3D printing static model demonstration teaching device integrating launching pad and rocket

Abstract

The invention relates to a 3D printing static model demonstration teaching device integrating a launching pad and a rocket, and the device is characterized in that the device comprises a 3D printing truss type launching tower, a 3D printing detachable service arm, a 3D printing segmented rocket model, and a 3D printing integrated pedestal. The problems that an existing traditional static spaceflight teaching model is high in mold cost, long in customization period, low in structure reduction degree, incapable of being repeatedly disassembled and assembled for interaction and single in adaptive scene are solved, precise forming and modular design of the model are achieved through the 3D printing technology, the closed-loop teaching requirement of structural cognition-disassembly observation-assembly practice is met, and the model is high in practicability. The professional and interactive performance of aerospace teaching is improved, and the teaching input cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of teaching aids technology, specifically relating to a 3D printed static model demonstration teaching device integrating a launch pad and a rocket, which is suitable for aerospace science popularization in primary and secondary schools, engineering education in universities, and exhibitions in science and technology museums. Background Technology

[0002] In the fields of aerospace science popularization and engineering education, static models, with their unique value of structural stability, operational safety, ease of long-term display, and suitability for group classroom teaching, have become the core carrier for basic cognitive teaching and professional structural explanation. Compared to dynamic demonstration models that are structurally complex, costly, and require a power system, static models are more suitable for scenarios such as primary and secondary school science popularization, university engineering basic teaching, and regular exhibitions in science museums. However, existing traditional static rocket and launch pad teaching models are mostly made using integrated injection molding or resin casting processes. This not only requires a high investment in mold development costs, but also makes it difficult to flexibly adjust the model's proportions, local structural details, or add professional schematic patterns such as internal pipelines and stress nodes according to teaching needs after the mold is finalized. The customization cycle can take several months, making it impossible to quickly respond to differentiated teaching needs. At the same time, the internal structure of these models has extremely low fidelity, only presenting the external shape, and it is difficult to accurately replicate the stress nodes of the launch pad truss, the compartment frames of the rocket body, and the combustion chamber. The lack of in-depth understanding of core engineering details such as material pipeline layout prevents students from fully comprehending the design logic of aerospace equipment. Furthermore, traditional static models are mostly glued and fixed structures, prone to component damage and deformation during disassembly and assembly, failing to meet the interactive teaching needs of "disassembly-observation-assembly" in the classroom. Different teaching scenarios require varying levels of model detail, necessitating the purchase of multiple sets of models of different specifications, significantly increasing the cost of teaching and popular science education. In contrast, 3D printing technology offers significant advantages such as no need for molds, rapid prototyping, and high customization. It can accurately reproduce complex hollow structures and internal simulated textures, and enables independent printing and flexible assembly of modular components. This perfectly compensates for many shortcomings of traditional static models, providing technical support for creating static teaching models that are adaptable to diverse teaching scenarios and possess both professionalism and interactivity. Against this backdrop, the development of a 3D-printed static model demonstration and teaching device integrating a launch pad and rocket has significant practical implications. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention aims to provide a 3D-printed static model demonstration and teaching device that integrates a launch pad and a rocket. This device solves the problems of high mold costs, long customization cycles, low structural fidelity, inability to repeatedly disassemble and reassemble for interactive purposes, and limited adaptability to various scenarios associated with traditional static aerospace teaching models. By using 3D printing technology, the device achieves precise model forming and modular design, meeting the closed-loop teaching needs of "structural cognition - disassembly and observation - assembly practice," thereby enhancing the professionalism and interactivity of aerospace teaching and reducing teaching costs.

[0004] The present invention is achieved through the following technical solution.

