Position detection light source and space containerless device

Abstract

The application discloses a position detection light source and a space containerless device, and the position detection light source comprises a mechanical shell, a light source light emitting chip arranged in the mechanical shell, a collimation and shaping module arranged in the mechanical shell and located on an emitting light path of the light source light emitting chip and used for shaping the laser beam into parallel light and outputting, a driving module integratedly installed in the mechanical shell and electrically connected with the light source light emitting chip, wherein the driving module comprises a constant current driving circuit and a temperature control circuit, the constant current driving circuit is used for providing constant current driving current to the light source light emitting chip, and the temperature control circuit is used for controlling the working temperature of the light source light emitting chip to be kept constant, and a connector arranged on the mechanical shell. In the application, the light emitting chip, the collimation and shaping and the driving control are integrated in a small sealed shell, and the application has the functions of active temperature control and quick dismounting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of experimental equipment technology for space materials science, and further to a position detection light source and a containerless space device. Background Technology

[0002] Containerless materials experiments on space stations rely on microgravity and electrostatic levitation technology to achieve deep supercooling and non-equilibrium solidification of high-temperature melts such as metals, alloys, and oxides under containerless conditions, making it a key method for conducting space materials science research. The position detection light source, as a core component of the electrostatic levitation position control system, uses a back projection method in conjunction with a position detection camera to achieve real-time measurement of the three-dimensional position of the suspended sample, ensuring stable sample levitation. Currently, position detection light sources used in containerless space devices generally suffer from the following problems: First, traditional light sources typically employ discrete optical components and independent drive structures arranged separately, with each module connected by external brackets and cables. This results in low integration, leading to a large overall size and heavy weight, making it difficult to meet the strict constraints of space and launch weight on space station payloads.

[0003] Secondly, the light-emitting chip generates a lot of heat during operation. Under the limited heat dissipation conditions inside the space station, the continuous rise in chip temperature will lead to attenuation of output light power, wavelength drift and distortion of light spot shape, which will directly affect the accuracy and stability of position detection.

[0004] In addition, existing light source connection structures mostly use conventional screw fastening or solidification packaging methods, which cannot achieve quick disassembly and installation between the light source module and external equipment. Once a failure occurs in orbit, it is difficult to quickly replace and maintain the system, which reduces the system reliability and on-orbit service life.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a new type of position detection light source and containerless space device that integrates the light-emitting chip, collimation and shaping and drive control into a small sealed housing, and has active temperature control and quick disassembly functions to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the present invention aims to provide a position detection light source and a containerless spatial device that integrates a light-emitting chip, collimation and shaping, and drive control into a small sealed housing, while also featuring active temperature control and quick disassembly.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a position detection light source, comprising: Mechanical casing; A light-emitting chip, disposed inside the mechanical housing, is used to emit a laser beam; The collimation and shaping module is located inside the mechanical housing and in the light output path of the light source chip, and is used to shape the laser beam into parallel light and output it. The drive module is integrated and installed inside the mechanical housing and is electrically connected to the light source chip. The drive module includes a constant current drive circuit and a temperature control circuit. The constant current drive circuit is used to provide a constant current drive current to the light source chip, and the temperature control circuit is used to control the operating temperature of the light source chip to remain constant. A connector, disposed on the mechanical housing, is used to enable a detachable connection between the light source and external devices.

[0008] In some embodiments, the driving module further includes a temperature sensor and a semiconductor cooling device. The temperature sensor is used to monitor the operating temperature of the light source chip in real time and feed it back to the temperature control circuit. The semiconductor cooling device is used to reduce the operating temperature of the light source chip.

[0009] In some embodiments, the mechanical housing is provided with an electromagnetic shielding layer to shield the driving module and the light source chip from external electromagnetic interference.

[0010] In some embodiments, the exterior of the mechanical housing is provided with a mounting flange, and the mounting flange is provided with fixing screw holes for detachably connecting the mechanical housing to the containerless device by bolts; The mounting flange also serves as a heat conduction structure, used to transfer heat to the water-cooled modules of the containerless space station.

[0011] In some embodiments, the light-emitting chip is a single-mode semiconductor laser with an emission wavelength of 660nm and a spectral width ≤2nm.

[0012] In some embodiments, the collimation and shaping module includes a collimating lens, a homogenizing element, and a filter arranged sequentially along the optical path, for collimating, homogenizing, and filtering the laser beam emitted by the light source chip in sequence to output a uniform flat-top light spot.

[0013] In some embodiments, the mechanical housing is treated with a blackening surface treatment, and the contact surfaces that come into contact with external components are treated with a conductive surface treatment to conduct away static electricity.

