On-orbit replacement device for high-power Hall thruster
By designing a high-power Hall thruster on-orbit replacement device, the problems of low energy density of traditional propulsion systems and limited life of Hall thrusters were solved, the reliable replacement of Hall thrusters and the stable operation of the spacecraft platform were achieved, and the transportation efficiency was improved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510865276.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-25
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-09
AI Technical Summary
Traditional chemical propulsion systems have low energy density and specific impulse, which increases the launch weight of spacecraft into low-Earth orbit and cannot meet the transportation needs of large-scale transfer test vehicles in high and low orbits; high-power Hall thrusters have a limited lifespan and cannot meet long-term operation requirements, and their large size makes them difficult to replace in orbit.
A high-power Hall thruster on-orbit replacement device is designed, which includes an active replacement mechanism and a passive replacement mechanism. The precise positioning and stable supply of the Hall thruster are achieved through the cooperation of a grabbing rod, an air plug, a positioning pin, and an electric plug. The device is reliably fixed using a mechanical gripper and a locking structure.
It achieves the simplicity and reliability of on-orbit replacement of high-power Hall thrusters, ensures the stable supply of electrical systems of the spacecraft platform, and improves the operating time and efficiency of the spacecraft.
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Figure CN120606971A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present application relates to the field of aerospace electric propulsion technology, and in particular to an on-orbit replacement device for a high-power Hall thruster. Background Art
[0002] The high- and low-orbit large-scale transfer test vehicle's round-trip transport mission between high and low orbits requires efficient and advanced space propulsion as its support. After completing its round-trip transport service, the high- and low-orbit large-scale transfer test vehicle will receive supplies and require long-term in-orbit reuse to achieve a comprehensive and cost-effective combination of high payload and low cost. This space mission requires high velocity increments and large payloads. Traditional chemical propulsion has low energy density and specific impulse, which would significantly increase the spacecraft's low-Earth orbit launch weight, exceeding the vehicle's launch capacity and failing to meet application requirements. High-power Hall propulsion (typically with a power of over 10kW) offers high specific impulse and a large thrust-to-power ratio, making it particularly suitable as an advanced space propulsion for the high- and low-orbit large-scale transfer test vehicle to transport cargo between high and low orbits.
[0003] Through key technological breakthroughs, the service life of high-power Hall thrusters can, in principle, be extended to tens of thousands of hours. However, this still cannot meet the long-term operation and high total impulse requirements of space propulsion for large-scale transfer test vehicles in high and low orbits. Therefore, it is necessary to replace high-power Hall thrusters with life constraints in orbit.
[0004] When a high-power Hall thruster reaches the end of its life, it is necessary to complete the on-orbit replacement of the thruster to ensure the long-term stable and continuous operation of the spacecraft platform. However, compared with low-power Hall thrusters, high-power Hall thrusters have a larger size, which puts more requirements on the on-orbit replacement device in terms of positioning and capture. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The present application provides an on-orbit replacement device for a high-power Hall thruster, which realizes the on-orbit replacement of a high-power Hall thruster in a simple and reliable manner and ensures a good and reliable and stable supply of electricity and gas to the high-power Hall thruster by the spacecraft platform.
[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present application provides an on-orbit replacement device for a high-power Hall thruster, including an active replacement mechanism and a passive replacement mechanism, wherein: the active replacement mechanism is arranged at the rear end of the high-power Hall thruster and is integrally formed with the rear cover plate of the high-power Hall thruster; the active replacement mechanism includes a capture rod, an air path plug, a positioning pin and a circuit plug; the capture rod is arranged in the middle position of the rear cover plate; the air path plug, the positioning pin and the circuit plug are arranged in sequence on the circular disk surface of the rear cover plate; the air path plug is connected to the air supply system of the high-power Hall thruster, and the circuit plug is connected to the air supply system of the high-power Hall thruster. The passive replacement mechanism is a ring-shaped truss structure, which is arranged on the spacecraft platform and is used to be assembled and fixed with the active replacement mechanism; the passive replacement mechanism includes a capture structure, an air path jack, a positioning pin hole, a circuit jack and a locking structure; the capture structure is arranged in the center of the ring-shaped truss, and is used to capture and fix the capture rod; the air path jack, the positioning pin hole and the circuit jack are arranged in sequence on the bottom surface of the ring-shaped truss, and correspond to the positions of the air path plug, the positioning pin and the circuit plug respectively; the locking structure is arranged on one side of the ring-shaped truss, and is used to lock the capture rod.
[0007] Furthermore, the catching rod includes a rod body, a disc and a locking hole, wherein: the disc is fixedly connected to the middle position of the rear cover through the rod body; the locking hole is provided on the rod body and assembled and fixed with the locking structure.
