What are the characteristics of self-locking tuning screws used in space communication equipment?
When the self-locking tuning screw is applied to the space communication equipment, the core is designed around the core requirements of high reliability, extreme environmental adaptability, precise regulation and long-life stability of the space scene. Its characteristics meet the rigorous use requirements of the space communication equipment in launch, on-orbit operation and space environment, and at the same time meet the precision requirements of the communication system for RF/microwave signal tuning. The specific characteristics are as follows:
High reliability, self-locking and anti-loosening, suitable for complex aerospace mechanical environment.
Special self-locking structure (such as precision nylon insert, triangular thread locking, end face friction locking, etc.) is adopted, and no additional anti-loosening accessories are needed, which can effectively resist the strong impact and high vibration of space equipment in the launching stage, as well as the mechanical disturbance caused by micro-vibration and attitude adjustment during on-orbit operation, eliminate the tuning position deviation caused by screw loosening, ensure the long-term stability of tuning parameters such as radio frequency loop and antenna assembly of communication equipment, and avoid the faults such as signal distortion and frequency band deviation.
Precise tuning accuracy to match the signal requirements of space communication.
The machining accuracy reaches micron level, the thread lead and pitch are highly standardized, and the displacement in the screwing process can be accurately controlled. It can realize the micro-amplitude tuning of the core components such as the resonant cavity, filter and antenna feed of communication equipment, meet the requirements of space communication for high-precision regulation and control of the frequency, phase and gain of RF/microwave signals, and adapt to the signal transmission standards in different scenarios such as deep space communication, inter-satellite links and ground measurement and control.
Strong tolerance to extreme space environment
It is made of aerospace special materials (such as titanium alloy, high temperature alloy, stainless steel 316L, etc.) and matched with special surface treatment for aerospace (such as hard anodizing, passivation and vacuum plating), which can withstand alternating high and low temperatures in space (-200℃~+200℃), high vacuum, strong cosmic rays, space particle irradiation and atomic oxygen corrosion, and has no material aging, deformation and corrosion problems.
Lightweight, miniaturization design, meet the needs of aerospace weight reduction.
Based on the strict restrictions on the weight and installation space of aerospace equipment, the self-locking tuning screw is made of lightweight alloy material, which is compact in structure and has no redundant design. It can reduce the weight to the maximum extent on the premise of ensuring the strength and self-locking performance, and at the same time, it is suitable for the high-density integrated installation environment inside aerospace communication equipment, which can realize precise screwing and tuning in a narrow space without affecting the layout and work of peripheral components.
Non-magnetic/low-magnetic characteristics to avoid interference with communication signals.
Aerospace communication equipment is sensitive to electromagnetic interference. Self-locking tuning screws are mostly made of nonmagnetic or low-magnetic aerospace materials, and there is no magnetization process in the processing process, which will not produce electromagnetic shielding, magnetic interference or eddy current effect, so as to avoid affecting the transmission, reception and tuning of RF/microwave signals and ensure the electromagnetic compatibility of communication systems.
Convenient operation, adapting to the requirements of aerospace assembly and on-orbit maintenance.
The screw head adopts standardized precision interfaces (such as hexagon socket, slotted slot and special screw slot) to adapt to special precision assembly tools for aerospace, so that precise tuning and locking can be quickly completed during ground assembly; Some models that are suitable for on-orbit maintenance can be easily screwed with the space manipulator or astronaut's extravehicular operation tools. There is no jamming or thread slipping in the tuning process, and the self-locking force takes effect immediately after tuning without secondary locking operation.
High fatigue resistance, suitable for long-term on-orbit mechanical load
Aerospace equipment will continue to bear the cyclic mechanical load of micro-vibration and attitude adjustment in orbit. The thread and self-locking structure of self-locking tuning screw can withstand millions of cyclic loads without fatigue cracks, thread wear or self-locking performance degradation after anti-fatigue design and aerospace-grade fatigue test, ensuring long-term fixing of tuning position without frequent maintenance in orbit.
Sealing adaptability, meeting the air tightness/vacuum requirements of equipment.
In order to meet the air-tight and vacuum sealing requirements of space communication equipment, some self-locking tuning screws can integrate sealing structures (such as supporting space-grade fluororubber sealing rings and metal gaskets). After screwing and locking, vacuum sealing or air-tight sealing can be realized at the installation site to prevent air leakage and dust ingress in the internal cavity of the equipment, ensure the vacuum working environment of core components such as resonant cavities and filters, and avoid the influence of environmental changes on signal parameters.
