Marine rocket recovery platform device and recovery method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses an offshore rocket recovery platform device and a recovery method thereof, and belongs to the technical field of offshore rocket recovery, the offshore rocket recovery platform device comprises a platform carrying ship body, the platform carrying ship body is provided with a rocket recovery platform, and the rocket recovery platform comprises a platform main plate and platform supporting legs; the platform main board is connected to the platform carrying ship body through the platform supporting legs, the tuning mass damping equipment is arranged below the platform main board, and the tuning mass damping equipment is detachably connected with the platform main board. By means of the tuned mass damping device, the stability of rocket offshore recovery is improved, offshore rolling and pitching are offset, the success rate of rocket offshore recovery is increased, higher-grade sea conditions are resisted, and meanwhile the safety and stability of rocket offshore recovery are greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of rocket recovery at sea, and in particular to a rocket recovery platform device for use at sea and a recovery method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Rocket recovery technology has made significant progress in recent years. The mainstream approach is to recover rockets at sea, primarily using a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) recovery scheme, utilizing reverse thrust to achieve a precise soft landing. SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket has been reused ten times. Its recovery system includes a modified barge serving as an offshore platform (equipped with a dynamic positioning system), a tugboat to maintain platform stability, and a comprehensive support vessel to evacuate personnel.

[0003] Core technologies also include high-precision navigation, which combines lidar with dynamic carrier phase differential technology to achieve a landing accuracy of ±10 meters in surge environments; engine technology, a full-flow regenerative cycle engine supports multiple variable thrust ignitions (such as the Falcon 9 Merlin engine); and a thermal protection system that uses enhanced carbon-carbon materials and integrally toughened composite materials to cope with the high temperatures of re-entry.

[0004] China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation completed a vertical recovery test at sea (2024), validating turbojet engine thrust regulation technology. Hainan Commercial Development launched a reusable rocket recovery vessel project (2025), focusing on breakthroughs in hull stability and positioning accuracy. Beijing Dongfeng Xingda provided chute thermal protection technology to address the high-temperature shock of rocket landing. With the development of full-flow engines and intelligent control systems, it is expected that rocket recovery at sea will enter a regular application phase before 2030.

[0005] Regarding the above-mentioned related technologies, the applicant found that the rocket's sea recovery has poor adaptability to sea conditions and can currently only be carried out under calm or small wave conditions. Encountering high-level sea conditions will affect the success rate of the rocket's sea recovery and also cause safety hazards. Therefore, how to improve the safety of recovering rockets under high-level sea conditions has become a difficult problem that needs to be solved urgently. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In response to the deficiencies in the prior art, the present invention provides a rocket recovery platform device and a recovery method for use at sea. By tuning the mass damping device, the stability of the rocket recovery at sea is improved, the roll and pitch at sea are offset, the success rate of the rocket recovery at sea is increased, and while resisting more advanced sea conditions, the safety and stability of the rocket recovery at sea are greatly improved.

[0007] The technical solution of the present invention to solve the above technical problems is as follows:

[0008] A rocket recovery platform device for use at sea includes a platform carrying hull, on which a rocket recovery platform is provided. The rocket recovery platform includes a platform mainboard and platform support legs. The platform mainboard is connected to the platform carrying hull via the platform support legs. A tuned mass damping device is provided below the platform mainboard, and the tuned mass damping device is detachably connected to the platform mainboard.

[0009] Furthermore, the tuned mass damping device includes a connecting chuck, a fixing rope and a tuned mass damping shell. The connecting chuck is fixedly connected to the bottom of the platform mainboard. One end of the fixing rope is connected to the connecting chuck. The end of the fixing rope away from the connecting chuck is connected to the tuned mass damping shell. The tuned mass damping shell contains seawater.

[0010] Furthermore, a tuned mass damping water level sealing plate is provided in the tuned mass damping housing, and seawater is placed below the tuned mass damping water level sealing plate.

[0011] Furthermore, a hydraulic opening and closing device is provided at the edge below the platform main board, a platform edge plate is hinged to the edge of the platform main board, and the hydraulic opening and closing device is hinged to the bottom of the platform edge plate.

