Air-floating Platform for Multi-arm Spacecraft Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ground test systems cannot simulate the movement and crawling of multi-arm spacecraft systems in space, assemble large-scale space structures, or simulate the influence of assembling and catching actions in a weightless environment, limiting the effectiveness of on-orbit control and maintenance operations.
Innovation Solution
A ground test system for a space-oriented multi-arm spacecraft system is developed, featuring an air-floating platform, a spacecraft system simulator with mechanical arms and six-dimensional force sensors, a simulation auxiliary docking device, and a motion capture system, which simulates microgravity and allows for the verification of planning and control algorithms by replicating on-orbit assembly, fuel filling, and auxiliary docking tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional ground test systems are used, then the test device structure is simple, but they cannot simulate the weightless environment and movement of multi-arm spacecraft systems in space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses air floating technology to counteract gravity, creating a weightless simulation environment. The air bearing platform generates an air film between the test object and support surface, eliminating friction and gravitational effects, thereby enabling accurate simulation of space weightless conditions without requiring complex mechanical counterweight systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a scaled-down simulation model of the multi-arm spacecraft system, including a simulation base, simulation spacecraft, and simulation mechanical arms. This copying approach allows comprehensive testing of control algorithms and operational procedures in a simplified yet representative environment, reducing the need for full-scale space tests
2Reliability
If on-orbit tests are conducted, then the actual space environment is tested, but the tests are costly and take a long period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements comprehensive ground-based preliminary testing of control algorithms, mechanical arm operations, and spacecraft maneuvers in a simulated weightless environment. By thoroughly validating all systems and procedures before launch, the system eliminates the need for extensive and time-consuming on-orbit testing, thereby reducing overall test duration while maintaining high test validity
3Reliability
If gravity-counteracting methods are used to simulate weightlessness, then the weightless environment is simulated, but the test device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs air bearing technology, which uses compressed air to create a thin film between the simulation base and support structure. This pneumatic system provides frictionless, gravity-counteracting support that enables weightless simulation without the mechanical complexity of hydraulic systems or mechanical counterweights, achieving reliable weightless conditions with simplified device architecture
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables the simulation of complex on-orbit operations such as assembly, crawling, and docking, enhancing the capability to plan and control multi-arm spacecraft systems in space by providing a realistic weightless environment and allowing for the execution of delicate and complex operations.
Implementation Method 1
the air-floating platform is placed on a plurality of supporting columns, the spacecraft system simulator floats on the air-floating platform through four porous air feet
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a ground test system and a test method for a space-oriented multi-arm spacecraft system. A spacecraft system simulator floats on an air-floating platform through four porous air feet, a test truss is placed around the air-floating platform, a simulation auxiliary docking device, a simulation crawling truss and a satellite model are arranged in a middle of a ceiling of the test truss, and an assembly test area and a silent air compressor are arranged on sides of the test truss. The application is used to solve the problems that the prior art cannot simulate the movement and crawling of the multi-arm spacecraft system in space, assembly of large space structures, and the prior art cannot simulate the influence of assembling, catching and other actions on a base in a weightless environment.