A vibration transport device based on ultrasonic simulation of microgravity environment

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of vibration transport devices based on ultrasonic simulation microgravity environment, it is related to dust management technical field, it is solved that the mechanical drive form of existing weathering layer transport system is easily blocked by dust problem.The vibration generating device of the present application is arranged on the fixed base, and the vibration transport groove is arranged on the upper end of the vibration generating device; Microstructure is equidistantly arranged on the vibration transport groove; Ultrasonic system is arranged above the vibration transport groove; The ultrasonic system includes a plurality of ultrasonic vibrator and ultrasonic vibration plate; Ultrasonic vibrator and ultrasonic vibration plate are connected, and ultrasonic vibration plate is arranged in parallel above the vibration transport groove, emits ultrasonic wave into the vibration transport groove, forms standing field acoustic wave, simulates microgravity environment. Dielectric elastomer actuator is used as driving component, and the dielectric elastomer actuator is subjected to reciprocating extension and contraction movement by applying alternating sine wave high voltage, the vibration transport groove is driven to vibrate, and the transport of dust particles on the vibration transport groove is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of dust management technology, specifically to a vibration transport device based on ultrasonic simulation of a microgravity environment. Background Technology

[0002] To enable long-term exploration of the Moon and Mars, in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) technology is needed to reduce the risks and costs of transporting resources from Earth. ISRU extracts vital resources such as oxygen, water, and metals through processes such as drilling, collecting, storing, beneficiating, and chemically processing lunar and Martian regolith. Therefore, a robust regolith transport system is essential for all ISRU processes. Previous studies have considered mechanical and pneumatic transport systems, such as bucket ladders, conveyor belts, screw conveyors, and gas transport systems. While mechanical systems can transfer large quantities of regolith, they require mechanical drives, and failures caused by small dust particles from the Moon and Mars can significantly reduce their lifespan. Gas transport systems can fluidize the regolith using pressurized gas nozzles, and filtered gas can be reused. However, careful handling of the gas is crucial to prevent leaks, and the system must be equipped with pumps, requiring mechanical drives to maintain gas flow for long-term operation. Furthermore, a magnetic transport system for space missions has been proposed. While magnetic systems do not require mechanical drives and are highly reliable in space, the inability to apply magnetic force to non-magnetic materials limits material selection. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the problem of dust clogging in existing mechanical drive systems for weathering layer transport, this invention proposes a vibration transport device based on ultrasonic simulation of a microgravity environment. This invention employs a dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) as the driving component. An alternating sinusoidal high voltage is applied to induce reciprocating extension and retraction of the DEA, thereby driving the vibration transport trough to vibrate and transport dust particles upwards along it. An ultrasonic system emits ultrasonic waves into the vibration transport trough to form standing-field sound waves, thus simulating a microgravity environment.

[0004] This invention proposes a vibration transport device based on ultrasonic simulation of a microgravity environment, specifically comprising a fixed base, a vibration system, and an ultrasonic system. The vibration system includes a vibration transport trough and a vibration generating device, with the vibration generating device mounted on the fixed base and the vibration transport trough inclinedly positioned above the vibration generating device. Several microstructures are equidistantly arranged on the vibration transport trough. The ultrasonic system is positioned above the vibration transport trough and includes several ultrasonic fixing components, several ultrasonic vibrators, and an ultrasonic vibration plate. The ultrasonic fixing components are mounted on the fixed base via columns, with the lower surface of the ultrasonic fixing components connected to the ultrasonic vibrators, and the ultrasonic vibrators connected to the ultrasonic vibration plate. The ultrasonic vibration plate is arranged parallel above the vibration transport trough.

[0005] Furthermore, the vibration generating device includes several dielectric elastomers, which are inclinedly disposed on a fixed base, and the upper ends of the dielectric elastomers are connected to the vibration transport groove.

[0006] Furthermore, the dielectric elastomer includes an elastic electrode one, an elastic electrode two, and an elastomer film, with the elastic electrode two coaxially disposed inside the elastic electrode one, and the elastomer film disposed between the elastic electrode one and the elastic electrode two.

[0007] Furthermore, the upper end of the dielectric elastomer is connected to a vibration transport groove via a connecting component.

[0008] Furthermore, the fixed base is provided with a plurality of fixed pads, the upper surface of the fixed pads is inclined, and the dielectric elastomer is vertically disposed on the upper surface of the fixed pads.

