Manned lunar rover operation control device

Abstract

The invention relates to an operation control device for a manned lunar rover. The device mainly comprises a bracket connecting rod, a control handle, a display panel and a display panel mounting bracket, the device is installed beside an astronaut seat of the manned lunar rover and provides an interaction channel for an astronaut to operate and control the lunar rover under the condition that the astronaut wears a space suit. The bracket connecting rod can be used as a handrail for getting on and off the lunar rover through rotating movement, and can also be used as a bracket for placing a control handle and a display panel; the control handle and the display panel are both detachable and are connected with the lunar rover in a wireless communication mode, and when the control handle and the display panel are installed on the lunar rover through the support connecting rod and the display panel installation support, the installation interface can charge the control handle and the display panel; the control handle is a two-degree-of-freedom handle and can provide direction and speed control when the lunar rover moves, and functional keys are arranged on the handle, so that a channel is provided for astronauts to safely and reliably control the lunar rover.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of space technology, and more specifically to a manned lunar rover operation control device. Background Technology

[0002] Manned lunar rovers are essential mobile tools for astronauts to conduct lunar exploration and investigation activities. Open-type manned lunar rovers not only offer advantages such as simple structure, good foldability, and relatively light weight, but also provide astronauts with excellent observation views. Due to the influence of the lunar surface environment, the chassis structure of lunar rovers needs to be adapted. The steering wheel, accelerator, and brake pedal control methods used in terrestrial vehicles are neither suitable for the lunar rover's mobile structure nor can they provide a lightweight, simple, and reliable operating control method. Providing astronauts with a safe, reliable, convenient, and as multifunctional as possible operating control method is a major challenge in lunar rover design. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides a manned lunar rover operation and control device. The main objective is to provide a reliable design scheme for a manned lunar rover operation and control device, which, while simplifying the structure as much as possible, provides astronauts with diverse and flexible driving and control methods, ensuring the reliability and safety of astronauts operating and controlling the lunar rover.

[0004] The technical solution of this invention is: A manned lunar rover operation control device, which includes a support link 1, a control handle 2, a display panel 3, and a display panel mounting bracket 4; One end of the bracket link 1 is equipped with a connecting shaft, and the other end of the bracket link 1 is fitted with the display panel mounting bracket 4. Display panel mounting bracket 4 is used to mount display panel 3; The control handle 2 is mounted on the bracket link 1; The manned lunar rover operation control device is mounted on the lunar rover via a connecting shaft located at one end of the support rod 1. The bracket link 1 also includes a handrail, guardrail, equipment mounting bracket, and charging interface. Its function can be changed by adjusting the position and angle of the bracket link 1. Both the control handle 2 and the display panel 3 are connected to the manned lunar rover via wireless communication. They can be detached for use or mounted on a bracket. The wireless communication connection status is set via the display panel 3. Astronauts can control the movement of the lunar rover via the control handle 2, and can also control the movement of the lunar rover or view relevant information via the display panel 3. When the control handle 2 and the display panel 3 are installed on the display panel mounting bracket 4, the mounting interface automatically charges them; The control handle 2 is a two-degree-of-freedom handle, and the control handle 2 has function buttons; The function buttons include an enable button, a quick-release button, a vehicle start button, and a stop button, which allow astronauts to safely and reliably control the control handle and the manned lunar rover while wearing spacesuits. When the enable button is pressed, the indicator light will illuminate, allowing the astronaut to use the control handle 2 to control the lunar rover, thus preventing accidental operation from endangering the astronaut and the lunar rover. With the quick-release button, astronauts can quickly and easily install or remove the control handle 1 from the support rod 1; with the vehicle start button and stop button, astronauts can conveniently and quickly control the lunar rover to start or stop.

[0005] Control handle 2 is a two-degree-of-freedom handle, allowing astronauts to control the rover's speed and direction of travel. When control handle 2 is in the initial neutral position, the rover is stationary; when control handle 2 moves forward, the rover moves forward, with its speed varying according to the magnitude of the movement; when control handle 2 moves backward, the rover begins to move backward; when the astronaut moves the handle left or right, the rover's direction of travel is adjusted accordingly; the astronaut can also control both the rover's direction of travel and speed simultaneously using the control handle.

