A space station on-orbit exposure experiment module

Abstract

This application belongs to the field of extravehicular exposure experiments, specifically disclosing a space station on-orbit exposure experiment module. It includes an experimental base plate, sample covers, and connecting components. The experimental base plate has multiple sample placement areas, each with multiple slots for placing exposed samples. Multiple sample covers are provided, each detachably connected to a corresponding sample placement area via connecting components. Each sample cover has exposure holes for partially penetrating the exposed sample to expose it to the space environment. This structural design enables stable and reliable fixation of irregularly shaped and brittle samples such as cylindrical and sheet-like shapes, preventing displacement, rotation, or damage due to vibration, impact, or temperature changes during on-orbit operation, thereby improving the accuracy of experimental results.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of extravehicular exposure experiments, and more specifically, relates to a space station on-orbit exposure experiment module. Background Technology

[0002] As a comprehensive platform operating in orbit for extended periods, the space station faces an extremely harsh and complex external space environment. This environment combines a variety of extreme factors that are difficult to fully simulate on Earth, including ultra-high vacuum, high-flux atomic oxygen erosion, intense temperature cycling, strong ultraviolet and charged particle radiation, and impacts from micrometeoroids and space debris. These factors do not act in isolation but rather couple and synergistically influence each other, producing complex "comprehensive space environment effects" that pose a severe challenge to the long-term performance and reliability of space materials. Therefore, directly exposing experimental samples to the real extravehicular space environment is the most valuable means of assessing its on-orbit service performance and conducting fundamental research in space materials science, biology, and physics.

[0003] While existing extravehicular exposure experimental devices can support exposure experiments on some samples, they are difficult to stably fix irregular and brittle samples with cylindrical, sheet-like structures, resulting in poor applicability of the devices and consequently affecting the accuracy and reliability of the experimental results. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this application provides a space station on-orbit exposure experiment module, which aims to solve the problem that existing extravehicular exposure experiment devices have poor stability and insufficient applicability for fixing irregular and brittle samples with cylindrical, sheet-like structures, thus affecting the accuracy of experimental results.

[0005] This application provides a space station on-orbit exposure experiment module, specifically including an experimental base plate, sample cover plates, and connecting components. The experimental base plate is provided with multiple sample placement areas, and each sample placement area is provided with multiple placement slots for placing exposed samples. Multiple sample cover plates are provided, and each is detachably connected to the corresponding sample placement area through the connecting components. The sample cover plates are provided with exposure holes for the exposed samples to partially protrude and be exposed to the space environment.

[0006] Compared with existing technologies, the technical solution conceived in this application, by employing a placement slot to limit the position of the exposed sample and pressing it firmly with a sample cover plate, while utilizing an exposure hole to allow the exposed sample to partially protrude and contact the space environment, can achieve stable and reliable fixation of cylindrical, sheet-like, and other irregularly shaped and brittle samples. This avoids displacement, rotation, or damage to the sample during on-orbit operation due to factors such as vibration, impact, or temperature changes, thus effectively solving the problems of poor stability and insufficient applicability of existing devices for fixing irregularly shaped and brittle samples. Furthermore, the experimental base plate is equipped with multiple sample placement areas and multiple placement slots, which can simultaneously support multiple exposed samples of different types and sizes, improving space utilization efficiency and experimental throughput, and ensuring the accuracy and repeatability of exposure experiment results.

[0007] As a further preferred embodiment, the experimental base plate is also provided with a mounting groove that matches the lower surface of the sample cover plate.

[0008] As a further preferred embodiment, a positioning structure is provided between two adjacent sample cover plates, the positioning structure being used to fix the relative position of the two sample cover plates.

[0009] As a further preferred embodiment, the positioning structure includes a positioning protrusion disposed on one of the sample cover plates and a positioning groove formed on the other sample cover plate, wherein the positioning protrusion and the positioning groove are interlocked and adapted.