[0009] Furthermore, the microstructure is wedge-shaped.

[0010] Furthermore, the angle between the plane of the microstructure and the vibration transport channel is smaller than the angle between the dielectric elastomer and the vibration transport channel.

[0011] Furthermore, the angle between the plane of the microstructure and the axis of the dielectric elastomer is less than or equal to 90 degrees.

[0012] Furthermore, the vibration transport trough is a rectangular trough with several microstructures on the bottom.

[0013] Furthermore, the vibrating conveyor trough is provided with a feed inlet at the head and a material collection box at the tail.

[0014] The beneficial effects of the vibration transport device based on ultrasonic simulation of microgravity environment described in this invention are as follows:

[0015] (1) The present invention provides a vibration transport device based on ultrasonic simulation of microgravity environment. By setting up an ultrasonic system to emit ultrasonic waves into the vibration transport tank, the ultrasonic wave generates a sound field to apply a certain sound radiation force to the particles, thereby offsetting part of the gravity, thus simulating the microgravity environment in the vibration transport tank, realizing the combination of vibration system and microgravity simulation system, and exploring the influence of microgravity environment on transport efficiency.

[0016] (2) The vibration transport device based on ultrasonic simulation microgravity environment described in this invention effectively restricts the flying of dust particles and reduces dust pollution by setting the vibration transport trough as a rectangular trough, the side plate of the vibration transport trough and the ultrasonic vibration plate of the ultrasonic system.

[0017] (3) The vibration transport device based on ultrasonic simulation microgravity environment described in this invention is made of lightweight material and is excited by electrostatic force. By applying alternating sinusoidal high voltage to the dielectric elastomer actuator, it causes reciprocating expansion and contraction motion, and then drives the vibration transport groove to vibrate along the axial direction of the dielectric elastomer actuator, repeatedly pushing the particles in one direction, so as to realize the transport of dust particles from bottom to top on the vibration transport groove.

[0018] (4) The vibration transport device based on ultrasonic simulation microgravity environment described in this invention forms a stepped structure by equidistantly setting several microstructures on the vibration transport trough, which further improves the efficiency of transporting dust particles by vibration and makes the movement trajectory of the particles more controllable.

[0019] (5) The vibration transport device based on ultrasonic simulation microgravity environment described in this invention has high tolerance to dust pollution, simple and lightweight configuration, low power consumption and the ability to transport a large number of particles. It can transport a wide range of particle types, does not require mechanical drive, does not require complex control or high power consumption, and has high reliability in space applications. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0021] In the attached diagram:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vibration transport device based on ultrasonic simulation of microgravity environment as described in this invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the microstructure of a vibration transport device based on ultrasonic simulation of microgravity environment as described in this invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the on / off state of a dielectric elastomer in a vibration transport device based on ultrasonic simulation of microgravity environment, as described in this invention.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a force analysis diagram of particles on a flat plate without microstructures in a vibration transport device based on ultrasonic simulation microgravity environment, as described in this invention.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a force analysis diagram of particles on a microstructured plate of a vibration transport device based on ultrasonic simulation microgravity environment, as described in this invention.

[0027] Figure 6This is a force diagram of dust particles in a microgravity environment based on a vibration transport device for ultrasonic simulation of microgravity environment, as described in this invention.

[0028] Among them: 1-fixed base, 2-feed inlet, 3-ultrasonic fixing component, 4-ultrasonic vibrator, 5-ultrasonic vibration plate, 6-vibration transport channel, 7-dielectric elastomer, 8-connecting component, 9-microstructure, 10-material collection box. 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 described in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other. The described embodiments are merely some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] Specific implementation method one: See Figures 1-6 This embodiment is described in detail. The vibration transport device based on ultrasonic simulation of a microgravity environment described in this embodiment specifically includes a fixed base 1, a vibration system, and an ultrasonic system. The vibration system includes a vibration transport trough 6 and a vibration generating device. The vibration generating device is mounted on the fixed base 1, and the vibration transport trough 6 is inclinedly positioned above the vibration generating device. The vibration transport trough 6 is a rectangular trough, with several microstructures 9 evenly spaced on the bottom of the trough. The microstructures 9 are wedge-shaped structures. An inlet 2 is provided at the head of the vibration transport trough 6, through which dust is poured into the vibration transport trough 6. A material collection box 10 is provided at the tail of the vibration transport trough 6. The material collection box 10 is used to collect dust, and it is not connected to the vibration transport trough 6 and does not vibrate with it.