[0006] Display panel 3 provides a human-computer interaction interface with touch function, and astronauts can control display panel 3 through touch screen while wearing spacesuit; The main functions of display panel 3 include: providing a lunar map, displaying the current position of the manned lunar rover, allowing astronauts to select points on the map to set the destination, route, and speed; providing status information such as the lunar rover's battery level, speed, and position, as well as the life support time of the spacesuit; and providing wireless connectivity, allowing manual operation of the control handle and display panel to maintain the connection with the lunar rover. Disconnection cannot be performed manually while the lunar rover is moving.

[0007] Dampers are installed at the joints of the support link 1 to facilitate astronauts in adjusting and securing the position.

[0008] This invention relates to a manned lunar rover operation and control device, which mainly includes a support link, a control handle, a display panel, and a display panel mounting bracket. The device is installed next to the astronaut's seat on the manned lunar rover, providing an interactive channel for the astronaut to operate and control the rover while wearing a spacesuit. The support link, through rotation, serves both as a handrail for getting on and off the rover and as a bracket for holding the control handle and display panel. Both the control handle and display panel are detachable and can be connected to the rover wirelessly, enabling the astronaut to operate and control the rover. When the control handle and display panel are mounted on the rover via the support link and display panel mounting bracket, the mounting interface can charge the control handle and display panel. The control handle is a two-degree-of-freedom handle, providing direction and speed control for the rover's movement. The handle is equipped with function buttons, providing a channel for the astronaut to safely and reliably control the rover. This invention provides astronauts with safe, reliable, portable, and flexible operation and control of the manned lunar rover, while also ensuring safety for astronauts getting on and off the rover while wearing spacesuits.

[0009] The beneficial effects of this invention include: 1. This device provides astronauts with an interface for operating and controlling the lunar rover through a rotatable, adjustable, and resistance-resistant support rod, while also ensuring the safety of astronauts during boarding, disembarking, and riding in the rover.

[0010] 2. This device provides astronauts with diverse operation and control methods for driving the lunar rover. Astronauts can control the lunar rover's movement in real time through the control handle, or set up automatic driving through the display panel. The two operation and control modules / methods are redundant with each other. When one module fails, the other module can still be used normally, ensuring the operability and reliability of the lunar rover for astronauts.

[0011] 3. Based on its simple and reliable structure, this device fully considers the charging and communication connection control requirements of the control handle and display panel.

[0012] 4. This device takes into account the inconvenience of astronauts' movement while wearing suits on the lunar surface. In addition to providing safety assurance for getting on and off the vehicle, it also incorporates function buttons on the control handle to prevent accidental operation. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the manned lunar rover operation control device of the present invention (in unfolded state). Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the manned lunar rover's operation and control system in its stowed-away state.

[0014] The markings in the diagram are: 1. Bracket link, 2. Control handle, 3. Display panel, 4. Display panel mounting bracket. Detailed Implementation

[0015] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0016] A manned lunar rover operation and control device includes a support link, a control handle, a display panel, and a display panel mounting bracket. The device is connected to the manned lunar rover via a connecting shaft at the end of the support link and is installed on the side of the astronaut's seat. It has two states: a retracted state and an deployed state. In the retracted state, the support link is fixed to the lunar rover, and the astronaut can use it as a handrail for getting on and off the rover. When the astronaut is seated, the device can be adjusted from the retracted state to the deployed state, serving as a safety railing for the astronaut. The astronaut can also operate and control the lunar rover or view relevant information via the control handle and display panel installed on the device. The control handle or display panel can also be removed for use. The control handle has two degrees of freedom and is equipped with function buttons, allowing the astronaut to control the rover's movement, stopping, direction, and speed. The display panel provides a human-machine interface, displaying a lunar map and information such as the manned lunar rover's position, speed, and battery level. The astronaut can select and set the destination and route through the display panel to control the rover's movement.

