Lunar Gravity Simulation System with Movable Bridges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lunar gravity simulation systems struggle to create a test environment for a wide range of surfaces to simulate actual lunar landing scenarios, which is essential for lander performance testing.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a plurality of movable bridges and frames arranged to simulate lunar gravity, allowing the lander to be moved in both horizontal and vertical directions, and connected to a lander holder via connection wires, load cells, and angle sensors to accurately simulate lunar gravity conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a general lander size of 3m to 5m is used, then the lander can perform landing operations, but it cannot avoid obstacles with sizes of 1m on the moon surface accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The test system is divided into multiple independent movable bridges (first, second, third movable bridges) that can be positioned separately. Each movable bridge can be adjusted to different positions and heights, allowing the system to simulate various surface conditions and obstacle configurations around the lander, thereby improving obstacle detection precision without limiting the surface range simulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs movable bridges that can dynamically adjust their positions, heights, and orientations. The movable bridges can be moved horizontally and vertically along guides, and their heights can be adjusted relative to the lander. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different test scenarios, including various obstacle sizes and surface conditions, while maintaining accurate obstacle detection and avoidance verification.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the test environment covers a wide range of surfaces, then the lander performance can be comprehensively verified, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each movable bridge in the system serves multiple functions: it can be positioned at different heights and locations, adjusted to simulate various surface conditions, and configured to represent different obstacle types. This multi-functionality allows a single movable bridge structure to contribute to multiple test scenarios, reducing the need for separate specialized components and thereby managing system complexity while achieving comprehensive surface range simulation.
3Measurement precision
If real-time observation and control data are collected from the moon, then the landing can be monitored accurately, but the communication distance between earth and moon prevents real-time control
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a physical copy or simulation of the lunar landing environment on Earth, complete with scaled-down obstacles and surface conditions. By conducting tests in this replicated environment, engineers can observe and control the lander's performance in real-time without the communication delays inherent in actual lunar operations. This copying approach allows precise measurement of obstacle detection and avoidance capabilities while enabling real-time control and data collection.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a lunar gravity simulation system for a lander performance test including a plurality of first frames extending in a height direction, a plurality of second frames extending in a horizontal direction, a plurality of third frames extending in a vertical direction, a plurality of movable frames connecting one of the plurality of third frames to another third frame, a plurality of movable bridges mounted on the movable frame and movable along the movable frame in the horizontal direction, a lander holder comprising three or more third frames, wherein the plurality of movable frames and the plurality of movable bridges are arranged between the plurality of third frames and the plurality of movable bridges are simultaneously connected to the lander holder; a connection wire connecting the lander holder to the movable bridge, and a lander connected to the lander holder.