[0031] An ultrasonic system is positioned above the vibrating transport trough 6. The ultrasonic system includes several ultrasonic fixing components 3, several ultrasonic vibrators 4, and an ultrasonic vibration plate 5. A column is mounted on the fixed base 1, with an ultrasonic fixing component 3 mounted on the upper end of the column. The upper and lower surfaces of the ultrasonic fixing component 3 are parallel to the vibrating transport trough 6, and the lower surface of the ultrasonic fixing component 3 is connected to the ultrasonic vibrator 4. The vibration end face of the ultrasonic vibrator 4 is parallel to the vibrating transport trough 6 and connected to the ultrasonic vibration plate 5. The ultrasonic vibration plate 5 is positioned parallel above the vibrating transport trough 6. The ultrasonic vibrator 4 is connected to an ultrasonic generator. The high-frequency alternating harmonic voltage output by the ultrasonic generator serves as the excitation signal for the ultrasonic vibrator 4. The ultrasonic vibrator 4 converts the electrical signal output by the ultrasonic generator into acoustic energy, generating ultrasonic waves at its vibration end face, which are then emitted into the vibrating transport trough 6 via the ultrasonic vibration plate 5. The walls of the vibrating transport trough 6 and the ultrasonic vibration plate 5 restrict the movement of dust particles, reducing dust pollution.

[0032] The vibration generating device includes several dielectric elastomers 7. Several fixing blocks are provided on the fixed base 1. The upper surface of the fixing blocks is inclined. The dielectric elastomers 7 are vertically arranged on the upper surface of the fixing blocks, thereby realizing that the dielectric elastomers 7 are inclinedly arranged on the fixed base 1. A connecting component 8 is provided on the upper end of the dielectric elastomer 7, and it is connected to the vibration transport groove 6 through the connecting component 8.

[0033] The dielectric elastomer 7 includes an elastic electrode 1 71, an elastic electrode 2 72, and an elastomer film 73. The elastic electrode 1 71 has a cylindrical structure, and the elastic electrode 2 72 has a columnar structure. The elastic electrode 2 72 is coaxially disposed inside the elastic electrode 1 71. The elastomer film 73, having a low Young's modulus, is disposed between the elastic electrode 1 71 and the elastic electrode 2 72. When a high DC voltage is applied to the elastic electrode, Maxwell stress acts on the elastomer film 73 in the compression direction, causing a large displacement of the elastomer film 73 in the direction perpendicular to compression. When the voltage is turned off, the dielectric elastomer 7 returns to its original shape. If an AC voltage is applied to the elastic electrode, the cylindrical dielectric elastomer 7 will vibrate axially, thereby driving the vibratory transport groove 6.

[0034] The angle θ1 between plane 91 of the microstructure 9 and the vibrating transport channel 6 is smaller than the angle between the dielectric elastomer 7 and the vibrating transport channel 6. The angle between plane 92 of the microstructure 9 and the axis of the dielectric elastomer 7 is less than or equal to 90 degrees. When the angle between plane 92 of the microstructure 9 and the axis of the dielectric elastomer 7 is 90 degrees, the angle θ2 between plane 92 and the vibrating plate 2 reaches its maximum value. A coating to reduce friction is provided on plane 91, causing particles falling on plane 91 to slide onto plane 92 of the adjacent microstructure 9, because the transport efficiency of particles on plane 91 is very low when the vibrating transport channel 6 vibrates; plane 92 can be a normal surface and does not need to be excessively smoothed; at the same time, the distance between two adjacent microstructures 9 is calculated so that the landing point of the flying dust particles is located on plane 92, improving the transport rate.

[0035] The specific working process of the vibration transport device based on ultrasonic simulation of microgravity environment described in this invention is as follows:

[0036] A sine wave is generated by a signal generator and applied as an alternating sinusoidal high voltage to the dielectric elastomer 7 via a signal amplifier. The dielectric elastomer 7 reciprocates and expands, thereby driving the vibrating transport channel 6 to generate periodic vibrations along the axis of the dielectric elastomer 7. When the vibration acceleration exceeds a critical value, the dust on the plate overcomes adhesion, friction, and gravity, thus detaching from the plate surface and flying into the air. The resultant force is obliquely upward along plane 91 of the microstructure 9, causing the dust particles to fly obliquely upward and then fall into plane 92 of the next microstructure 9 with a parabolic trajectory. This achieves staged transport of the particles. The process is repeated, with particles migrating upward from the lower end of the vibrating transport channel 6 step by step, eventually falling into the material collection box 10. The vibrating transport channel 6 is designed with an arc shape in the width direction to prevent dust particles from falling off in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction (detachment of the side boundary of the vibrating transport channel 6). The equidistantly spaced microstructures 9 on the plate ensure that almost all particles are distributed on plane 92, avoiding the tendency of particles to roll down on the inclined plane. Figure 4 The force analysis diagram is shown for particles on the vibrating transport channel 6, which lacks microstructure 9. Figure 5 The diagram shows the force analysis of particles on the vibrating transport channel 6 when microstructure 9 is present. The length of the arrows in the diagram does not represent the magnitude of the force. In the diagram, N represents the supporting force of the vibrating transport channel 6 on the dust particles, f represents the frictional force received by the dust particles, and mg represents the gravity of the dust particles.

[0037] The angle θ1 between plane 91 of microstructure 9 and vibrating transport groove 6 should be smaller than the angle between dielectric elastomer 7 and vibrating transport groove 6. The angle between plane 92 and the driving direction of dielectric elastomer 7 should be less than or equal to 90°. This can ensure that the direction of the driving force on the particles is as far up as possible along plane 91 of microstructure 9, reducing the collision between the particles and plane 91 of microstructure 9 during upward transport, so that most particles fall directly onto plane 92, thus improving transport efficiency.

[0038] The ultrasonic vibrator 4 is connected to the ultrasonic generator. The high-frequency alternating harmonic voltage output by the ultrasonic generator serves as the excitation signal for the ultrasonic vibrator 4. The ultrasonic vibrator 4 converts the electrical signal output by the ultrasonic generator into acoustic energy, generating ultrasonic waves at the vibrating end face. These waves are then emitted into the vibrating transport tank 6 via the ultrasonic vibrating plate 5. The ultrasonic waves are emitted at the bottom of the vibrating transport tank 6. Between the bottom of the vibrating transport tank 6 and the ultrasonic vibrating plate 5, the incident and reflected waves superimpose to form a vertical standing wave sound field. Since particles tend to move towards areas with lower potential energy, they are subjected to acoustic radiative forces pointing towards the standing wave nodes. By selecting an appropriate frequency, an upward acoustic radiative force can be generated at a position close to the bottom of the vibrating transport tank 6, while the space above the bottom of the vibrating transport tank 6 experiences a downward acoustic radiative force. This allows the particles to experience an upward force in the early stages of vibration transport (before they are vibrated to a high altitude), which is equivalent to being in a microgravity environment. In the later stages of particle flight, they experience a downward force, which suppresses dust dispersion. By controlling the phase of the two ultrasonic vibrators 4, the ultrasonic vibrating plate 5 generates a traveling wave from bottom to top. This causes the particles to be subjected not only to a force perpendicular to the vibrating transport channel 6, but also to an upward force parallel to the vibrating transport channel 6, which can help transport the particles and improve transport efficiency. Figure 6 The figure shows the magnitude and distribution of the acoustic radiation force experienced by dust particles in the vibrating transport tank 6. The upper boundary of the colored rectangular area in the figure is the ultrasonic vibrating plate 5, and the lower boundary is the bottom plate of the vibrating transport tank 6. It can be seen from the figure that an upward acoustic radiation force is generated at a position close to the bottom of the vibrating transport tank 6. As the height increases, the magnitude of the acoustic radiation force first increases and then decreases. When it gradually approaches the ultrasonic vibrating plate 5, the direction of the acoustic radiation force changes to downward and the magnitude gradually increases.

[0039] In summary, the vibration transport device based on ultrasonic simulation of a microgravity environment described in this invention uses an ultrasonic system to emit ultrasonic waves into the vibration transport tank 6. The sound field generated by the ultrasonic waves applies a certain acoustic radiation force to the particles, thereby offsetting part of the gravity. This simulates a microgravity environment within the vibration transport tank 6, combining the vibration system with the microgravity simulation system. This allows for the investigation of the impact of the microgravity environment on transport efficiency.

[0040] The present invention discloses a vibration transport device based on ultrasonic simulation of microgravity environment. By setting the vibration transport trough 6 as a rectangular trough, the side plate of the vibration transport trough 6 and the ultrasonic vibration plate 5 of the ultrasonic system effectively restrict the flying of dust particles and reduce dust pollution.

