A planar unfolding deorbit device based on a scroll spring drive

Abstract

The application discloses a planar unfolding deorbit device based on a vortex spring drive. The device comprises a frame assembly, a power assembly, a resistance increasing unfolding assembly, a deorbit sail assembly and four compression arm assemblies. The power assembly provides driving force based on a vortex spring. The resistance increasing unfolding assembly provides support based on four composite material elastic masts. In an initial state, the four composite material elastic masts are wound on a central rotating shaft of the power assembly. The deorbit sail assembly comprises four triangular resistance increasing films. One vertex of adjacent resistance increasing films is connected with an end of the resistance increasing unfolding assembly. Each set of compression arm assemblies is arranged on the periphery of the composite material elastic mast to compress and limit the resistance increasing films. The application sets corresponding compression devices for the composite material masts and the resistance increasing films, thereby increasing the unfolding controllability and the deorbit stability of the deorbit device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of spacecraft deorbiting, specifically relating to a planar unfolding deorbiting device driven by a spiral spring. Background Technology

[0002] With the surge in space debris, active debris removal technology has become a key means of mitigating the deterioration of the orbital environment. Current mainstream methods are divided into two categories: contact-based (such as robotic arms, nets, and harpoons) and non-contact-based (such as ion beams and drag-increasing tethers). The former relies on dedicated spacecraft for physical capture, while the latter uses external forces to alter the debris's trajectory. However, existing solutions generally suffer from complex structures and high development and deployment costs, limiting their large-scale application.

[0003] The deorbiting sail deployment device, as a passive drag-increasing cleanup technology, significantly increases the atmospheric drag of the spacecraft by deploying a large-area thin-film sail at the end of the mission, causing it to rapidly descend to its orbit and burn up under natural drag. Currently, this technology has the following problems: 1. The alternating temperature difference of ±200℃ in the working orbit and long-term ultraviolet radiation cause the film to become brittle and prone to cracking at creases. 2. Achieving a large deployment area requires high-density folding, which accumulates stress at creases, leading to permanent film damage and local adhesion after long-term storage, reducing the probability of complete deployment; existing solutions generally have low storage ratios, and the storage volume of large-sized sails is difficult to compress; 3. Rapid ejection of the elastic rod can easily impact the satellite, causing severe attitude disturbances; there are also problems such as jamming, incomplete deployment in some areas, and asynchronous movement of the support rod and the membrane surface, directly reducing the effective windward area. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a planar deployment derailment device based on a spiral spring drive, which relies on the spiral spring to provide driving force and the composite material mast to provide support, thereby increasing the target's motion resistance and achieving the purpose of passively lowering the track.

[0005] The technical solution for achieving the objective of this invention is: a planar deployment derailment device based on a spiral spring drive, comprising a frame assembly, a power assembly, a drag-increasing deployment assembly, a derailment sail assembly, and four clamping arm assemblies.

[0006] The frame assembly provides support for other components; the power assembly provides driving force based on spiral springs; the drag-increasing deployment assembly is supported by four composite elastic masts, which are initially wound around the central axis of the power assembly; the off-track sail assembly includes four triangular drag-increasing films, with one vertex of an adjacent triangular drag-increasing film connected to the end of a composite elastic mast; each set of clamping arm assemblies is located on the outer periphery of the composite elastic mast and provides clamping and restraint to the retracted drag-increasing films;

[0007] When deployment is required, the top spiral spring is controlled by an external signal to release the accumulated curling potential energy, which drives the four composite elastic masts that are curled and stored on the central rotating shaft to extend. During the extension of the composite elastic masts, the drag-increasing film is pulled out synchronously by the traction force. When the mast is fully extended, the four drag-increasing films are fully extended and combined to form a sail with a square projection surface, thus completing the descent of the target.

[0008] Furthermore, the frame assembly includes a central shaft, a base plate, a top cover, a pin puller, a film storage compartment, and connecting screw I.

[0009] The central shaft and the base plate are fixed by a pre-set rectangular tooth meshing;

[0010] The film storage compartment has a central hole in the middle and an outer ring structure with a cross-section similar to "コ". The central hole of the film storage compartment fits onto the central shaft. After installation, multiple connecting screws I are used to fix the base plate to the film storage compartment. The "コ" on the outer periphery of the film storage compartment forms a compartment to accommodate the folded friction-enhancing film.

