward a certain distance. The lower pressure nut 108 separates from the first disc spring pad 302, realizing the release between the floating lower plate and the base plate 2.

[0039] The locking or releasing method of the rope-driven dual-platform repeatable spatial locking and releasing mechanism allows for repeated locking and releasing operations. After release, the triggering and actuating elements such as the U-shaped rod 502 and the compression spring 102, which have completed their functions, are retained on the platform end and can be reused.

[0040] The embodiments of the present invention disclosed above are merely illustrative of the invention. These embodiments do not exhaustively describe all details, nor do they limit the invention to the specific implementations described. Many modifications and variations can be made based on the content of this specification. This specification selects and specifically describes these embodiments to better explain the principles and practical applications of the invention, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better understand and utilize the invention.

Claims

1. A rope-driven, dual-platform, repeatable spatial locking and releasing mechanism, characterized in that: It includes two sets of locking mechanisms (1), a base plate (2), a floating lower platform (3), a floating upper platform (4), and a rope-driven U-shaped rod (5). The two sets of locking mechanisms (1) are symmetrically arranged and fixedly connected to the base plate (2) at the bottom. The floating upper platform (4) is mounted in the locking working space above the two sets of locking mechanisms (1). The floating lower platform (3) is located below the base plate (2). The locking mechanism (1) includes a U-shaped component (101), a compression spring (102), a vertical shaft (103), an upper pressure nut (104), a locking frame (105), an upper connecting rod (106), a lower connecting rod (107), and a lower pressure nut (108). The upper end of the upper connecting rod (106) is hinged to the vertical shaft (103), and its lower end is hinged to the lower connecting rod (107). The lower end of the lower connecting rod (107) is hinged to the locking frame (105). The position where the upper connecting rod (106) and the lower connecting rod (107) are hinged is also hinged to the U-shaped rod (502). The upper pressure nut (104) and the lower pressure nut (108) are respectively fixed to the upper end and the lower end of the vertical shaft (103). The vertical shaft (103) is linked with the upper connecting rod (106) and the lower connecting rod (107). The floating lower platform (3) includes two No. 1 disc springs (301), two No. 1 disc spring pads (302), and two floating lower plates (303). Each floating lower plate (303) is equipped with a No. 1 disc spring (301), and a No. 1 disc spring pad (302) is placed between the No. 1 disc spring (301) and the floating lower plate (303). The floating upper platform (4) includes two No. 2 disc springs (401), two No. 2 disc spring pads (402) and two floating upper plates (403). Each floating upper plate (403) is equipped with a No. 2 disc spring (401), and a No. 2 disc spring pad (402) is placed between the No. 2 disc spring (401) and the floating upper plate (403). The rope-driven U-shaped rod (5) includes a left cable (501), a U-shaped rod (502), two tension springs (503) and a right cable (504). The left cable (501) and the right cable (504) are installed on both sides of the U-shaped rod (502). Two tension springs (503) are installed below the U-shaped rod (502). One end of the tension spring (503) is connected to the U-shaped rod (502) and the other end is connected to the locking frame (105). The left cable (501) and the right cable (504) move the vertical shaft (103) of the locking mechanism (1) up and down by pulling the U-shaped rod (502) left and right. Then, the upper pressure nut (104) and the lower pressure nut (108) on the vertical shaft (103) squeeze the second disc spring (401) and the first disc spring (301) of the floating upper platform (4) and the floating lower platform (3) respectively, so that the two platforms are subjected to longitudinal compression or release, realizing the locking and releasing process.

2. The rope-driven dual-platform repeatable spatial locking and releasing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The substrate (2) is a rocket shell.

3. The rope-driven dual-platform repeatable spatial locking and releasing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The floating upper plate (403) is engaged with the U-shaped piece (101) by the compression spring (102) of the locking mechanism (1).

4. A locking method for a rope-driven, dual-platform, repeatable spatial locking and releasing mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The left cable (501) drives the U-shaped rod (502) to move to the left, which in turn drives the upper connecting rod (106), the lower connecting rod (107), and the vertical shaft (103) to move upward. The upper pressure nut (104) contacts the second disc spring pad (402), which compresses the second disc spring (401) and generates axial tension, thereby locking the floating upper plate (403) and the U-shaped piece (101). At the same time, the pressure spring (102) generates preload. The lower pressure nut (108) contacts the first disc spring pad (302), which compresses the first disc spring (301) and generates axial tension, thereby locking the floating lower plate (303) and the base plate (2).

5. A release method for a rope-driven dual-platform repeatable spatial locking and release mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The right cable (504) drives the U-shaped rod (502) to move to the right, which in turn drives the upper connecting rod (106), the lower connecting rod (107), and the vertical shaft (103) to move downward. The upper pressure nut (104) separates from the second disc spring pad (402), realizing the release between the floating upper plate (403) and the zig-shaped piece (101). At the same time, due to the preload of the compression spring (102), the floating upper plate (403) will move downward a certain distance. The lower pressure nut (108) separates from the first disc spring pad (302), realizing the release between the floating lower plate and the base plate (2).

6. The locking or releasing method of the rope-driven dual-platform repeatable spatial locking and releasing mechanism according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that: The locking and releasing process can be repeated. After the release is completed, the triggering and actuating elements such as the U-shaped rod (502) and the compression spring (102) that have completed their functions are retained on the platform end and can be reused.

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