[0041] The present invention discloses a vibration transport device based on ultrasonic simulation of microgravity environment. The dielectric elastomer 7 is made of lightweight material and is excited by electrostatic force. By applying an alternating sinusoidal high voltage to the dielectric elastomer 7, it causes the device to reciprocate and expand, thereby driving the vibration transport tank 6 to vibrate along the axial direction of the dielectric elastomer 7. This repeatedly pushes the particles in one direction, realizing the transport of dust particles from bottom to top on the vibration transport tank 6.

[0042] The present invention discloses a vibration transport device based on ultrasonic simulation of microgravity environment. By equidistantly arranging several microstructures 9 on the vibration transport channel 6, a stepped structure is formed, which further improves the efficiency of transporting dust particles by vibration, and the movement trajectory of the particles becomes more controllable.

[0043] The vibration transport device based on ultrasonic simulation of microgravity environment described in this invention has high tolerance to dust pollution, simple and lightweight configuration, low power consumption and the ability to transport a large number of particles. It can transport a wide range of particle types, does not require mechanical drive, complex control or high power consumption, and has high reliability in space applications.

[0044] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of the present invention. It should be understood that the above descriptions are merely specific embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. They can also be reasonable combinations of the features described in the above embodiments. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vibration transport device based on ultrasonic simulation of microgravity environment, characterized in that: It includes a fixed base (1), a vibration system and an ultrasonic system; the vibration system includes a vibration transport trough (6) and a vibration generating device, the vibration generating device is set on the fixed base (1), and the vibration transport trough (6) is inclinedly set on the upper end of the vibration generating device; a number of microstructures (9) are equidistantly arranged on the vibration transport trough (6); the ultrasonic system is set above the vibration transport trough (6); the ultrasonic system includes a number of ultrasonic fixing parts (3), a number of ultrasonic vibrators (4) and an ultrasonic vibration plate (5); the ultrasonic fixing parts (3) are set on the fixed base (1) through columns, the lower surface of the ultrasonic fixing parts (3) is connected to the ultrasonic vibrators (4), the ultrasonic vibrators (4) are connected to the ultrasonic vibration plate (5), and the ultrasonic vibration plate (5) is arranged parallel above the vibration transport trough (6).

2. The vibration transport device based on ultrasonic simulation of microgravity environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vibration generating device includes several dielectric elastomers (7), which are inclinedly arranged on a fixed base (1), and the upper end of the dielectric elastomers (7) is connected to the vibration transport groove (6).

3. The vibration transport device based on ultrasonic simulation of microgravity environment according to claim 2, characterized in that: The dielectric elastomer (7) includes an elastic electrode one (71), an elastic electrode two (72) and an elastomer film (73). The elastic electrode two (72) is coaxially disposed inside the elastic electrode one (71), and the elastomer film (73) is disposed between the elastic electrode one (71) and the elastic electrode two (72).

4. The vibration transport device based on ultrasonic simulation of microgravity environment according to claim 3, characterized in that: The upper end of the dielectric elastomer (7) is connected to the vibration transport groove (6) via a connecting component (8).

5. The vibration transport device based on ultrasonic simulation of microgravity environment according to claim 4, characterized in that: The fixed base (1) is provided with several fixed pads, the upper surface of the fixed pads is inclined, and the dielectric elastomer (7) is vertically arranged on the upper surface of the fixed pads.

6. The vibration transport device based on ultrasonic simulation of microgravity environment according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The microstructure (9) is wedge-shaped.

7. The vibration transport device based on ultrasonic simulation of microgravity environment according to claim 6, characterized in that: The angle between the plane (91) of the microstructure (9) and the vibration transport groove (6) is smaller than the angle between the dielectric elastomer (7) and the vibration transport groove (6).

8. The vibration transport device based on ultrasonic simulation of microgravity environment according to claim 7, characterized in that: The angle between the plane (92) of the microstructure (9) and the axis of the dielectric elastomer (7) is less than or equal to 90 degrees.

9. The vibration transport device based on ultrasonic simulation of microgravity environment according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The vibration transport trough (6) is a rectangular trough, and several microstructures (9) are provided at the bottom of the trough.

10. The vibration transport device based on ultrasonic simulation of microgravity environment according to claim 9, characterized in that: The vibrating conveyor trough (6) has a feed inlet (2) at the head and a material collection box (10) at the tail.

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