[0014] In some embodiments, a vibration damping layer is provided inside the mechanical housing. The vibration damping layer is disposed between each functional module and the inner wall of the mechanical housing to isolate the transmission of external vibrations to the light source chip and the collimation and shaping module.

[0015] In some embodiments, the connector is a quick-connect electrical connector with a guide pin, disposed on the side wall or rear end of the mechanical housing, and is quickly positioned and plugged into external connectors via the guide pin.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention further provides a containerless device for a space station, including a position detection light source as described in any of the above, and also including a device body and a position detection camera; The device body has multiple mounting points around its perimeter, and the position detection light source and the position detection camera are respectively mounted on the mounting points on opposite sides of the device body. The light-emitting axis of the position detection light source is oriented towards the central suspension area of ​​the device body, and is used to provide an illumination spot to the experimental sample suspended in the central suspension area. The position detection camera is used to acquire images of the illuminated experimental sample and calculate the sample position.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the position detection light source and containerless space device provided by the present invention have the following beneficial effects: In this invention, the light source chip, collimation and shaping module, and temperature-controlled drive module are integrated and installed inside the same mechanical housing, resulting in a highly compact overall structure that effectively reduces volume and weight, meeting the stringent payload constraints of the space station. Simultaneously, the temperature control circuit built into the drive module can adjust and maintain a constant operating temperature of the light source chip in real time, effectively suppressing light power attenuation and wavelength drift caused by temperature rise, ensuring long-term stable light source output and guaranteeing position detection accuracy. The detachable connector on the housing enables quick plugging and unplugging and replacement of the light source with external devices, facilitating on-orbit maintenance. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The optional embodiments of the present invention will be described below in a clear and easy-to-understand manner, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, to further illustrate the above-mentioned characteristics, technical features, advantages, and implementation methods of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a position detection light source according to an optional embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a position detection light source according to an optional embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a containerless space device according to an optional embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Explanation of icon numbers: 1. Mechanical housing, 11. Mounting flange, 111. Fixing screw hole, 2. Light source chip, 3. Collimation and shaping module, 4. Drive module, 5. Connector, 6. Device body, 61. Mounting part, 7. Position detection camera. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the specific implementation methods of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings and other implementation methods can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0022] To keep the drawings concise, each figure only schematically shows the parts relevant to the invention, and these do not represent the actual structure of the product. Furthermore, to facilitate understanding, in some figures, only one of components with the same structure or function is schematically depicted, or only one is labeled. In this document, "one" not only means "only one," but can also mean "more than one."

[0023] It should also be further understood that the term “and / or” as used in this application specification and the appended claims means any combination of one or more of the associated listed items and all possible combinations, and includes such combinations.

[0024] In this document, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0025] Furthermore, in the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0026] In one embodiment, refer to the appendix to the specification. Figure 1 , Figure 2The present invention provides a position detection light source, comprising: a mechanical housing 1, a light source chip 2, a collimation and shaping module 3, a driving module 4, and a connector 5; the light source chip 2 is disposed inside the mechanical housing 1 and is used to emit a laser beam; the collimation and shaping module 3 is disposed inside the mechanical housing 1 and located in the light output path of the light source chip 2, and is used to shape the laser beam into parallel light and output it; the driving module 4 is integrated and installed inside the mechanical housing 1 and is electrically connected to the light source chip 2, the driving module 4 including a constant current driving circuit and a temperature control circuit, the constant current driving circuit is used to provide a constant current driving current to the light source chip 2, and the temperature control circuit is used to control the operating temperature of the light source chip 2 to remain constant; the connector 5 is disposed on the mechanical housing 1 and is used to realize a detachable connection between the light source and external devices.

[0027] In this invention, the light source chip 2, the collimation and shaping module 3, and the temperature-controlled drive module 4 are integrated and installed inside the same mechanical housing 1, making the overall structure highly compact, effectively reducing volume and weight, and meeting the stringent load constraints of the space station. At the same time, the temperature control circuit built into the drive module 4 can adjust and maintain the operating temperature of the light source chip 2 in real time, effectively suppressing the light power attenuation and wavelength drift caused by temperature rise, ensuring long-term stable light source output, and guaranteeing position detection accuracy. The detachable connector 5 set on the mechanical housing 1 enables quick plugging and unplugging and replacement of the light source with external equipment, facilitating on-orbit maintenance.