[0011] The top cover has a central hole in the middle, and the top cover as a whole has a ring-shaped box structure with a partially open bottom surface. The top cover is coaxially fitted onto the central shaft.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes torsion spring limiting blocks, partition post I, partition post II, and width and height limiting blocks.

[0013] Four torsion spring limiting blocks with countersunk holes facing downwards are evenly distributed on the bottom surface of the top cover and fixed with countersunk screws through two threaded holes on the bottom surface of the top cover. The torsion spring limiting blocks are provided with narrow grooves.

[0014] Multiple width and height limiting blocks are evenly connected to the bottom surface of the top cover by screws in a circumferential manner.

[0015] Multiple partition columns I and II are fixed to the film storage compartment via countersunk screws through threaded holes at both ends of the columns and countersunk holes on the top and bottom of the compartment.

[0016] Furthermore, the power assembly also includes bearing I, end cap, and bearing II.

[0017] The central shaft has a central hole in the middle, and the upper part of the central shaft is an open cylindrical storage area for accommodating the spiral spring. An end cap is fixedly attached to the upper end of the cylindrical storage area. The central shaft has a cylindrical part with a diameter smaller than the two ends, which is used to wind the composite material elastic mast.

[0018] The end cap has an annular sidewall forming a circular groove. Bearing I is positioned between the central shaft and the circular groove on the upper part of the end cap. Bearing II is fitted onto the central shaft so that it sinks into the pre-set circular groove in the film storage compartment.

[0019] The pin puller is fixed with screws through the threaded hole on the upper end face of the cover, and the pin puller locks the mechanism to stop rotation through the hollow cylindrical assembly on the upper surface of the end cover.

[0020] Furthermore, the spiral spring is located in a cylindrical storage area pre-set at the upper end of the central rotating shaft. The inner coil of the spiral spring is connected to a narrow groove pre-set on the central shaft, and the outer coil is connected to a narrow groove pre-set in the storage area of ​​the central rotating shaft. The spiral spring and the central rotating shaft are fixed together by screws.

[0021] The two through holes at the base of the four composite elastic masts are connected to the two threaded holes on the pre-set central rotating shaft by screws in a clockwise direction. Then, the central rotating shaft is rotated to wind the composite elastic masts around the central rotating shaft, and the other end of the composite elastic masts is connected to the clamping arm.

[0022] Furthermore, the drag-increasing deployment assembly also includes mast clamps and a film clamping arm.

[0023] The mast clamp body has a narrow groove inside, and the end of the composite material elastic mast is inserted into the narrow groove of the mast clamp body and fixed by screws and nuts;

[0024] The membrane clamping arm includes a lower arc-shaped part and an upper vertical connecting rod. The mast clamp and the threaded part of the vertical connecting rod of the membrane clamping arm are fixedly connected. In the initial state, when the composite material elastic mast is wound around the central rotating shaft, the arc-shaped parts of multiple clamping arms form a limiting ring with a diameter larger than the diameter of the retracted friction-enhancing membrane, which is used to protect the friction-enhancing membrane, and adjacent limiting arc-shaped parts are not connected.

[0025] Furthermore, the off-track sail assembly also includes tether I, tether II, a membrane anti-rotation component, connecting screw II, and tether III.

[0026] The central hole of the anti-rotation component fits onto the stud of the connecting screw II, allowing the anti-rotation component to rotate around the connecting screw II for a full circumference. The connecting screw II is connected to the pre-set threaded hole of the film storage compartment. The tether II is connected to the pre-set ring of the anti-rotation component of the film installed in the film storage area of ​​the film storage compartment. The drag-increasing film is placed between the installed multi-group partition columns. The tether I and tether II are respectively connected to the mast clips on both sides of the connected drag-increasing film through their respective pre-set through holes.

[0027] Furthermore, the clamping arm assembly includes a mast clamping arm, roller I, roller II, roller III, a torsion spring, and a support column.

[0028] The four hollow cylindrical structures at the bottom of the top cover are fixedly connected to the four supporting columns respectively;

[0029] The clamping arm includes two bent rods, one above the other, and a connecting rod that connects to the bends of the two bent rods.

