Design and dynamics experiment of filter wheel mechanism of space coronagraph

TL;DR

This paper presents the design and testing of a compact, high-stability filter wheel mechanism for space coronagraphs, enabling multi-spectral imaging with precise positioning and reliable operation in space conditions.

Contribution

It introduces a novel compact filter wheel mechanism with high stiffness and stability, suitable for space coronagraphs, including detailed analysis and vibration testing results.

Findings

Position accuracy meets 0.5mm requirement

First order modal frequency is 313Hz

Vibration tests confirm high stiffness and reliability

Abstract

In order to realize multi-spectral imaging of space coronagraph, a compact filter wheel mechanism is designed. The filters with different spectral transmittance can be cut into the optical path at different times by this mechanism. Because the image contrast of space coronagraph is very high, the high stability requirement for the optical unit of coronagraph is put forward. Small modulus worm gear and worm are taken by the mechanism, in order to realize compact structure, high stiffness, the unidirectional 360 degrees rotation and reverse self-locking function. The precision, stiffness, mechanical properties and reliability of the mechanism are analyzed in the paper. The results show that the position accuracy of the filter wheel can meet the requirement of 0.5mm. The first order modal of the mechanism is 313Hz. The results of vibration test indicate that stiffness, dynamic performance and reliability of the mechanism can be meet. Therefore, the design of filter wheel in this paper can ensure the multi-spectral imaging requirements under complex spatial conditions.