[0028] In one embodiment, refer to the appendix to the specification. Figure 1 , Figure 2 The mechanical housing 1 is a sealed shell made of aluminum alloy. It is equipped with an electromagnetic shielding layer to protect the drive module 4 and the light source chip 2 from external electromagnetic interference. The electromagnetic shielding layer can be a metal foil attachment, an inner conductive plating layer, a conductive coating, or a conductive rubber gasket. This shielding layer effectively attenuates or blocks electromagnetic radiation from other equipment within the space station, preventing interference with the light source chip 2 and the drive module 4. It avoids noise introduced into the drive current that causes light intensity fluctuations or wavelength anomalies, ensuring a consistently stable and pure light source output. Simultaneously, it protects the internal temperature control circuitry of the drive module from electromagnetic coupling interference, maintaining precise control.

[0029] The mechanical housing 1 employs a blackened surface treatment to reduce stray light reflection from its surface. The contact surfaces with external components undergo a conductive surface treatment to ensure efficient dissipation of electrostatic charges. The overall dimensions of the light source are no greater than 41mm × 41mm × 27mm, and its weight does not exceed 160g. The mechanical housing 1 is externally equipped with a mounting flange 11, which has fixing screw holes 111 for connecting the mechanical housing 1 to the containerless device cavity using captive screws. This isolates the light source from emission and on-orbit vibration and shock, ensuring the stability of the light source's optical path. The mounting flange 11 also serves as a heat conduction structure, transferring heat to the water-cooled module of the space station's containerless device.

[0030] The mechanical housing 1 contains a vibration-damping layer, which is positioned between each functional module and the inner wall of the mechanical housing 1. This layer isolates external vibrations from being transmitted to the light-emitting chip 2 and the collimation and shaping module 3. The vibration-damping layer can be a rubber-based elastic layer, a foam material layer, a metal mesh vibration-damping pad, etc. It eliminates vibration and impact loads transmitted from the housing to the internal modules during rocket launch and on-orbit attitude adjustment, preventing relative displacement between the precision light-emitting surface of the light-emitting chip and the optical elements of the collimation and shaping module, thus ensuring that the light source consistently outputs a stable illumination spot.

[0031] In one embodiment, refer to the appendix to the specification. Figure 1 , Figure 2 The light source chip 2 is a laser diode (LD) chip, fixed on a precision positioning base inside the mechanical housing 1, used to emit a divergent laser beam with a wavelength of 660nm as an illumination source for position detection. The light source chip 2 is a single-mode semiconductor laser with a wavelength of 660nm and a spectral width ≤2nm. When used with a narrowband filter, it can effectively suppress stray light interference.

[0032] The collimation and shaping module 3 includes a collimating lens, a homogenizing element, and a filter arranged sequentially along the optical path. It is used to sequentially collimate, homogenize, and filter the laser beam emitted from the light source chip 2 to output a uniform flat-top light spot. The collimation and shaping module 3 is located in the output optical path of the light source chip 2 and includes a set of shaping lenses to shape the divergent laser beam emitted from the light source chip 2 into parallel light. The collimation and shaping module 3 collimates, homogenizes, and filters the beam, outputting a highly uniform flat-top light spot and improving detection accuracy.

[0033] The driving module 4 also includes a temperature sensor and a semiconductor cooling device. The temperature sensor is used to monitor the operating temperature of the light source chip 2 in real time and feed it back to the temperature control circuit. The semiconductor cooling device is used to reduce the operating temperature of the light source chip 2. It is used to provide a stable, low-noise driving current for the light source chip 2 and to control the operating temperature of the light source chip 2 in real time, so that its output light power and wavelength remain constant.

[0034] Connector 5 is a quick-connect electrical connector with a guide pin, located on the side wall or rear end of the mechanical housing 1. It allows for quick positioning and insertion / removal of external connectors via the guide pin. The guide pin guides and aligns the connector during insertion, improving the reliability and efficiency of the connection. The quick-connect structure allows for rapid disassembly and replacement of the light source without tools, enhancing the system's on-orbit maintainability and replaceability.

[0035] In this embodiment, the modular integrated design results in a compact structure that meets the installation requirements of the limited space in the space station. The lightweight structure and high-density integration effectively reduce the load weight and adapt to the space lightweight constraints. The built-in high-precision constant temperature thermal control and thermal isolation structure can withstand high and low temperature alternation, ensuring long-term stability of light intensity and spot. Equipped with vibration damping and rigid locking structures, it can withstand the vibration and impact of transmission and on-orbit operation, resulting in high optical path stability. The use of non-removable screws for fastening and quick-release modular interfaces for connectors allows for rapid disassembly and replacement, facilitating on-orbit maintenance.

