A new five-degree-of-freedom satellite simulator test device

Abstract

The application provides a novel five-degree-of-freedom satellite simulator test device, and belongs to the technical field of spaceflight. The application comprises a passive attitude simulation subsystem, a passive translation subsystem, an active translation part and an active attitude control subsystem. The application realizes five-degree-of-freedom motion simulation through an air floating table-air foot system, a fan assembly, a flywheel and a hollow rotating simulation ring structure, supports mode switching and jet mechanism simulation functions. The application has high precision, low power consumption and high reliability, and can be flexibly adapted to multiple scenes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aerospace technology, and in particular to a novel five-degree-of-freedom satellite simulator experimental device. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of satellite ground simulation technology, satellite simulator test devices typically employ a combination of an air-bearing platform and air-bearing ball bearings. The air-bearing platform releases two degrees of freedom in the translational direction, while the air-bearing ball bearings release three degrees of freedom in rotation (including roll, yaw, and pitch). As a type of air bearing, the air-bearing ball bearing utilizes gas (usually air) as a lubricating medium. Compressed air forms an air film, suspending the bearing surface above it. When subjected to a load, the air film adjusts its shape and position due to changes in pressure distribution, thereby achieving effective load transfer and balance.

[0003] However, air-bearing ball bearings have several inherent drawbacks in practical applications. Their load-bearing capacity is relatively limited. While they can support predetermined loads within the design parameters and material selection range, exceeding these limits may lead to air film rupture, thus affecting simulator performance. Furthermore, the design and application of air-bearing ball bearing systems are highly complex, requiring precise control of parameters such as gas pressure and flow rate to maintain air film stability. During operation, the air-bearing simulator ejects a large amount of gas at high speed, generating significant noise. This characteristic limits its application in noise-sensitive environments and makes it difficult to achieve high-precision displacement and attitude control, thus limiting its application in simulation scenarios with extremely high noise and accuracy requirements. In addition, air-bearing ball bearings are expensive, typically accounting for 10% to 20% of the total cost; if the cost of the air-bearing platform is excluded, the proportion can even reach 50%, and they have no recycling value. Therefore, reducing the purchase cost of air-bearing ball bearings has become a key challenge in budget control, necessitating the design of alternative solutions to reduce equipment costs and subsequent maintenance expenses. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of this invention is to obtain a technical solution that is low-cost, has low subsequent maintenance costs, is simple in principle, and can replace traditional satellite simulator test devices. This invention provides a novel five-degree-of-freedom satellite simulator test device, which realizes five-degree-of-freedom motion simulation through an air-floating platform-air foot system, a fan assembly, a flywheel, and a hollow rotating simulation ring structure, and supports mode switching and jet mechanism simulation functions.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A novel five-degree-of-freedom satellite simulator experimental device includes: The passive attitude simulation subsystem consists of a hollow rotating simulation ring connected to a bearing to form a three-degree-of-freedom rotating platform, which is used to realize yaw rotation, pitch rotation and roll rotation respectively. It has a fixing device for fixing the satellite model inside. The passive translational subsystem includes an air foot and an air-floating platform. The air-floating platform sprays air through the air foot, enabling the satellite simulator experimental device to achieve two-degree-of-freedom translational motion through gas suspension. The active translation section includes paired fan assemblies arranged along three orthogonal directions, which control the forward and reverse rotation of the fans via motors to achieve single-degree-of-freedom bidirectional translation control. The active attitude control subsystem includes flywheels arranged in three directions inside the fixed device. Pitch, yaw, and roll three-degree-of-freedom attitude control is achieved by controlling the speed and direction of the flywheels. The fan assembly is configured as a redundant backup. When the flywheel fails, the control torque is generated by the differential operation of the fan assembly in the same direction at the same speed but in opposite directions.

[0006] Preferably, the rotating simulation ring comprises: The first rotation simulation ring is used to realize yaw direction rotation; The second rotation simulation ring is used to achieve pitch rotation. The third rotation simulation ring is used to realize rotation in the roll direction.

[0007] Preferably, the fan assembly uses electrical energy as its power source, replacing the traditional cold jet propulsion device to reduce power consumption.

[0008] Preferably, the flywheel assembly employs magnetic levitation technology to reduce rotational frictional resistance and improve response speed.

[0009] Preferably, the satellite simulator test device can switch working modes: when not ventilated, it acts as a three-degree-of-freedom rotation simulator; when ventilated, it combines the air-bearing platform and fan assembly to control and achieve five-degree-of-freedom motion.

[0010] Preferably, in the active translational section, the fan assembly in the Z direction is configured to simulate a satellite jet mechanism.

[0011] Preferably, the fixing device is a cross-shaped bracket.

[0012] Preferably, the cross-shaped support is made of high-strength, lightweight material to ensure the stability of the satellite model during the simulation process.