[0017] Dampers are installed at the joints of the support rods. When the manned lunar rover's operating control device is in the deployed state, the astronauts can adjust the position of the device so that the control handles and display panels installed on the device are suitable for riding and use.

[0018] The control handle and display panel are connected to the lunar rover via a wireless communication network.

[0019] The control handle is equipped with a series of function buttons, including an enable button, a quick-release button, a vehicle start button, and a stop button, allowing astronauts to safely and reliably control the control handle and the manned lunar rover while wearing their spacesuits. When the enable button is pressed, an indicator light illuminates, allowing the astronaut to use the control handle to drive the lunar rover and prevent accidental operation that could endanger the astronaut and the rover. The quick-release button allows astronauts to quickly and easily install or remove the control handle from the device. The vehicle start and stop buttons allow astronauts to conveniently and quickly start or stop the lunar rover.

[0020] The control handle is a two-degree-of-freedom handle, allowing astronauts to control the rover's speed and direction of travel. When the handle is in the initial neutral position, the rover is stationary; moving the handle forward causes the rover to move forward, with its speed varying according to the magnitude of the movement; moving the handle backward causes the rover to begin reversing; moving the handle left or right adjusts the rover's direction of travel accordingly; astronauts can also control both the rover's direction of travel and speed simultaneously using the control handle.

[0021] The bracket linkage and display panel mounting bracket not only provide a reliable and convenient interface for installing and removing the control handle and display panel, but also provide charging for them. When the control handle and display panel are in the installed state, they automatically enter the charging state.

[0022] The display panel provides a touch-sensitive human-machine interface, allowing astronauts to control it while wearing spacesuits. Its main functions include: providing a lunar map showing the rover's current location; allowing astronauts to select points on the map to set their destination, route, and speed; providing status information such as the rover's battery level, speed, and location, as well as the life support time of the spacesuits; and offering wireless connectivity, allowing manual operation of the control handles and display panel to maintain the connection with the rover. Manual disconnection is not permitted while the rover is moving.

[0023] Example A manned lunar rover operation control device, the structural block diagram of which is shown below. Figure 1 As shown in the diagram, the manned lunar rover's operation and control device is in its retracted state. Figure 2 As shown, the device mainly includes a support link 1, a control handle 2, a display panel 3, and a display panel mounting bracket 4. The device is mounted on the lunar rover via a connecting shaft located on the support link. The support link functions as a handrail, guardrail, mounting bracket for the device, and charging interface; its functions can be switched by adjusting its position and angle. A control handle is mounted on the support link, and the display panel mounting bracket at its end holds the display panel. The control handle and display panel provide astronauts with an interactive channel for operating and controlling the lunar rover. They connect wirelessly to the manned lunar rover and can be detached for use or mounted on the support.

[0024] When astronauts board the lunar rover in their spacesuits, the device is adjusted to a stowed position fixed to the side of the seat, allowing them to use it as a handrail to assist in boarding. When the astronauts are seated, the device is rotated via a pivot to surround their body, providing protection against falls from the rover. Simultaneously, by adjusting the position and angle of the support linkage, the control handles and display panels mounted on it are positioned to suit the astronauts' operating habits.

[0025] Astronauts can detach the handle and panel or mount them on a bracket as needed. Through the human-computer interaction interface on the touch display panel, astronauts can view the lunar surface map and the current position of the manned lunar rover, and set the destination, route, and speed by selecting points on the map. After setting, the lunar rover will travel to the destination autonomously. Astronauts can also view the lunar rover's battery level, speed, position, and life support time of the spacesuit; they can view and set the connection status between the equipment and the lunar rover. When the lunar rover is moving, manual disconnection of the equipment from the lunar rover is not allowed.

[0026] The control handle is equipped with an enable button, a quick-release button, a vehicle start button, and a stop button. When the astronaut presses the enable button, the indicator light illuminates, allowing the astronaut to control the lunar rover's position, attitude, and speed to prevent accidental operation that could endanger both the astronaut and the rover. When the astronaut presses the vehicle start button, the lunar rover starts, and the astronaut can then operate and control it. When the stop button is pressed, the lunar rover stops. The quick-release button allows the astronaut to remove the control handle from the support rod or mount it on the support. The astronaut can move the control handle within the mounting plane to control the rover's movement: when the handle is in the initial neutral position, the rover is stationary; moving the handle forward causes the rover to move forward, with its speed varying according to the magnitude of the movement; moving the handle backward causes the rover to begin reversing; and moving the handle left or right adjusts the rover's direction of travel.