[0030] Roller III is fitted onto the support column, which is rotatably positioned between the upper and lower bent rods at the end of the clamping arm near the central shaft. Rollers I and II are rotatably installed between the upper and lower bent rods on the side of the clamping arm away from the central shaft. The torsion spring is fitted onto the support column, and in the initial state after assembly, the upper edge of the torsion spring is placed in the narrow groove of the torsion spring limiting block.

[0031] Furthermore, the resistive film is folded in a double Z-direction and then rolled up around the center for storage.

[0032] A method for lowering the rail based on the above-mentioned planar unfolding derailment device is as follows:

[0033] When the rail lowering task needs to be performed, an electrical signal is transmitted to the pin puller. The pin of the pin puller is pulled out from the cylindrical hole of the end cover, and the spiral spring wound on the central shaft releases the coiling potential energy to drive the central shaft to rotate a full circle.

[0034] The four composite elastic masts wound around the central shaft begin to gradually extend outward. During the extension process, the mast clamping arm assembly is continuously pushed towards the center by the elastic force of the torsion spring.

[0035] As the composite elastic mast elongates, the mast clamp fixed at the end and the film clamping arm unfold outward together, the drag-increasing film loses its circumferential constraint, the tether II is fixed to the film storage compartment and will not move outward, the tether I and tether III follow the mast clamp connected to it and move outward, thereby driving the drag-increasing film to gradually unfold.

[0036] During the unfolding of the drag-increasing film, the rolled layer during storage is opened and twisted under the action of external force. The tether II transmits the twisting force to the film anti-rotation component, causing it to rotate around the connecting screw II, thus counteracting the self-twist of the drag-increasing film.

[0037] After the spiral spring releases its preset coiling potential energy, the composite material elastic mast extends completely, and finally the four right-angled triangular drag-increasing films fully open to form a square, causing the target's orbit to gradually decrease until it burns up in the atmosphere, thus completing the orbit descent mission.

[0038] This invention is a planar unfolding device driven by a spiral spring. The spiral spring provides the driving force, eliminating the need for other energy sources. The unlocking time can be achieved by setting a delay in the pin puller. While ensuring lightweight construction, it also adds corresponding reinforcing connection components to the cantilever structure, guaranteeing structural strength. Furthermore, a mast clamping arm is provided for the composite mast, effectively ensuring it remains tightly against the inner wall during unfolding, preventing bulging and ensuring operational stability. Additionally, a film clamping arm is provided at the mast end, forming a circular frame to protect and fix the drag-increasing film when the composite mast is tightened. Simultaneously, the composite mast is installed inside a pre-designed narrow slot, effectively protecting the most vulnerable end of the composite mast. Finally, the drag-increasing film is folded in a double Z-direction and then rolled around the center for storage. Compared to traditional folding methods, this method ensures high folding efficiency while minimizing creases on the film surface after storage. An anti-spinning component is also included to effectively prevent the drag-increasing film from tangling during unfolding, thus improving the device's unfolding reliability.

[0039] Compared with the prior art, the significant advantages of this invention are:

[0040] 1. This planar unfolding device has reserved interfaces, which can be directly connected and combined with other devices. After unfolding, there are no extra items, and no subsequent measures are needed to clean up space debris. The system has a high degree of integration.

[0041] 2. The composite material mast consists of four C-shaped carbon fiber rods. Its structure and working principle are simple, the material is common, and its weight is much lighter than that of metal, but it has good support rigidity. The process is mature and it can be mass-produced, making it highly practical for engineering applications.

[0042] 3. The composite material mast has four clamping arms with rollers on the outside. While ensuring the smooth extension of the mast, it effectively controls the extension angle of the mast, so that the mast can be unfolded at the expected angle. During the unfolding process, it can always provide clamping force to the mast stored on the central rotating shaft, effectively preventing the unfolded part from bulging back and solving the problem of low reliability of free mast unfolding.

[0043] 4. The drag-increasing film is equipped with four circumferentially arranged film clamping arms, which can effectively protect the drag-increasing film from wear with external components when it is not unfolded. In addition, it can provide clamping force to the drag-increasing film when subjected to impact and vibration, so that the film remains in the intended storage area, increasing the reliability of film unfolding. Furthermore, when the composite material mast is placed inside the pre-set long and narrow slot of the clamp during installation, it can also provide protection for the end of the composite material mast.