[0008] Furthermore, the capture structure includes a mechanical gripper and a gripper transmission structure, wherein: the mechanical gripper is fixed inside the annular truss through the gripper transmission structure; the position of the mechanical gripper corresponds to that of the disc and is used to capture the disc.
[0009] Furthermore, the mechanical gripper has a three-grip configuration, which realizes expansion, extension and contraction through the gripper transmission structure.
[0010] Furthermore, the locking structure includes a locking rod and a locking transmission structure, wherein: the locking rod is fixed to the inside of the annular truss through the locking transmission structure; the locking rod is assembled and fixed with the locking hole; the locking rod is extended and contracted based on the power provided by the locking transmission structure.
[0011] Furthermore, the positioning pin is a tapered structure, the positioning pin hole is a tapered hole structure, and the positioning pin and the positioning pin hole are assembled and fixed to achieve precise positioning of the active replacement mechanism and the passive replacement mechanism.
[0012] Furthermore, the gas circuit plug is set correspondingly to the gas circuit jack, and the circuit plug is set correspondingly to the circuit jack; when the active replacement mechanism and the passive replacement mechanism are assembled, locked and fixed, the spacecraft platform is guaranteed to provide stable supply to the gas supply system and power supply system of the high-power Hall thruster.
[0013] The on-orbit replacement device for a high-power Hall thruster provided in this application has the following beneficial effects:
[0014] This application is designed to be integrated with the thruster and spacecraft, and is fixed and assembled only by screwing in corresponding holes. It is simple and reliable, and has good compatibility and universal applicability. It has the functions of capturing and locking, and can easily realize the positioning, locking and other installation actions of the high-power Hall thruster on the spacecraft platform, and then complete the on-orbit replacement of the high-power Hall thruster, thereby improving the operation time and efficiency of the spacecraft platform. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The drawings that constitute part of this application are used to provide a further understanding of this application and make other features, objects and advantages of this application more apparent. The illustrative embodiment drawings of this application and their descriptions are used to explain this application and do not constitute an improper limitation of this application. In the drawings:
[0016] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of an on-orbit replacement device for a high-power Hall thruster according to an embodiment of the present application;
[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the on-orbit replacement process of a high-power Hall thruster according to an embodiment of the present application;
[0018] In the figure: 1-active replacement mechanism, 11-grabbing rod, 111-rod body, 112-disc, 113-locking hole, 12-air plug, 13-locating pin, 14-circuit plug, 2-passive replacement mechanism, 21-grabbing structure, 211-mechanical gripper, 212-gripper transmission structure, 22-air jack, 23-locating pin hole, 24-circuit jack, 25-locking structure, 251-locking rod, 252-locking transmission structure, 3-high-power Hall thruster, 4-ring truss, 5-mechanical arm. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts should fall within the scope of protection of this application.
[0020] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims of the present application and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequential order. It should be understood that the data used in this way can be interchanged where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present application described here. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any of their variations are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.
[0021] In this application, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "back," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "center," "vertical," "horizontal," "transverse," and "longitudinal" indicate positions or locations based on the positions or locations shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily intended to better describe this application and its embodiments and are not intended to limit the devices, elements, or components indicated to having a specific orientation, or to being constructed or operated in a specific orientation.
[0022] Furthermore, some of the above terms may be used to express other meanings besides indicating a position or location. For example, the term "on" may also be used to indicate a dependency or connection in certain circumstances. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.
[0023] Additionally, the term "plurality" shall mean two or more.
[0024] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features of the embodiments in this application can be combined with each other. The present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in combination with the embodiments.
[0025] like Figure 1As shown, the present application provides an on-orbit replacement device for a high-power Hall thruster, comprising an active replacement mechanism 1 and a passive replacement mechanism 2, wherein: the active replacement mechanism 1 is arranged at the rear end of the high-power Hall thruster 3 and is integrally formed with the rear cover of the high-power Hall thruster 3; the active replacement mechanism 1 comprises a capture rod 11, an air circuit plug 12, a positioning pin 13 and a circuit plug 14; the capture rod 11 is arranged in the middle position of the rear cover; the air circuit plug 12, the positioning pin 13 and the circuit plug 14 are sequentially arranged around the circular disk of the rear cover; the air circuit plug 12 is connected to the air supply system of the high-power Hall thruster 3, and the circuit plug 14 is connected to the power supply system of the high-power Hall thruster 3 System connection; the passive replacement mechanism 2 is a ring-shaped truss structure, which is arranged on the spacecraft platform and is used to be assembled and fixed with the active replacement mechanism 1; the passive replacement mechanism 2 includes a capture structure 21, an air path jack 22, a positioning pin hole 23, a circuit jack 24 and a locking structure 25; the capture structure 21 is arranged in the center of the inside of the ring-shaped truss 4, and is used to capture and fix the capture rod 11; the air path jack 22, the positioning pin hole 23 and the circuit jack 24 are arranged in sequence on the bottom surface of the ring-shaped truss 4, and correspond to the positions of the air path plug 12, the positioning pin 13 and the circuit plug 14 respectively; the locking structure 25 is arranged on one side of the inside of the ring-shaped truss 4, and is used to lock the capture rod 11.