[0010] As a further preferred embodiment, the connecting assembly includes a plurality of locking bolts, and the sample cover plate is detachably connected to the experimental base plate by the plurality of locking bolts.

[0011] As a further preferred embodiment, the placement groove includes a circular groove and a rectangular groove, the circular groove being used to accommodate sheet-like samples and the rectangular groove being used to accommodate cylindrical samples.

[0012] As a further preferred embodiment, the shape of the exposure hole matches the local cross-sectional shape of the exposed sample, and the size of the exposure hole is smaller than the maximum cross-sectional size of the exposed sample, so as to prevent the exposed sample from falling out of the exposure hole.

[0013] As a further preferred embodiment, the space station on-orbit exposure experiment module also includes a sample protection cover, which is detachably connected to the experimental base plate and is used to cover the exposed sample and the sample cover plate.

[0014] As a further preferred embodiment, the experimental base plate is used to connect to the space station's external exposure experimental chamber.

[0015] As a further preferred embodiment, the exposed sample comprises sheet-like structures and cylindrical structures.

[0016] In summary, compared with the prior art, the technical solutions conceived in this application have the following main technical advantages: 1. In this application, the sample to be exposed is placed in the placement slot on the experimental base plate and fixed by the sample cover plate. At the same time, the exposure holes on the sample cover plate allow the exposed sample to partially protrude to contact the space environment. This can achieve stable and reliable fixation of irregularly shaped and brittle samples such as cylindrical and sheet-like shapes, avoiding displacement, rotation or damage to the sample due to vibration, impact or temperature changes during the on-orbit operation. This effectively solves the problems of poor stability and insufficient applicability of existing devices for fixing irregularly shaped and brittle samples, and significantly improves the accuracy and repeatability of exposure experiments.

[0017] 2. In this application, the sample cover plate is detachably connected to the experimental base plate via a connecting component, which facilitates the on-orbit installation, replacement and retrieval of exposed samples, reducing the difficulty of operation and labor intensity; at the same time, the experimental base plate is provided with multiple sample placement areas and multiple placement slots, which can simultaneously hold multiple exposed samples of different types and sizes, improving space utilization efficiency and experimental throughput.

[0018] 3. This application can improve the positioning accuracy and installation stability of the cover plate by further setting an installation groove that matches the lower surface of the sample cover plate; by setting a positioning structure in which the positioning protrusion and the positioning groove are interlocked, the relative position between adjacent cover plates can be fixed to prevent misalignment during use. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the experimental base plate provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the experimental base plate and sample cover plate provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A top-view structural diagram; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure in cross section along line AA; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the experimental module provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0020] In all the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same elements or structures, wherein: 1. Experimental base plate; 11. Sample placement area; 111. Circular groove; 112. Rectangular groove; 12. Mounting groove; 2. Sample cover plate; 21. Exposure hole; 3. Connecting assembly; 31. Locking bolt; 4. Positioning structure; 41. Positioning protrusion; 42. Positioning groove; 5. Sample protective cover; 6. Exposed sample; 61. Sheet sample; 62. Cylindrical sample. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0022] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 This application discloses a space station on-orbit exposure experiment module that can be loaded onto a space station extravehicular exposure experiment cabinet to conduct long-term extravehicular space environment radiation exposure experiments, providing key technical support for the research on the space service performance of advanced materials. It includes an experimental base plate 1, a sample cover plate 2, a connecting assembly 3, and a sample protective cover 5. To ensure durability, all components in this embodiment are made of 2-series aluminum alloy (with anti-corrosion surface treatment) to adapt to the complex extravehicular environment of the space station.