[0044] 5. The folding method of the resistance-enhancing film is double Z-folding and then rolled up around the center for storage. Compared with the traditional folding method, this method ensures high folding efficiency while also having the advantage of fewer creases left on the film surface after storage, which reduces the risk of damage to the resistance-enhancing film. Aluminum plating on the surface greatly improves its resistance to atomic oxygen and increases its service life. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall planar unfolding off-track device of the present invention; wherein (a) is a three-dimensional view and (b) is a cross-sectional view.

[0046] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the framework components.

[0047] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the components of the frame assembly.

[0048] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of power components.

[0049] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the power unit.

[0050] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of a composite material mast.

[0051] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the spiral spring installation.

[0052] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the drag-increasing deployment component.

[0053] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a resistance-enhancing film clamping arm.

[0054] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the off-track sail assembly.

[0055] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a drag-increasing thin film despinning assembly.

[0056] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the mast clamping arm.

[0057] Figure 13 Schematic diagram of the folding method of the resistance-enhancing thin film.

[0058] Figure 14 Unfolded diagram of the planar derailment device.

[0059] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0060] 1-Frame assembly, 2-Power assembly, 3-Drag-increasing deployment assembly, 4-Off-rail sail assembly, 5-Mast clamping arm assembly, 103-Film storage compartment, 203-Central pivot, 104-Central shaft, 202-End cap, 205-Roll spring, 505-Torsion spring, 105-Connecting screw I, 106-Base plate, 502-Roller I, 503-Roller II, 101-Pin puller, 201-Deep groove ball bearing I, 506-Support column, 204-Deep groove ball bearing I 504-Groove ball bearing II, 501-Drum III, 501-Mast clamping arm, 102-Torsion spring limiting block, 401-Tether I, 402-Tether II, 403-Drag-increasing diaphragm, 404-Diaphragm anti-rotation component, 405-Connecting screw II, 406-Diaphragm tether III, 107-Divider column I, 108-Divider column II, 110-Top cover, 109-Width and height limiting block, 302-Composite material elastic mast, 303-Diaphragm clamping arm, 301-Mast clamping plate. Detailed Implementation

[0061] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0062] A planar deployment derailment device based on a spiral spring drive includes a frame assembly for controlling the movement of the device; a power assembly driven by the spiral spring; a drag-increasing deployment assembly supported by a composite material mast; a derailment sail assembly that increases the drag of the target movement; and a clamping arm assembly for controlling the extension and retraction of the composite material mast.

[0063] The power assembly, primarily composed of spiral springs, is locked by an electric pull pin fixed at the top. Before the device is unlocked, the four retracted drag-increasing membranes are restricted by membrane clamping arms fixed to the ends of the elastic masts. This assembly effectively reduces the impact of shock vibrations generated during launch on the membrane retraction state and strengthens and protects the mast ends. When deployment is required, the pull pin at the top is retracted via an external signal, and the spiral springs wound around the central shaft release their accumulated coiling potential energy, causing the four composite material masts, coiled and retracted on the central shaft, to extend. Two triangular membrane sails are connected to the ends of each mast. During the extension of the composite material masts, the drag-increasing membranes are simultaneously deployed under traction. When the masts are fully extended, the four drag-increasing membranes are fully deployed and combined to form a sail with a square projection surface, completing the descent to the target. At the same time, the device can be connected to the target via a net or other devices, thus avoiding the generation of space debris and achieving the goal of not harming the space environment.

[0064] like Figure 1-11As shown, this invention discloses a planar deployment derailment device based on a spiral spring drive. It mainly includes a frame assembly 1, a power assembly 2, a drag-increasing deployment assembly 3, a derailment sail assembly 4, and a clamping arm assembly 5. The derailment deployment device is cylindrical in shape, with an interface pre-installed at the bottom to allow for customization of the number of devices that can be installed on the rail as needed.

[0065] like Figure 2 The frame assembly 1 shown includes a central shaft 104, a base plate 106, a top cover 110, a pin puller 101, a film storage compartment 103, partition column I 107, partition column II 108, a torsion spring limiting block 102, a connecting screw I 105, and a width and height limiting block 109.

[0066] like Figure 3 The power assembly 2 shown includes bearing I 201, end cover 202, central rotating shaft 203, bearing II 204, and spiral spring 205.

[0067] like Figure 5 The drag-increasing deployment assembly 3 shown includes a mast clamp 301, a film clamping arm 303, and a composite material mast 302.