[0026] Specifically, the on-orbit replacement device for high-power Hall-effect thrusters provided in the embodiments of this application is primarily used for on-orbit replacement of high-power Hall-effect thrusters 3 reaching the end of their service life, thereby ensuring the long-term, stable, and continuous operation of a spacecraft platform. The replacement device comprises an active replacement mechanism 1 and a passive replacement mechanism 2. The active replacement mechanism 1 is positioned at the rear end of the high-power Hall-effect thruster 3 and is integrally formed with its rear cover, achieving an integrated design without increasing weight. The passive replacement mechanism 2 is positioned on the spacecraft platform and employs an annular truss structure, maintaining low weight and mechanical adaptability, making it universally applicable.
[0027] Furthermore, the catching rod 11 includes a rod body 111, a disc 112 and a locking hole 113, wherein: the disc 112 is fixedly connected to the middle position of the rear cover through the rod body 111; the locking hole 113 is set on the rod body 111 and assembled and fixed with the locking structure 25.
[0028] Furthermore, the capture structure 21 includes a mechanical gripper 211 and a gripper transmission structure 212 , wherein: the mechanical gripper 211 is fixed inside the annular truss 4 through the gripper transmission structure 212 ; the mechanical gripper 211 corresponds to the position of the disc 112 and is used to capture the disc 112 .
[0029] Furthermore, the mechanical gripper 211 is a three-grip configuration, and expansion, extension and contraction are achieved through the gripper transmission structure 212.
[0030] Specifically, the passive replacement mechanism 2 drives the mechanical gripper 211 to move through the gripper transmission structure 212, causing the mechanical gripper 211 to expand and extend, move to the rear of the capture rod 11, and then grab the disc 112, so that the high-power Hall thruster 3 moves as a whole close to the passive replacement mechanism 2, thereby realizing overall grabbing and movement.
[0031] Furthermore, the locking structure 25 includes a locking rod 251 and a locking transmission structure 252, wherein: the locking rod 251 is fixed to the inside of the annular truss 4 through the locking transmission structure 252; the locking rod 251 is assembled and fixed with the locking hole 113; the locking rod 251 is extended and contracted based on the power provided by the locking transmission structure 252.
[0032] Specifically, after the mechanical gripper 211 completes grabbing the disc 112, the high-power Hall thruster 3 as a whole will approach the passive replacement mechanism 2. At this time, the rod body 111 will enter the interior of the annular truss 4, and the locking transmission structure 252 will be activated to extend the locking rod 251 into the locking hole 113 on the rod body 111. In this way, the grabbing rod 11 will be locked and fixed in the interior of the annular truss 4 as a whole, so that the high-power Hall thruster 3 is fixed as a whole on the spacecraft platform, realizing the on-orbit replacement of the high-power Hall thruster 3.
[0033] Furthermore, the positioning pin 13 is a tapered structure, and the positioning pin hole 23 is a tapered hole structure. The positioning pin 13 and the positioning pin hole 23 are assembled and fixed to achieve precise positioning of the active replacement mechanism 1 and the passive replacement mechanism 2.
[0034] Specifically, both the locating pins 13 and the locating pin holes 23 are tapered to ensure a secure docking connection. When the high-power Hall-effect thruster 3 as a whole approaches the passive replacement mechanism 2, the mechanical gripper 211 adjusts the position of the high-power Hall-effect thruster 3 so that the locating pins 13 on the rear cover align with the locating pin holes 23 on the bottom surface of the annular truss 4, achieving initial positioning. The mechanical gripper 211 then grips the disc 112, bringing the high-power Hall-effect thruster 3 closer to the passive replacement mechanism 2. This allows the locating pins 13 to gradually enter the locating pin holes 23 and ultimately become firmly inserted, achieving precise positioning of the active replacement mechanism 1 and the passive replacement mechanism 2, securing the high-power Hall-effect thruster 3.
[0035] Furthermore, the gas plug 12 corresponds to the gas jack 22, and the circuit plug 14 corresponds to the circuit jack 24. When the active replacement mechanism 1 and the passive replacement mechanism 2 are assembled and locked, the spacecraft platform ensures stable air and power supply to the high-power Hall thruster 3. To ensure that the high-power Hall thruster 3 can function normally after replacement, the gas plug 12 and the circuit plug 14 are installed on the active replacement mechanism 1, and the gas jack 22 and the circuit jack 24 are installed in corresponding positions on the passive replacement mechanism 2. This ensures stable air and power supply, ensuring the high-power Hall thruster 3 can function normally on the spacecraft platform.