[0023] Among them, reference Figure 1-2 The experimental base plate 1 is used to connect to the space station's external exposure experimental chamber. Mounting holes are provided at all four corners, and captive screws are used to secure it to the connection holes on the space station's external exposure experimental chamber. The experimental base plate 1 has multiple sample placement areas 11, each containing multiple slots for placing exposed samples 6. The slots within the same sample placement area 11 have identical structures, while those in different sample placement areas 11 have different structures. This allows the module to simultaneously accommodate multiple exposed samples 6 of different types and sizes, improving space utilization efficiency and experimental throughput. The slots include circular slots 111 and rectangular slots 112. The circular slot 111 accommodates sheet-like samples 61, and the rectangular slot 112 accommodates cylindrical samples 62. The cylindrical samples 62 are placed laterally in the rectangular slot 112, enabling the module to adapt to exposed samples 6 of various shapes, improving versatility and flexibility. In this embodiment, the exposed samples 6 include, but are not limited to, sheet-like and cylindrical structures. The sheet-like sample 61 measures Φ15mm × 6mm and is used for microstructure and thermal property studies; the cylindrical sample 62 measures Φ10mm × 20mm and is used for mechanical property studies. In this embodiment, the sample placement area 11 for placing the cylindrical sample 62 has multiple through holes on the back of the experimental base plate 1, and the sample cover plate 2 has threaded holes at corresponding positions. Screws pass through the through holes and connect to the threaded holes, improving the installation stability of the sample cover plate 2.

[0024] Specifically, refer to Figure 2-4Multiple sample cover plates 2 are provided, and each is detachably connected to the corresponding sample placement area 11 via connecting components 3 to press and fix the exposed sample 6. To further improve installation stability, the experimental base plate 1 is also provided with a mounting groove 12 that matches the lower surface of the sample cover plate 2.

[0025] The connecting assembly 3 includes multiple locking bolts 31. The sample cover plate 2 is detachably connected to the experimental base plate 1 by multiple locking bolts 31, which not only ensures the fixing strength, but also facilitates the disassembly and assembly of the sample before or after the return.

[0026] More specifically, the sample cover plate 2 has an exposure hole 21 for the exposed sample 6 to partially protrude and be exposed to the space environment, directly contacting the outside world. The shape of the exposure hole 21 matches the local cross-sectional shape of the exposed sample 6, and the size of the exposure hole 21 is smaller than the maximum cross-sectional size of the exposed sample 6, thereby effectively preventing the exposed sample 6 from falling out of the exposure hole 21. The cross-section of the exposure hole 21 on the sample cover plate 2 used to press the sheet-like sample 61 is stepped, and the cross-section of the exposure hole 21 on the sample cover plate 2 used to press the cylindrical sample 62 is arc-shaped. The exposure holes 21 can fit tightly against the exposed sample 6 to prevent shaking. Through the synergistic structural design of the placement groove limiting the exposed sample 6, the sample cover plate 2 pressing the exposed sample 6, and the partial protrusion of the exposure hole 21, stable and reliable fixation of cylindrical, sheet-like, and other irregular or brittle samples can be achieved, effectively avoiding displacement, rotation, or damage to the sample due to vibration, impact, or temperature changes during on-orbit operation, ensuring the accuracy and repeatability of the exposure experiment results.

[0027] Furthermore, a positioning structure 4 is provided between two adjacent sample cover plates 2 to fix the relative position of the two sample cover plates 2, prevent relative displacement of adjacent cover plates on the track, and ensure the independence and stability of each sample placement area 11. Specifically, the positioning structure 4 includes a positioning protrusion 41 provided on one sample cover plate 2 and a positioning groove 42 opened on the other sample cover plate 2. The positioning protrusion 41 and the positioning groove 42 are adapted and connected by a plug-in method.

[0028] In this embodiment, the sample protection cover 5 is detachably connected to the experimental base plate 1 by screws, and is used to completely cover the exposed sample 6 and the sample cover plate 2. During the initial launch and on-orbit phases, the sample protection cover 5 can provide physical protection for the exposed sample 6 to avoid contamination or mechanical damage; it can be removed before entering the exposure experiment phase, allowing the sample to normally contact the space environment through the exposure hole 21.