[0068] like Figure 7 The off-track sail assembly 4 shown includes tether I 401, tether II 402, drag-increasing diaphragm 403, diaphragm anti-rotation component 404, connecting screw II 405, and tether III 406.

[0069] like Figure 8 The clamping arm assembly 5 shown includes a mast clamping arm 501, roller I 502, roller II 503, roller III 504, torsion spring 505, and support column 506.

[0070] The components in the mounting frame assembly 1 are connected by countersunk screws to the pre-drilled threaded holes at both ends of the columns and the countersunk holes at both ends of the film storage compartment 103. The partition columns I 107 and II 108 are cylindrical in shape and made of nylon.

[0071] The central shaft 104 and the base plate 106 are fixed by meshing with their respective pre-set rectangular teeth.

[0072] The central hole of the film storage compartment 103 fits onto the central shaft 104. After installation, the base plate 106 is fixed to the film storage compartment 103 using multiple connecting screws I105.

[0073] Bearing II 204 is fitted onto the central shaft 104 so that it sinks into the pre-set circular groove in the film storage compartment 103. Then, the central rotating shaft 203 is fitted onto the central shaft 104 so that bearing II 204 enters the pre-set circular groove at its bottom.

[0074] The two through holes at the base of the four composite masts 302 are connected to the two threaded holes on the pre-set central rotating shaft 203 by semi-circular head screws in a clockwise direction. Then, the central rotating shaft is rotated to wind the composite masts onto the central rotating shaft 203.

[0075] The spiral spring 205 is placed in the cylindrical storage area pre-set at the upper end of the central rotating shaft 203. The inner ring bend is connected to the narrow groove pre-set in the central shaft 104, and the outer ring bend is connected to the narrow groove pre-set in the storage area of ​​the central rotating shaft 203. The spiral spring 205 and the central rotating shaft 203 are fixed together by screws.

[0076] Install the end cap 202 and fit it onto the central shaft 104 so that its bottom surface fits against the upper surface of the central rotating shaft 203. Use screws to fix the end cap 202 to the central rotating shaft 203 through the four threaded holes pre-set on the central rotating shaft 203. The main function is to limit the axial movement of the spiral spring 205.

[0077] Install bearing I201 and fit it onto the central shaft 104 so that it sinks into the pre-set circular groove on the upper part of the end cover 202.

[0078] Four height and width limiting blocks 109 and four support columns 506 are installed, and are fixed to the film storage compartment 103 from the bottom with screws through threaded holes at both ends. The two components mainly serve to strengthen the structural strength of the device.

[0079] Install the mast clamping arm, such as Figure 8 As shown, rollers I 502 and II 503 are first installed on the cylindrical protrusions pre-set at the bottom of the mast clamping arm 501. The tops of the two rollers are connected by screws through two threaded holes pre-set at the top of the mast clamping arm 501. Then, roller III 504 is placed at the concentric position with the through holes at both ends of the mast clamping arm 501 and fitted onto the pre-installed support column 506. Finally, torsion spring 505 is also fitted onto the support column 506. A planar unfolding device has four sets of mast clamping arm assemblies, which mainly play the role of controlling the unfolding posture of the four composite material masts 302 and preventing bulging during the unfolding process.

[0080] Install the top cover 110, such as Figure 2 As shown, it is coaxially fitted onto the central shaft 104 so that it mates with the inner ring of the bearing. After rotating the upper cover 110, the four hollow cylindrical structures at its bottom end are aligned with the four installed support columns 506. The upper cover 110 is then fixed to the support column 506 with screws through the threaded holes at the top of the support column 506. Then, the two threaded holes at the top of the width and height limiting block 109 are located, and the upper cover 110 is fixed to the width and height limiting block 109 with screws. The width and height limiting block 109 mainly serves to increase the structural connection strength.

[0081] Install four evenly distributed torsion spring limiting blocks 102, with the side with the countersunk hole facing down, on the bottom surface of the upper cover 110. Secure them with countersunk screws through two threaded holes on the bottom surface of the upper cover 110. Then, use a tool to push the upper edge of the torsion spring 505 into the narrow groove provided in the torsion spring limiting block 102, which mainly provides a clamping force in the axial direction to the mast clamping arm assembly 5.