[0005] The integrated launch pad and rocket 3D-printed static model demonstration and teaching device of the present invention has all core components integrally formed by 3D printing technology, eliminating the need for mold development. It includes a 3D-printed truss launch tower, a 3D-printed detachable service arm, a 3D-printed segmented rocket model, and a 3D-printed integrated base, with the specific structure as follows:

[0006] 3D printed truss launch tower

[0007] The 3D-printed truss-type launch tower uses high-strength PLA material (suitable for FDM printing) or high-toughness photosensitive resin material (suitable for photopolymerization printing). The overall structure is a lightweight, hollow truss structure. All columns and members have cross-sectional dimensions not exceeding 20mm×20mm and not less than 15mm×15mm, with an internal infill rate of 35%. This achieves lightweighting while maintaining structural strength, reducing the overall weight by approximately 50% compared to traditional injection-molded models of the same size, facilitating group teaching and transport in classrooms. The 3D-printed truss-type launch tower includes a main load-bearing column support, multiple layers of transverse support beams, longitudinal auxiliary support beams, diagonal reinforcing support frames, a lightning rod, a tower-top crane, and a rotating support. The main load-bearing column support and multiple layers of transverse support beams use a double connection structure with M3 threads and locating pins. The threaded connection ensures stability, while the locating pins ensure coaxiality during assembly, preventing assembly deviations. Pre-formed gradient stress distribution patterns at the connection nodes indicate stress levels (dark colors represent high-stress areas, light colors represent low-stress areas), visually demonstrating the force transmission path of the truss structure. The longitudinal auxiliary support beam is bonded together with the multi-layer transverse support beam, and the two ends of the diagonal reinforcing support frame are bonded to the transverse support beam and the longitudinal auxiliary support beam, respectively. The 3D-printed truss-type launch tower has built-in magnetic plates on the surface of each platform, which can attract magnetic labels printed with functional names (such as "fuel loading platform" and "measurement and control equipment platform"), making it convenient to quickly switch the label content during teaching and explanation.

[0008] The tower-top crane is connected to the 3D-printed truss-type launch tower via a rotating support. The lightning rod is 3D printed using photosensitive resin and features a cylindrical snap-fit ​​connector at the bottom. A blind hole slot matching the snap-fit ​​is pre-drilled at the top of one of the main load-bearing columns on the launch tower, and the lightning rod is fixed in the blind hole slot by the snap-fit.

[0009] 3D-printed detachable service arm

[0010] The 3D-printed detachable service arm and the 3D-printed truss launch tower adopt a modular splicing structure with positioning slots and elastic buckles. Each platform of the launch pad has pre-drilled T-shaped positioning slots to match the 3D-printed detachable service arm. The 3D-printed detachable service arm has an elastic latch at its base, which allows for quick fixing and disassembly after being inserted into the T-shaped positioning slot. The end of the 3D-printed detachable service arm has a concave-convex docking buckle with a pre-formed anti-slip texture on the inside, allowing for precise engagement with the fuel filling interface of the rocket model. The engagement force is moderate, ensuring both connection stability and easy manual disassembly by students.

[0011] 3D printed segmented rocket model

[0012] The 3D-printed segmented rocket model includes a fairing, main body, boosters, and satellite. Each component is a separate 3D-printed module, connected by magnetic snap-fit ​​fasteners. Magnetic clips are embedded within the snap-fits, with the magnetic force controlled at 5N. This design allows for easy manual assembly and disassembly by students while ensuring the coaxiality of the assembled rocket body. The main body is printed using transparent photosensitive resin with a light transmittance of ≥80%, with a layer thickness of 0.05mm. The surface is polished to ensure uniform light transmission. The main body includes pre-molded 1:1 replicas of the fuel lines and first-stage chambers, divided into first, second, and third stages according to the proportions of a real rocket section. A miniature satellite simulation component, measuring 20mm × 20mm, is printed inside the fairing, with a surface imprinted with solar panel patterns. The booster module includes pre-molded thrust chambers and nozzle simulation patterns, allowing for independent display after disassembly and use in teaching materials to explain the booster's propulsion principles.

[0013] 3D Printed Integrated Base

[0014] The 3D-printed integrated base is made of high-hardness PLA material, with overall dimensions of 300mm × 200mm × 50mm. Anti-slip pads are provided on the bottom to prevent slippage during demonstrations. The upper surface of the 3D-printed integrated base has pre-formed positioning slots that match the launch pad body, ensuring no shaking after installation. The central part of the 3D-printed integrated base features a pre-formed V-shaped flow channel, with streamlined patterns printed inside to simulate the gas flow function of a real launch pad. Different shaped fuel interface demonstration patterns are pre-formed on both sides of the flow channel (circular interfaces represent liquid oxygen interfaces, and square interfaces represent kerosene interfaces), with interface names labeled.