[0036] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, when replacing and installing the high-power Hall thruster on-orbit replacement device provided in the embodiment of the present application, the mechanical arm 5 of the spacecraft platform is first used to grab the high-power Hall thruster 3, so that the active replacement mechanism 1 at the rear end is close to the passive replacement mechanism 2 on the spacecraft platform, so that the positioning pin 13 is opposite to the positioning pin hole 23, and preliminary positioning is achieved; then, the gripper transmission structure 212 is driven to expand and extend the mechanical gripper 211 to capture the disc 112 of the capture rod 11, and with the help of the precise positioning of the positioning pin 13 and the positioning pin hole 23, the mechanical gripper 211 is driven to contract, pulling the high-power Hall thruster 3. The thruster 3 as a whole approaches the passive replacement mechanism 2. During the pulling process, the air circuit plug 12 and the air circuit jack 22, as well as the circuit plug 14 and the circuit jack 24 are reliably connected. Finally, the rear cover surface of the high-power Hall thruster 3 is tightly attached to the bottom surface of the annular truss 4, and the capture rod 11 as a whole enters the interior of the annular truss 4, driving the locking transmission structure 252 to insert the locking rod 251 into the locking hole 113 of the rod body 111 for locking and fixing. In this way, the active replacement mechanism 1 is locked and fastened to the passive replacement mechanism 2, thereby realizing the fastening and replacement of the high-power Hall thruster 3 on the spacecraft platform.
[0037] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Various modifications and variations are possible for those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included within the scope of protection of the present application.
Claims
1. A high-power Hall thruster on-orbit replacement device, characterized in that: It includes active replacement mechanism and passive replacement mechanism, wherein: The active replacement mechanism is arranged at the rear end of the high-power Hall thruster and is integrally formed with the rear cover plate of the high-power Hall thruster; The active replacement mechanism includes a capture rod, an air circuit plug, a positioning pin, and a circuit plug; The catch rod is arranged in the middle position of the rear cover; The gas circuit plug, the positioning pin and the circuit plug are sequentially arranged around the circular disk surface of the rear cover; The gas circuit plug is connected to the gas supply system of the high-power Hall thruster, and the circuit plug is connected to the power supply system of the high-power Hall thruster; The passive replacement mechanism is an annular truss structure, which is arranged on the spacecraft platform and is used for assembly and fixation with the active replacement mechanism; The passive replacement mechanism includes a capture structure, an air path jack, a positioning pin hole, an electrical circuit jack, and a locking structure; The capture structure is arranged at the center of the annular truss and is used to capture and fix the capture rod; The gas circuit jack, the positioning pin hole and the circuit jack are sequentially arranged on the bottom surface of the annular truss and correspond to the positions of the gas circuit plug, the positioning pin and the circuit plug respectively; The locking structure is arranged on one side inside the annular truss and is used to lock the capture rod.
2. The high-power Hall thruster on-orbit replacement device according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The capture rod comprises a rod body, a disc and a locking hole, wherein: The disc is fixedly connected to the middle position of the rear cover through the rod; The locking hole is arranged on the rod body and is assembled and fixed with the locking structure.
3. The high-power Hall thruster on-orbit replacement device according to claim 2 is characterized in that: The capture structure includes a mechanical gripper and a gripper transmission structure, wherein: The mechanical gripper is fixed inside the annular truss through the gripper transmission structure; The mechanical gripper corresponds to the position of the disk and is used to grasp the disk.
4. The high-power Hall thruster on-orbit replacement device according to claim 3 is characterized in that: The mechanical gripper is a three-grip configuration, and expansion, extension and contraction are achieved through the gripper transmission structure.
5. The high-power Hall thruster on-orbit replacement device according to claim 4 is characterized in that: The locking structure includes a locking rod and a locking transmission structure, wherein: The locking rod is fixed inside the annular truss through the locking transmission structure; The locking rod is assembled and fixed with the locking hole; The locking rod is extended and retracted based on the power provided by the locking transmission structure.
6. The high-power Hall thruster on-orbit replacement device according to claim 5 is characterized in that: The positioning pin is a tapered structure, the positioning pin hole is a tapered hole structure, and the positioning pin and the positioning pin hole are assembled and fixed to achieve precise positioning of the active replacement mechanism and the passive replacement mechanism.
7. The high-power Hall thruster on-orbit replacement device according to claim 6 is characterized in that: The air circuit plug is arranged correspondingly to the air circuit jack, and the circuit plug is arranged correspondingly to the circuit jack; when the active replacement mechanism and the passive replacement mechanism are assembled, locked and fixed, the spacecraft platform is guaranteed to stably supply the air supply system and power supply system of the high-power Hall thruster.