[0082] The mast clamp 301 and the membrane clamping arm 303 are installed by first connecting them through threaded holes on the mast clamp 301 and threaded posts on the membrane clamping arm 303. Then, the mast clamp 301 is fitted onto the end of the composite material mast 302 through a pre-set narrow slot. Furthermore, the composite material mast 302 and the mast clamp 301 are secured together using screws and nuts through two relatively wide-center-distance through holes on both the composite material mast 302 and the mast clamp 301. This primarily serves to protect the drag-increasing membrane 403 and the composite material mast 302. The membrane clamping arm is made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0083] To install the off-track sail assembly 4, first fit the pre-set center hole of the film despinning component 404 onto the stud of the connecting screw II 405, allowing the despinning component 404 to rotate a full circumference around the connecting screw II 405. Then connect the connecting screw II 405 to the pre-set threaded hole of the film storage compartment 103. Finally, connect the tether II 402 to the pre-set ring of the film despinning component 404 installed in the film storage area of ​​the film storage compartment 103. Next, place the drag-increasing film 403 between the installed multi-component partition columns. The drag-increasing film 403 is made of polyimide material.

[0084] Manually rotate the central shaft 203 to retract the composite material mast 302, so that the composite material mast 302 is wound around the inner wall of the central shaft 203. After it is retracted to its shortest position, the pin puller 101 is locked through the hollow cylindrical assembly preset on the upper surface of the end cover 202 to stop the rotation. The pin puller 101 is fixed with screws through the threaded hole preset on the upper end face of the upper cover 110.

[0085] Finally, install the mooring ropes I 401 and III 406 in the off-track sail assembly 4, and connect them to the mast clips 301 on both sides of the connected drag-increasing film 403 through their respective two pre-set through holes with mooring ropes to tighten them. At this point, the entire device installation is complete.

[0086] The specific workflow is as follows: When the device needs to perform a rail lowering task, the target carrying the device transmits an electrical signal to the pin puller 101 via an external wire. The pin puller 101 is a mini electric actuator motor that can achieve short-range linear reciprocating motion. Further, the pin of the pin puller 101 is pulled out from the cylindrical hole of the end cover 202. The spiral spring 205 wound around the central shaft 104 releases its coiling potential energy, driving the central rotating shaft 203 to rotate a full circle. Further, four composite materials wound around the central rotating shaft 203... As the mast 302 gradually extends outward, the diameter of the composite mast 302, which is wound around the central shaft 203, decreases during this extension. Furthermore, the mast clamping assembly 5, under the elastic force of the torsion spring 505, continuously pushes the assembly towards the center, effectively clamping the unextended composite mast 302 in real time. This ensures that the mast unfolds stably and smoothly according to the preset angle and shape during extension. As the composite mast 302 extends, the mast clamp 301 and the film clamping arm 303 fixed at its end also extend along with it. As it unfolds outwards, the mast clamp 301 also provides increased connection strength to the end of the composite mast 302. The drag-increasing film 403 loses its circumferential constraint. Furthermore, the tether II 402, fixed to the film storage compartment 103, will not move outwards. Tether I 401 and tether III 406 will move outwards along with the connected mast clamp 301, thereby causing the drag-increasing film 403 to gradually unfold. During the unfolding process of the drag-increasing film 403, under the action of external force, the rolled-up layer during storage will open and twist. At this time, the central... The tether II 402 transmits the torsional force to the membrane anti-rotation component 404, causing it to rotate around the connecting screw II 405, effectively counteracting the self-torsion of the drag-increasing membrane 403. Furthermore, the spiral spring 205 releases the preset curling potential energy, and the composite material mast 302 extends completely. Finally, the four right-angled triangular drag-increasing membranes 403 fully open to form a square with a projection area of ​​12 square meters, which increases the target's motion resistance, causing the target's trajectory to gradually decrease and eventually burn up after descending into the atmosphere, thus completing the descent mission.

[0087] The device of this invention has a simple structure, requires no active control or propellant consumption, and combines low cost and high reliability, providing an efficient solution for the controlled deorbiting of small and medium-sized spacecraft. By increasing the sail area, the deorbiting time can be significantly shortened. It also has little impact on the satellite itself, occupies less mass and space resources, and adds clamping protection components to relatively weak components such as composite material masts and drag-increasing films to ensure that their deployment process is controllable. The folding method of the film is optimized, which makes the storage efficiency high while minimizing creases and reducing the risk of damage from atomic oxygen corrosion. These advantages make it an economical and efficient deorbiting solution.