[0015] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are as follows: Addressing the pain points of high cost and long customization cycles of existing static model molds, this invention uses 3D printing technology to manufacture all parts without the need for mold making. The model scale can be quickly adjusted and structural details added or modified in 3D modeling software according to teaching needs, shortening the model production cycle to 1 / 10 of traditional processes, significantly reducing customization costs and production time. Addressing the pain point of low internal structural fidelity in existing models, this invention uses 3D printing to achieve precise molding of hollow trusses, semi-transparent rocket bodies, and internal pipelines. Combined with stress node diagrams and functional labels, this allows students to intuitively understand the engineering design logic of aerospace equipment, bridging abstract structural mechanics with aerospace principles. By making the principles concrete, this invention enhances the professionalism of teaching. Addressing the pain points of existing models being either non-disassembly or easily damaged during disassembly and assembly, this invention adopts a modular snap-fit / threaded connection design, supporting repeated disassembly and assembly without the risk of glue damage during the process. This meets the interactive teaching needs of "disassembly-observation-explanation-assembly" in the classroom, cultivating students' hands-on practical abilities. Addressing the pain point of existing models having limited adaptability to specific scenarios, the 3D-printed static structure of this invention supports detailed explanations on classroom desktops and group disassembly and assembly practices, and can also be adapted for static exhibitions in science museums and structural cognitive teaching in research and study activities. One device meets diverse teaching needs, eliminating the need to purchase multiple sets of models of different specifications, effectively reducing the investment costs of teaching and popular science. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of the model of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a front view of the model of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A partial view;

[0019] Figure 4 for Figure 2 B partial view;

[0020] Figure 5 for Figure 2 C partial view;

[0021] Figure 6 A diagram of a 3D-printed segmented rocket model;

[0022] Figure 7 A full sectional view of a 3D-printed segmented rocket model;

[0023] Figure 8 Diagram of an integrated 3D-printed base;

[0024] In the image: 1. 3D printed truss launch tower, 2. 3D printed detachable service arm, 3. 3D printed segmented rocket model, 4. 3D printed integrated base;

[0025] 11. Main load-bearing column support; 12. Multi-layer transverse support beam; 13. Longitudinal auxiliary support beam; 14. Diagonal reinforced support frame; 15. Lightning rod; 16. Tower top crane; 17. Rotary support.

[0026] 21. T-shaped positioning groove; 22. Concave-convex mating buckle;

[0027] 31. Fairing; 32. Main body of the rocket; 33. Booster; 34. Satellite simulation component;

[0028] 41. Positioning slot matching the main body of the launch pad; 42. Simulation structure of V-shaped guide channel; 43. Liquid oxygen interface; 44. Kerosene interface.

[0029] 321. First sub-stage, 322. Second sub-stage, 323. Third sub-stage, 324. Fuel pipeline, 325. First-level compartment section. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but this is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, the integrated launch pad and rocket 3D printed static model demonstration and teaching device of the present invention has all core components integrally formed by 3D printing technology, without the need for mold development. It includes a 3D printed truss launch tower 1, a 3D printed detachable service arm 2, a 3D printed segmented rocket model 3, and a 3D printed integrated base 4, with the specific structure as follows:

[0032] 3D printed truss launch tower

[0033] The 3D printed truss-type launch tower 1 is made of high-strength PLA material (suitable for FDM printing) or high-toughness photosensitive resin material (suitable for photopolymerization printing). The whole structure is a lightweight hollow truss structure. The length and width of all columns and rods are no more than 20mm×20mm and no less than 15mm×15mm. The internal infill rate is set to 35%. Lightweighting is achieved while ensuring structural strength. The overall weight is reduced by about 50% compared with traditional injection molded models of the same size, which is convenient for classroom group teaching and transportation. The 3D-printed truss-type launch tower 1 includes a main load-bearing column support 11, multi-layer transverse support beams 12, longitudinal auxiliary support beams 13, diagonal reinforcing support frames 14, a lightning rod 15, a tower top crane 16, and a rotating support 17. The main load-bearing column support 11 and the multi-layer transverse support beams 12 adopt a double connection structure of M3 threads and locating pins. The threaded connection ensures stability, and the locating pins ensure coaxiality of the splicing, avoiding assembly deviations. Pre-formed gradient stress distribution patterns are shown at the connection nodes, with the depth of the patterns distinguishing stress levels (dark colors represent high-stress areas, and light colors represent low-stress areas), visually demonstrating the force transmission path of the truss structure. The longitudinal auxiliary support beams 13 are bonded together with the multi-layer transverse support beams 12, and the diagonal reinforcing support frames 14 are bonded to both ends of the transverse support beams 12 and the longitudinal auxiliary support beams 13, respectively. Each platform surface of the 3D-printed truss-type launch tower 1 has built-in magnetic plates that can attract magnetic labels printed with functional names (such as "fuel refueling platform" and "measurement and control equipment platform"), facilitating quick switching of label content during teaching and explanation.

[0034] The tower top crane 16 is connected to the 3D printed truss-type launch tower 1 via a rotating support 17. The lightning rod 15 is 3D printed using photosensitive resin and has a cylindrical snap-fit ​​connector at the bottom. A blind hole slot matching the snap-fit ​​is reserved at the top of one of the main load-bearing columns 11 on the top of the launch tower. The lightning rod 15 is fixed in the blind hole slot by the snap-fit.

[0035] 3D-printed detachable service arm

[0036] The 3D-printed detachable service arm 2 and the 3D-printed truss-type launch tower 1 adopt a modular splicing structure of positioning slots and elastic buckles. Each platform of the launch pad has a T-shaped positioning slot 21 pre-reserved to match the 3D-printed detachable service arm 2. The 3D-printed detachable service arm 2 has an elastic latch at its base, which can be quickly fixed and disassembled after being inserted into the T-shaped positioning slot 21. The end of the 3D-printed detachable service arm 2 has a concave-convex docking buckle 22. The inner side of the concave-convex docking buckle 22 has a pre-formed anti-slip texture, which can accurately engage with the filling interface of the rocket model body. The engagement force is moderate, which ensures the connection is stable and also makes it easy for students to disassemble manually.

[0037] 3D printed segmented rocket model

[0038] The 3D-printed segmented rocket model includes a fairing 31, a main body 32, a booster 33, and a satellite 34. The fairing 31, main body 32, and booster 33 are independent 3D-printed modules, and the modules are connected by magnetic snap-fit. The magnetic snap-fit ​​is embedded inside the snap-fit, and the magnetic force is controlled at 5N, which not only meets the convenience of students to manually disassemble and assemble, but also ensures the coaxiality of the rocket body after assembly. The main body 32 of the rocket is made of transparent photosensitive resin with a light transmittance of ≥80%, and the layer thickness is set to 0.05mm for printing. The surface is polished to ensure uniform light transmission. Inside the main body 32, the fuel pipeline 324 and the first-stage compartment 325 are pre-molded at a 1:1 scale. They are divided into the first stage 321, the second stage 322, and the third stage 323 according to the proportion of the actual rocket compartment. The fairing 31 has a micro satellite simulation part 34 printed on the inside. The satellite simulation part 34 is 20mm×20mm in size and has solar panel texture printed on the surface. The booster module 33 has a pre-molded thrust chamber and nozzle simulation texture. It can be disassembled and displayed independently to explain the power principle of the booster in conjunction with teaching materials.

[0039] 3D Printed Integrated Base

[0040] The 3D-printed integrated base 4 is made of high-hardness PLA material, with overall dimensions of 300mm × 200mm × 50mm. It features anti-slip feet to prevent slippage during demonstrations. The upper surface of the 3D-printed integrated base 4 has a pre-formed positioning slot 41 that matches the launch pad body, ensuring the launch pad remains stable after installation. The central part of the 3D-printed integrated base 4 has a pre-formed V-shaped flow channel simulation structure 42, with streamlined patterns printed inside to simulate the gas flow function of a real launch pad. Different shaped fuel interface demonstration patterns are pre-formed on both sides of the flow channel (circular interfaces represent liquid oxygen interfaces 43, and square interfaces represent kerosene interfaces 44), with each interface labeled.