[0029] When using the space station on-orbit exposure experiment module of this application, firstly, the exposed sample 6 is loaded onto the experimental base plate 1; then, the sample cover plate 2 is connected and fixed to the experimental base plate 1 with screws to press and fix the exposed sample 6; next, the sample protective cover 5 is connected and fixed to the experimental base plate 1 with screws; then, the assembled experimental module is carried up to the space station; during the on-orbit phase, the sample protective cover 5 is first removed from the experimental base plate 1, and then the experimental base plate 1 after removing the sample protective cover 5 is installed onto a specific area of ​​the extravehicular exposure experiment box with non-detachable screws; finally, the extravehicular exposure experiment box is pushed to the outside of the space station to formally carry out the extravehicular exposure experiment.

[0030] It should be understood that expressions such as "comprising" and "may include" as used in this application indicate the existence of the disclosed functions, operations, or constituent elements, and do not limit one or more additional functions, operations, and constituent elements. In this application, terms such as "comprising" and / or "having" may be interpreted as indicating a specific characteristic, number, operation, constituent element, component, or combination thereof, but should not be interpreted as excluding the existence or possibility of adding one or more other characteristics, numbers, operations, constituent elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0031] It should be understood that the terms “center,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inner,” “outer,” “clockwise,” “counterclockwise,” “axial,” “radial,” and “circumferential” indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application 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 application.

[0032] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0033] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A space station on-orbit exposure experiment module, characterized in that, The experimental base plate (1), sample cover plate (2) and connecting assembly (3) are provided. The experimental base plate (1) is provided with multiple sample placement areas (11). Each sample placement area (11) is provided with multiple placement slots for placing exposed samples (6). Multiple sample cover plates (2) are provided and are detachably connected to the corresponding sample placement area (11) through the connecting assembly (3). The sample cover plate (2) is provided with an exposure hole (21) for the exposed sample (6) to partially protrude and be exposed to the space environment.

2. The space station on-orbit exposure experiment module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The experimental base plate (1) is also provided with an installation groove (12) that is compatible with the lower surface of the sample cover plate (2).

3. The space station on-orbit exposure experiment module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A positioning structure (4) is provided between two adjacent sample cover plates (2), and the positioning structure (4) is used to fix the relative position of the two sample cover plates (2).

4. A space station on-orbit exposure experiment module as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The positioning structure (4) includes a positioning protrusion (41) disposed on one of the sample cover plates (2) and a positioning groove (42) opened on the other sample cover plate (2), wherein the positioning protrusion (41) and the positioning groove (42) are inserted and adapted to each other.

5. A space station on-orbit exposure experiment module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting assembly (3) includes multiple locking bolts (31), and the sample cover plate (2) is detachably connected to the experimental base plate (1) by the multiple locking bolts (31).

6. A space station on-orbit exposure experiment module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The placement slot includes a circular slot (111) and a rectangular slot (112). The circular slot (111) is used to accommodate sheet-shaped samples (61), and the rectangular slot (112) is used to accommodate cylindrical samples (62).

7. A space station on-orbit exposure experiment module as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The shape of the exposure hole (21) matches the local cross-sectional shape of the exposed sample (6), and the size of the exposure hole (21) is smaller than the maximum cross-sectional size of the exposed sample (6) to prevent the exposed sample (6) from falling out of the exposure hole (21).

8. A space station on-orbit exposure experiment module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The space station on-orbit exposure experiment module also includes a sample protection cover (5), which is detachably connected to the experimental base plate (1) and is used to cover the exposed sample (6) and the sample cover plate (2).

9. A space station on-orbit exposure experiment module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The experimental base plate (1) is used to connect with the space station's external exposure experimental box.

10. A space station on-orbit exposure experiment module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The exposed sample (6) includes sheet-like structures and cylindrical structures.

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