[0013] The novel five-degree-of-freedom satellite simulator experimental device provided by this invention achieves five-degree-of-freedom motion simulation through an air-bearing platform-air foot system, a fan assembly, a flywheel, and a hollow rotating simulation ring structure. It supports mode switching and jet mechanism simulation functions, and has the following advantages over existing technologies: High precision and low power consumption: The air-floating platform-air foot system achieves passive translational levitation, and the flywheel adopts magnetic levitation technology to achieve no mechanical contact, significantly reducing translational friction and improving attitude control response speed and adjustment accuracy; the orthogonal fan assembly replaces the traditional jet device, significantly reducing energy consumption.

[0014] High reliability and structural stability: The multi-directional redundant backup configuration of the orthogonal fan assembly and the magnetic levitation flywheel form control redundancy, ensuring continuous system operation even in the event of a single component failure. The key structure of the cross-shaped bracket uses high-strength, lightweight materials to enhance structural stability and adapt to a wide temperature testing environment.

[0015] Multi-scenario adaptation and flexible switching: The gas path control system supports switching between ventilated and non-ventilated modes. When ventilated, the air-floating platform and fan achieve five degrees of freedom of motion, while when non-ventilated, the rotating simulation ring provides three degrees of rotational freedom, enabling a single device to cover the ground test requirements of satellites from single to five degrees of freedom. The mode switching is compatible with existing test procedures. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; In the diagram, 1. First rotating simulation ring; 2. Second rotating simulation ring; 3. Third rotating simulation ring; 4. First pair of bearings; 5. Second pair of bearings; 6. Third pair of bearings; 7. First fan assembly; 8. Second fan assembly; 9. Third fan assembly; 10. Flywheel; 11. Air supply; 12. Cross-shaped bracket. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0018] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "top / bottom", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0019] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," "sleeved / connected," "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, this invention provides a novel five-degree-of-freedom satellite simulator experimental device, comprising a passive attitude simulation subsystem, a passive translation subsystem, an active translation component, and an active attitude control subsystem. The passive attitude simulation subsystem consists of a hollow rotating simulation ring connected to bearings to form a three-degree-of-freedom rotation platform, used to achieve yaw, pitch, and roll rotations, respectively. Internally, it has a fixing device for securing the satellite model. Preferably, there are three rotating simulation rings, named first rotating simulation ring 1, second rotating simulation ring 2, and third rotating simulation ring 3. The bearings are preferably a first pair of bearings 4, a second pair of bearings 5, and a third pair of bearings 6 corresponding to the rotating simulation rings, combined with the first rotating simulation ring 1, second rotating simulation ring 2, and third rotating simulation ring 3 to form a three-degree-of-freedom rotating simulation ring group. Each rotating simulation ring is stably connected to the rotating components via bearings, thereby achieving precise single-degree-of-freedom rotation. Specifically, the first rotation simulation ring 1 works in conjunction with the first bearing to achieve precise rotation control in the yaw direction; the second rotation simulation ring 2 works in conjunction with the second bearing to complete flexible rotation operation in the pitch direction; and the third rotation simulation ring 3 works in conjunction with the third bearing to achieve free rotation in the roll direction.

[0021] Through the above design, a high-precision three-degree-of-freedom rotation platform system was successfully constructed. The preferred fixing device is a cross-shaped bracket 12, preferably made of high-strength, lightweight material. As a dedicated fixing device for the satellite model, it ensures the stability and reliability of the satellite model during the simulation process.

[0022] The passive translational subsystem includes air feet 11 and an air-floating platform. Air feet 11 act as the actuator of the air-floating platform. Air jets from the air-floating platform, passing through air feet 11, enable the satellite simulator experimental device to achieve two-degree-of-freedom translational motion through gas levitation. The passive translational subsystem employs an air foot 11 structure design. When the air-floating platform ejects gas outward at a preset pressure and flow rate, the satellite simulator can achieve stable levitation under the buoyancy force, thereby producing a two-degree-of-freedom translational effect. The number and layout of air feet 11, as well as the jetting parameters of the air-floating platform, can be calculated according to actual needs. In this invention, there are no special restrictions on these parameters to ensure the stability and accuracy of the satellite simulator during the translational process.

[0023] The active translational section includes paired fan assemblies arranged along three orthogonal directions, designated as first fan assembly 7, second fan assembly 8, and third fan assembly 9. These fans are controlled by a motor to rotate in both directions, achieving single-degree-of-freedom bidirectional translational control. Specifically, the active translational section innovatively replaces the traditional cold jet propulsion device by employing paired fan assemblies arranged along three orthogonal directions. A pair of fans operating in the same direction maintains the same rotational speed while being controlled by a motor to rotate in both directions, enabling precise control of the system's translational movement in a single degree-of-freedom direction. Compared to traditional cold jet devices, the fan assemblies used in this invention offer significant advantages. The fan assemblies are preferably powered by electricity, effectively overcoming the problem of excessive power consumption in cold jet devices. Simultaneously, precise motor speed control easily achieves accurate bidirectional movement control in a single degree-of-freedom direction, greatly improving the system's control accuracy and operating efficiency, significantly enhancing the system's practicality while reducing operating costs.