[0027] The above-disclosed embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of this application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application. Therefore, any equivalent variations made in accordance with the claims of this application shall still fall within the scope of this application.

[0028] In summary, the above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A manned lunar vehicle operation control device, characterized in that: the control device comprises a support link (1), a control handle (2), a display panel (3), and a display panel mounting support (4); one end of the support link (1) is provided with a connecting shaft, and the other end of the support link (1) is provided with the display panel mounting support (4); the display panel mounting support (4) is used for mounting the display panel (3); and the control handle (2) is mounted on the support link (1).

2. The manned lunar vehicle operation control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: the control device is mounted on the lunar vehicle through the connecting shaft at one end of the support link (1).

3. The manned lunar vehicle operation control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: the support link (1) is provided with a handrail, a guardrail, a mounting support of equipment, and a charging interface, and the functions thereof are converted by adjusting the position angle of the support link (1).

4. The manned lunar vehicle operation control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: the control handle (2) and the display panel (3) are connected with the manned lunar vehicle through wireless communication, can be taken off for use, or mounted on the support for use; the state of wireless communication connection is set through the display panel (3); and the astronaut controls the motion state of the lunar vehicle through the control handle (2), or controls the motion of the lunar vehicle through the display panel (3).

5. The manned lunar vehicle operation control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: when the control handle (2) and the display panel (3) are mounted on the display panel mounting support (4), the mounting interface automatically charges them.

6. The manned lunar vehicle operation control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: the handle of the control handle (2) is a two-degree-of-freedom handle, and the control handle (2) is provided with function keys; the function keys include an enable key, a quick disassembly and assembly key, a whole vehicle starting key, and a parking key, which facilitate the astronaut to safely and reliably control the control handle and the manned lunar vehicle while wearing a spacesuit.

7. The manned lunar vehicle operation control device according to claim 6, characterized in that: when the enable key is pressed, an indicator light is on, and the astronaut can use the control handle (2) to drive the lunar vehicle, so as to prevent misoperation from bringing danger to the astronaut and the lunar vehicle; through the quick disassembly and assembly key, the astronaut can quickly and conveniently mount or take off the control handle (1) on the support link (1); through the whole vehicle starting key and the parking key, the astronaut can conveniently and quickly control the lunar vehicle to start or stop.

8. The manned lunar vehicle operation control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: the astronaut can control the speed and forward direction of the lunar vehicle through the handle; when the control handle (2) is located at an initial middle position, the lunar vehicle is in a stop state; when the control handle (2) is moved forward, the lunar vehicle moves forward, and the speed is changed with the change of the moving amplitude of the control handle (2); when the control handle (2) is moved backward, the lunar vehicle starts to retreat. When the astronauts manipulate the handle to move left or right, the forward direction of the lunar rover is adjusted accordingly; the astronauts can also control the direction and speed of the lunar rover simultaneously by manipulating the handle.

9. The manned lunar rover operation control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The display panel (3) provides a human-computer interaction interface with touch function, and the astronauts can control the display panel (3) through the touch screen while wearing the space suit; The main functions of the display panel (3) include: providing a lunar map, displaying the current position of the manned lunar rover, and allowing the astronauts to set the destination and the forward route, the forward speed through the map, and setting the destination, the lunar rover automatically drives to the destination; providing state information such as the power, speed, and position of the lunar rover, and the life support time of the space suit; The wireless connection function is provided, and the connection state of the manually operated handle and the display panel with the lunar rover can be controlled, and when the lunar rover moves, the disconnection operation through manual operation is not allowed.

10. The manned lunar rover operation control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Dampers are installed at the joints of the support link (1) to facilitate the astronauts to adjust and fix the position.

Images