[0036] According to another aspect of the invention, reference is made to the appended specification. Figure 3 The present invention further provides a containerless device for a space station, including a position detection light source as described in any of the above, and also including a device body 6 and a position detection camera 7; the device body 6 is provided with a plurality of mounting positions 61 around its perimeter, and the position detection light source and the position detection camera 7 are respectively mounted on the mounting positions 61 on opposite sides of the device body 6; the light emission axis of the position detection light source is oriented toward the central suspension area of ​​the device body 6, and is used to provide an illumination spot to the experimental sample suspended in the central suspension area; the position detection camera 7 is used to acquire images of the illuminated experimental sample and calculate the sample position.

[0037] In this embodiment, by mounting the position detection light source and the position detection camera 7 on the mounting positions 61 on opposite sides of the device body 6, and ensuring that the light output axis of the light source is precisely oriented towards the central suspension area, high-quality illumination and high-precision position detection of the suspended experimental sample are achieved. This device features a compact structure, stable light source output, reliable vibration resistance, and ease of on-orbit maintenance, providing reliable detection lighting for containerless material experiments on the space station.

[0038] When the position detection light source is operational, it docks with the main unit of the containerless space station via connector 5 to obtain power and control signals. After power-on, the temperature-controlled and current-stabilized drive module 4 outputs a stable drive current to the light source chip 2, causing it to emit a continuous laser beam with a wavelength of 660nm. The laser beam enters the collimation and shaping module 3, where it is converted into a parallel beam by a shaping lens group, illuminating the surface of the suspended sample. The reflected or transmitted image of the sample surface is acquired by the position detection camera 7, and the three-dimensional position and orientation of the sample are calculated using image processing algorithms.

[0039] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts that are not described in detail or recorded in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0040] It should be noted that the above embodiments can be freely combined as needed. The above are merely optional embodiments of the present invention. It should be pointed out that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A position detection light source, characterized in that, include: Mechanical casing; A light-emitting chip, disposed inside the mechanical housing, is used to emit a laser beam; The collimation and shaping module is located inside the mechanical housing and in the light output path of the light source chip, and is used to shape the laser beam into parallel light and output it. The drive module is integrated and installed inside the mechanical housing and is electrically connected to the light source chip. The drive module includes a constant current drive circuit and a temperature control circuit. The constant current drive circuit is used to provide a constant current drive current to the light source chip, and the temperature control circuit is used to control the operating temperature of the light source chip to remain constant. A connector, disposed on the mechanical housing, is used to enable a detachable connection between the light source and external devices.

2. The position detection light source according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving module also includes a temperature sensor and a semiconductor cooling device. The temperature sensor is used to monitor the operating temperature of the light source chip in real time and feed it back to the temperature control circuit. The semiconductor cooling device is used to reduce the operating temperature of the light source chip.

3. The position detection light source according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mechanical housing is provided with an electromagnetic shielding layer to shield the driving module and the light source chip from external electromagnetic interference.

4. The position detection light source according to claim 3, characterized in that, The exterior of the mechanical housing is provided with a mounting flange, and the mounting flange is provided with fixing screw holes for detachably connecting the mechanical housing to the containerless device by bolts; The mounting flange also serves as a heat conduction structure, used to transfer heat to the water-cooled modules of the containerless space station.

5. The position detection light source according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light-emitting chip is a single-mode semiconductor laser with an emission wavelength of 660nm and a spectral width of ≤2nm.

6. The position detection light source according to claim 1, characterized in that, The collimation and shaping module includes a collimating lens, a homogenizing element, and a filter arranged sequentially along the optical path. It is used to collimate, homogenize, and filter the laser beam emitted by the light source chip in sequence to output a uniform flat-top light spot.

7. The position detection light source according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mechanical housing is treated with a blackening surface process, and the contact surfaces that come into contact with external components are treated with a conductive surface process to conduct away static electricity.

8. The position detection light source according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mechanical housing is equipped with a vibration damping pad layer, which is disposed between each functional module and the inner wall of the mechanical housing to isolate the transmission of external vibrations to the light source chip and the collimation and shaping module.

9. The position detection light source according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector is a quick-connect electrical connector with a guide pin, which is located on the side wall or rear end of the mechanical housing and is quickly positioned and plugged into external connectors via the guide pin.

10. A containerless device for a space station, characterized in that, The device includes a position detection light source as described in any one of claims 1-9, and also includes a device body and a position detection camera; The device body has multiple mounting points around its perimeter, and the position detection light source and the position detection camera are respectively mounted on the mounting points on opposite sides of the device body. The light-emitting axis of the position detection light source is oriented towards the central suspension area of ​​the device body, and is used to provide an illumination spot to the experimental sample suspended in the central suspension area. The position detection camera is used to acquire images of the illuminated experimental sample and calculate the sample position.

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