Claims

1. A planar unfolding off-track device based on a spiral spring drive, characterized in that, It includes a frame assembly (1), a power assembly (2), a drag-increasing deployment assembly (3), an off-track sail assembly (4), and four clamping arm assemblies (5). The frame assembly (1) provides support for other components; the power assembly (2) provides driving force based on the spiral spring (205); the drag-increasing deployment assembly (3) provides support based on four composite elastic masts (302), which are initially wound around the central pivot (203) of the power assembly (2); the off-track sail assembly (4) includes four triangular drag-increasing films (403), one vertex of an adjacent triangular drag-increasing film (403) is connected to the end of the composite elastic mast (302); each set of clamping arm assemblies is set on the outer periphery of the composite elastic mast and realizes the clamping and restriction of the stored drag-increasing film (403); When deployment is required, the top spiral spring (205) is controlled by an external signal to release the accumulated curling potential energy, which drives the four composite elastic masts (302) curled and stored on the central rotating shaft (203) to extend. During the extension of the composite elastic masts (302), the drag-increasing film (403) is pulled and unfolds synchronously. When the mast is fully extended, the four drag-increasing films (403) are fully unfolded and combined to form a sail with a square projection surface, thus completing the descent of the target.

2. The planar unfolding off-track device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame assembly (1) includes a central shaft (104), a base plate (106), a top cover (110), a pin puller (101), a film storage compartment (103), and connecting screw I (105). The central shaft (104) and the base plate (106) are fixed by a pre-set rectangular tooth meshing; The film storage compartment (103) has a central hole in the middle and an outer ring structure with a cross-section similar to "コ". The central hole of the film storage compartment (103) fits onto the central shaft (104). After installation, multiple connecting screws I (105) are used to fix the base plate (106) to the film storage compartment (103). The "コ" on the outer periphery of the film storage compartment (103) forms a compartment to accommodate the folded friction-enhancing film. The top cover (110) has a central hole in the middle. The top cover (110) has an overall annular box structure with a partially open bottom surface. The top cover (110) is coaxially fitted onto the central shaft (104).

3. The planar unfolding off-track device according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a torsion spring limiting block (102), partition post I (107), partition post II (108), and width and height limiting block (109). Four torsion spring limiting blocks (102) with countersunk holes facing downwards are evenly distributed on the bottom surface of the upper cover (110) and fixed by countersunk screws through two threaded holes on the bottom surface of the upper cover (110). The torsion spring limiting blocks (102) are provided with narrow grooves. The bottom surface of the top cover (110) is uniformly connected with multiple width and height limiting blocks (109) by screws. Multiple partition columns I (107) and partition columns II (108) are connected to the film storage compartment (103) by countersunk screws through the threaded holes at both ends of the columns and the countersunk holes on the top and bottom of the film storage compartment (103).

4. The planar unfolding off-track device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The power assembly (2) also includes bearing I (201), end cap (202) and bearing II (204). The central shaft (203) has a central hole in the middle, and the upper part of the central shaft (203) is an open cylindrical storage area for accommodating the spiral spring (205). An end cap (202) is fixedly connected to the upper end of the cylindrical storage area. The middle part of the central shaft (203) is a cylindrical part with a diameter smaller than that at both ends, used for winding the composite material elastic mast (302). The end cap (202) has an annular sidewall forming a circular groove. Bearing I (201) is located between the central shaft (104) and the circular groove on the upper part of the end cap (202). Bearing II (204) is fitted onto the central shaft (104) so ​​that it sinks into the circular groove pre-set in the film storage compartment (103). The pin puller (101) is fixed with screws through the threaded hole on the upper end face of the upper cover (110). The pin puller (101) locks the mechanism to stop rotation through the hollow cylindrical assembly on the upper surface of the end cover (202).

5. The planar unfolding off-track device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The spiral spring (205) is located in the cylindrical storage area pre-set at the upper end of the central rotating shaft (203). The inner ring of the spiral spring (205) is bent and connected to the narrow groove pre-set in the central shaft (104), and the outer ring is bent and connected to the narrow groove pre-set in the storage area of ​​the central rotating shaft (203). The spiral spring (205) and the central rotating shaft (203) are fixed together by screws. The two through holes at the base of the four composite elastic masts (302) are connected to the two threaded holes on the pre-set central rotating shaft (203) by screws in a clockwise direction. Then, the central rotating shaft (203) is rotated to wind the composite elastic masts onto the central rotating shaft (203). The other end of the composite elastic masts (302) is connected to the clamping arm.