[0041] The integrated launch pad and rocket 3D printed static model demonstration and teaching device of the present invention mainly includes model modeling, 3D printing, component assembly, teaching demonstration and daily maintenance, as detailed below:

[0042] (1) Model building

[0043] Using common 3D modeling software, and setting appropriate model scales according to the needs of the teaching scenario, 3D models of the 3D printed truss launch tower 1, 3D printed detachable service arm 2, 3D printed segmented rocket model 3, and 3D printed integrated base 4 were created. During the modeling process, structural details were designed according to the functional requirements of each component, including the truss structure of the launch tower, the connecting clips of the service arm, the segment division and internal simulated textures of the rocket, and the guide channels and interface shapes of the base, ensuring that the model structure is consistent with the core features of real aerospace equipment. After modeling, a file format suitable for 3D printing was exported.

[0044] (2) 3D printing

[0045] Based on the material requirements of each component, the corresponding 3D printing technology was selected: for the 3D printed truss launch tower 1, the 3D printed detachable service arm 2, and the 3D printed integrated base 4, high-strength PLA material was selected and FDM printing technology was used; for components requiring transparent display, such as the main body 32 of the segmented rocket model 3, high-transmittance photosensitive resin material was selected and photopolymerization printing technology was used. During the printing process, parameters such as the infill rate were adjusted according to the structural strength requirements of the components to ensure that the printed products have sufficient stability and adaptability. After printing, basic post-processing such as removing supports and sanding was performed on each component to remove surface burrs and imperfections.

[0046] (3) Component assembly

[0047] Assembly is carried out in the following order: from main body to accessories, from bottom to top. First, the main load-bearing column support 11 and multi-layer horizontal support beams 12 of the 3D printed truss launch tower 1 are connected by threads and positioning pins. Then, the longitudinal auxiliary support beams 13 and the diagonal reinforcing support frame 14 are fixed to complete the main body of the launch tower. Next, the tower top crane 16 and the rotating support 17 are installed, and the lightning rod 15 is fixed to the top of the main load-bearing column support 11 by buckles. Then, the 3D printed detachable service arm 2 is inserted into the T-shaped positioning slot 21 of the launch tower, and the connection stability is adjusted. Finally, the modules of the 3D printed segmented rocket model 3 are assembled and placed in the corresponding positions of the 3D printed integrated base 4. Magnetic functional labels are attached to complete the overall assembly of the device.

[0048] (4) Teaching demonstration

[0049] Based on the needs of different teaching scenarios, corresponding demonstration methods are adopted: In the aerospace science popularization scenario in primary and secondary schools, the basic composition and function of the launch pad and rocket are explained by combining the structural characteristics of each component of the model. By switching the installation status of the service arm and disassembling the rocket module, students are helped to establish basic knowledge; In the engineering education scenario in universities, the structural design principles and engineering logic are explained by combining professional knowledge with the truss stress nodes of the launch tower and the module design of the rocket; In the scenario of science and technology museum exhibitions, the audience is guided to disassemble and assemble the model independently. Through intuitive observation and hands-on operation, the understanding of aerospace equipment is deepened.

[0050] (5) Routine maintenance and expansion

[0051] In daily use, store the device in a dry and well-ventilated environment to prevent parts from getting damp, deformed, or damaged. If individual parts are damaged, they can be reprinted and replaced using the original model files; there is no need to replace the entire device. The model can be functionally expanded according to teaching needs. For example, different rocket modules can be customized by adjusting modeling parameters, or suitable teaching labels and demonstration accessories can be added to enhance the device's adaptability and teaching value.