[0024] The active attitude control subsystem includes a flywheel 10 arranged in three directions (around the X, Y, and Z axes) inside the fixed device. Pitch, yaw, and roll three-degree-of-freedom attitude control is achieved by controlling the rotational speed and direction of the flywheel 10. The fan assembly is configured for redundancy; when the flywheel 10 fails, control torque is generated by the differential operation of the fan assembly in the same direction at the same speed but in opposite directions. Specifically: The active attitude control subsystem incorporates flywheels 10 arranged in three directions within the frame. By precisely controlling the rotational speed and direction of the flywheels 10, it achieves active and precise attitude control of the satellite simulator's pitch, yaw, and roll three degrees of freedom. The flywheels 10 preferably employ magnetic levitation technology, effectively reducing rotational friction and improving response speed and control accuracy. Notably, this invention also incorporates a redundancy backup mechanism, configuring the fan assembly as a redundant backup. When the flywheel 10 system malfunctions, the fan assembly can quickly switch to attitude control mode. By controlling fans operating in the same direction to rotate at the same speed but in opposite directions, a control torque is generated around a fixed axis, providing reliable redundancy for the attitude control system. Furthermore, operators can flexibly adjust the fan rotation speed according to the required speed for the satellite simulator's forward direction through the control system, enabling a group of fans to simultaneously and effectively control attitude and translation, further enhancing the system's integration and control efficiency.

[0025] In this invention, the satellite simulator test device can switch working modes: when not ventilated, it acts as a three-degree-of-freedom rotation simulator; when ventilated, it combines the air-floating platform and fan assembly to control and achieve five-degree-of-freedom motion.

[0026] In this invention, the fan assembly in the Z-direction of the active translational section is configured to simulate a satellite jet mechanism.

[0027] This invention enables the simulation of three degrees of freedom of rotation without ventilation. When not ventilated, the system can also be used as a three-degree-of-freedom simulator (rotation only). When the simulator is ventilated, it becomes a five-degree-of-freedom simulator. The first fan assembly 7 cooperates to form bidirectional translation in the Y direction, the second fan assembly 8 and its corresponding fan cooperate to form bidirectional translation in the X direction, and the third fan assembly 9 and its corresponding fan cooperate to form bidirectional translation in the Z direction. The flywheels 10 installed in the three directions serve as actuators for the active attitude control system to control the rotational direction. Since the simulator does not liberate the Z-direction of freedom, the fan is used to simulate the jet mechanism of the entire satellite.

[0028] In summary, the novel five-degree-of-freedom satellite simulator experimental device provided by this invention has high precision, low power consumption, and high reliability, and can be flexibly adapted to multiple scenarios.

[0029] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A novel five-degree-of-freedom satellite simulator experimental device, characterized in that, include: The passive attitude simulation subsystem consists of a hollow rotating simulation ring connected to a bearing to form a three-degree-of-freedom rotating platform, which is used to realize yaw rotation, pitch rotation and roll rotation respectively. It has a fixing device for fixing the satellite model inside. The passive translational subsystem includes an air foot and an air-floating platform. The air-floating platform sprays air through the air foot, enabling the satellite simulator experimental device to achieve two-degree-of-freedom translational motion through gas suspension. The active translation section includes paired fan assemblies arranged along three orthogonal directions, which control the forward and reverse rotation of the fans via motors to achieve single-degree-of-freedom bidirectional translation control. The active attitude control subsystem includes flywheels arranged in three directions inside the fixed device. Pitch, yaw, and roll three-degree-of-freedom attitude control is achieved by controlling the speed and direction of the flywheels. The fan assembly is configured as a redundant backup. When the flywheel fails, the control torque is generated by the differential operation of the fan assembly in the same direction at the same speed but in opposite directions.

2. The novel five-degree-of-freedom satellite simulator experimental device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotation simulation ring includes: The first rotation simulation ring is used to realize yaw direction rotation; The second rotation simulation ring is used to achieve pitch rotation. The third rotation simulation ring is used to realize rotation in the roll direction.

3. The novel five-degree-of-freedom satellite simulator experimental device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fan assembly uses electricity as its power source, replacing the traditional cold jet propulsion device to reduce power consumption.

4. The novel five-degree-of-freedom satellite simulator experimental device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flywheel assembly employs magnetic levitation technology to reduce rotational friction resistance and improve response speed.

5. A novel five-degree-of-freedom satellite simulator experimental device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The satellite simulator test device can switch working modes: when not ventilated, it acts as a three-degree-of-freedom rotation simulator; when ventilated, it combines the air-floating platform and fan assembly to control five-degree-of-freedom motion.

6. The novel five-degree-of-freedom satellite simulator experimental device according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the active translational section, the fan assembly in the Z direction is configured to simulate a satellite jet mechanism.

7. A novel five-degree-of-freedom satellite simulator experimental device according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The fixing device is a cross-shaped bracket.

8. A novel five-degree-of-freedom satellite simulator experimental device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The cross-shaped support is made of high-strength, lightweight material, ensuring the stability of the satellite model during the simulation process.

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