6. The planar unfolding off-track device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The drag-increasing deployment assembly (3) also includes a mast clamp (301) and a film clamping arm (303). The mast clamp (301) body has a narrow groove inside, and the end of the composite material elastic mast (302) is inserted into the narrow groove of the mast clamp (301) body and fixed to it by screws and nuts; The film clamping arm (303) includes a lower arc-shaped part and an upper vertical connecting rod. The mast clamp (301) and the threaded part of the vertical connecting rod of the film clamping arm (303) are fixedly connected. When the composite material elastic mast (302) is wound around the central rotating shaft (203) in the initial state, the arc-shaped parts of multiple clamping arms form a limiting ring with a diameter larger than the diameter of the retracted resistance film, which is used to protect the resistance film (403), and the adjacent limiting arc-shaped parts are not connected.

7. The planar unfolding off-track device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The off-track sail assembly (4) also includes tether I (401), tether II (402), membrane anti-rotation element (404), connecting screw II (405) and tether III (406). The central hole of the film despinning component (404) is fitted onto the stud of the connecting screw II (405), allowing the film despinning component (404) to rotate around the connecting screw II (405) for a full circumference. The connecting screw II (405) is connected to the threaded hole of the film storage compartment (103). The tether II (402) is connected to the ring of the film despinning component (404) installed in the film storage area of ​​the film storage compartment (103). The resistance-increasing film (403) is placed between the installed multi-group partition columns. The tether I (401) and tether II (402) are respectively connected to the mast clips (301) on both sides of the connected resistance-increasing film (403) through their respective preset through holes.

8. The planar unfolding off-track device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The clamping arm assembly includes a mast clamping arm (501), roller I (502), roller II (503), roller III (504), torsion spring (505), and support column (506). The four hollow cylindrical structures at the bottom of the top cover (110) are fixedly connected to the four support columns (506); The clamping arm includes two bent rods, one above the other, and a connecting rod that connects to the bends of the two bent rods. Roller III (504) is fitted onto support column (506). Support column (506) is rotatably positioned between the upper and lower bent rods at the end of the clamping arm near the central shaft. Roller I (502) and roller II (503) are rotatably installed between the upper and lower bent rods on the side of the clamping arm (501) away from the central shaft. Torsion spring (505) is fitted onto support column (506). In the initial state after assembly, the upper edge of torsion spring (505) is placed in the narrow groove of torsion spring limiting block (102).

9. The planar unfolding off-track device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The resistance-enhancing film is folded in a double Z-direction and then rolled up around the center for storage.

10. A method for lowering a rail based on the planar unfolding off-rail device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, Specifically: When the rail lowering task is required, an electrical signal is transmitted to the pin puller (101), and the pin of the pin puller (101) is pulled out from the cylindrical hole of the end cover (202). The spiral spring (205) wound on the central shaft (104) releases the coiling potential energy to drive the central shaft (203) to rotate a full circle. The four composite elastic masts (302) wound around the central rotating shaft (203) begin to gradually extend outward. During the extension process, the mast clamping arm assembly (5) is continuously pushed towards the center by the elastic force of the torsion spring (505). As the composite elastic mast (302) elongates, the mast clamp (301) fixed at the end and the film clamping arm (303) unfold outward together, the drag-increasing film (403) loses its circumferential constraint, the tether II (402) is fixed to the film storage compartment (103) and will not move outward, the tether I (401) and the tether III (406) follow the mast clamp (301) connected to it and move outward, thereby driving the drag-increasing film (403) to gradually unfold; During the unfolding process of the drag-increasing film (403), the rolled layer during storage is opened and twisted under the action of external force. The tether II (402) transmits the twisting force to the film anti-rotation component (404), causing it to rotate around the connecting screw II (405), thus counteracting the self-twist of the drag-increasing film (403). After the spiral spring (205) releases the preset coiling potential energy, the composite elastic mast (302) extends completely, and finally the four right-angled triangular drag-increasing films (403) fully open to form a square, causing the target's orbit to gradually decrease and eventually burn up after falling into the atmosphere, thus completing the orbit descent mission.

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