[0052] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the implementation and protection scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should realize that any equivalent substitutions and obvious changes made based on the description and illustrations of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A 3D printed static model demonstration teaching device of integrated launch pad and rocket, characterized in that, Including 3D printing truss launch tower (1), 3D printing detachable service arm (2), 3D printing segmented rocket model (3), 3D printing integrated base (4); 3D printing truss launch tower (1) includes main load column support (11), multi-layer transverse support beam (12), longitudinal auxiliary support beam (13), diagonal reinforcing support frame (14), lightning rod (15), tower top crane (16), rotary support (17), main load column support (11), multi-layer transverse support beam (12), longitudinal auxiliary support beam (13), diagonal reinforcing support frame (14) constitute the tower body of 3D printing truss launch tower (1), main load column support (11) and multi-layer transverse support beam (12) adopt M3 thread+positioning pin double connection structure, preformed gradient stress distribution schematic texture at the connection node, distinguish stress size by texture depth, intuitively display the stress transfer path of truss structure, longitudinal auxiliary support beam (13) and multi-layer transverse support beam (12) are bonded together, diagonal reinforcing support frame (14) is bonded with transverse support beam (12) and longitudinal auxiliary support beam (13) at both ends, respectively, 3D printing truss launch tower (1) each layer platform surface is built-in magnetic piece, used for adsorbing magnetic label printed with function name, convenient for quickly switching label content during teaching explanation;Tower top crane (16) is connected with 3D printing truss launch tower (1) through rotary support (17), lightning rod (15) is 3D printed by photosensitive resin, the bottom is designed with cylindrical buckle joint, one of the main load column supports (11) at the top of 3D printing truss launch tower (1) is reserved with a blind hole groove matched with the buckle, and the lightning rod (15) is fixed in the blind hole groove through the buckle The 3D printing detachable service arm (2) and the 3D printing truss launch tower (1) adopt a modular splicing structure of positioning groove+elastic buckle, each layer platform of the launch platform is reserved with a T-shaped positioning groove (21) matched with the 3D printing detachable service arm (2), the 3D printing detachable service arm (2) is provided with an elastic clamping tongue at the root, which can be quickly fixed and disassembled after being clamped into the T-shaped positioning groove (21), the 3D printing detachable service arm (2) is provided with a concave-convex type butt buckle (22) at the end, the inner side of the concave-convex type butt buckle (22) is preformed with anti-slip texture, which can be accurately clamped with the filling interface of the rocket model body, the clamping force is moderate, which can ensure the stability of the connection and facilitate the students to manually disassemble; The 3D printed segmented rocket model (3) comprises a fairing (31), a rocket body (32), a booster (33) and a satellite simulation piece (34). The fairing (31), the rocket body (32) and the booster (33) are independent 3D printed modules, and are connected by magnetic clasp. The magnetic attraction piece is embedded in the inside of the clasp, and the magnetic attraction degree is controlled at 5N, which can meet the convenience of manual disassembly of students and ensure the coaxiality of the assembled rocket body. The rocket body (32) is made of transparent photosensitive resin material with a light transmittance of ≥80%, and is 3D printed with a layer thickness of 0.05mm. The surface is polished to ensure uniform light transmission. The rocket body (32) is pre-formed with a 1:1 reduced fuel pipeline (324) and a first-stage inter-tank section (325), which is divided into a first sub-stage (321), a second sub-stage (322) and a third sub-stage (323) according to the real rocket cabin section ratio. The satellite simulation piece (34) is integrally printed inside the fairing (31), and the size of the satellite simulation piece (34) is 20mm×20mm. The surface is printed with solar sail patterns. The booster (33) module is pre-formed with simulation patterns of thrust chamber and nozzle inside, which can be placed and displayed independently after disassembly, and can cooperate with the booster power principle of the teaching material. The 3D printed integrated base (4) is made of high-hardness PLA material, and the overall size is 300mm×200mm×50mm. The bottom is provided with anti-skid foot pads to prevent sliding during demonstration. The upper surface of the 3D printed integrated base (4) is pre-formed with a positioning clamping groove (41) matched with the launch platform body, which can ensure that the launch platform does not shake after installation. The middle part of the 3D printed integrated base (4) is pre-formed with a V-shaped flow guide groove simulation structure (42), and the groove is printed with a streamline pattern to simulate the gas flow guiding function of the real launch platform. Different shaped fuel interface demonstration patterns are pre-formed on both sides of the flow guide groove and labeled with interface names.

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