[0012] Furthermore, a supporting structure is provided below the platform mainboard, and the supporting structure is connected to the opening and closing hydraulic equipment.

[0013] Furthermore, a water inlet and a water outlet are provided at the bottom of the tuned mass damping shell.

[0014] A method for recovering a rocket recovery platform device at sea, comprising the following steps:

[0015] First, the platform carries the rocket recovery platform on its hull to the designated sea area;

[0016] Then, according to the actual current sea conditions, the fixed rope in the tuned mass damping device is adjusted up and down to adapt to the current sea conditions;

[0017] Then, according to the actual current sea conditions, the corresponding seawater is injected into the tuned mass damper shell. After the injection is completed, the tuned mass damper water level sealing plate is installed above the water surface, and at the same time, it is close to the water surface to achieve the seawater sealing in the tuned mass damper shell;

[0018] Finally, wait for the rocket to fall back to the rocket recovery platform to complete the rocket recovery operation at sea.

[0019] Furthermore, the platform edge panels are determined to be open based on the size of the recovered rocket.

[0020] If the recovered rocket is large, the platform edge plate will be deployed for use by opening the opening and closing hydraulic equipment;

[0021] If the recovered rocket is smaller, there is no need to open the opening and closing hydraulic equipment, and only the platform mainboard is used.

[0022] In summary, compared with the prior art, the above technical solution has the following beneficial effects:

[0023] 1. The present invention improves the stability of rocket recovery at sea by tuning the mass damping device, offsets the roll and pitch at sea, increases the success rate of rocket recovery at sea, and resists more advanced sea conditions while greatly improving the safety and stability of rocket recovery at sea.

[0024] 2. The present invention uses a steel structure with a light weight. At the same time, the detachable adjustable mass damping device and the height-adjustable fixing rope can adapt to different sea conditions and improve the safety and stability of rocket recovery at sea.

[0025] 3. The present invention can be installed on a launch ship. Through a detachable connection, the launch ship can both launch and recover rockets, greatly saving costs.

[0026] 4. The tuned mass damping device of the present invention has low use cost and can be used by simply injecting seawater into the harmonic mass damping shell, which greatly saves costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the side structure of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a partial bottom-up structure in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of the platform edge plate in an open state in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of the platform edge plate in a closed state in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of a tuned mass damping housing in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Explanation of the accompanying symbols: 1. Platform carrying hull; 2. Rocket recovery platform; 21. Platform mainboard; 22. Platform support legs; 23. Platform edge plate; 24. Opening and closing hydraulic equipment; 25. Support structure; 26. Tuned mass damping equipment; 261. Connecting chuck; 262. Fixing rope; 263. Tuned mass damping shell; 264. Tuned mass damping water level sealing plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The principles and features of the present invention are described below in conjunction with all the accompanying drawings. The examples given are only used to explain the present invention and are not used to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0035] The embodiment of the present invention discloses a rocket recovery platform device for use at sea and a recovery method thereof.

[0036] Reference Figure 1 A rocket recovery platform device for use at sea includes a platform-carrying hull 1, on which a rocket recovery platform 2 is mounted. The present invention comprises two major components: the platform-carrying hull 1 and the rocket recovery platform 2. The platform-carrying hull 1 serves as a carrier for the rocket recovery platform 2, assisting in rocket recovery. The rocket recovery platform 2 supports and protects the rocket after its return journey.

[0037] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 、 Figure 3 The rocket recovery platform 2 includes a platform mainboard 21 and platform support legs 22. The platform mainboard 21 is connected to the platform carrying hull 1 via the platform support legs 22. A hydraulic opening and closing device 24 is provided at the lower edge of the platform mainboard 21. A platform edge plate 23 is hingedly connected to the edge of the platform mainboard 21. The hydraulic opening and closing device 24 is hingedly connected to the lower side of the platform edge plate 23. A support structure 25 is provided below the platform mainboard 21 and is connected to the hydraulic opening and closing device 24.

[0038] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The platform surface of the rocket recovery platform 2, primarily used to support the rocket, is assembled from three panels: in this embodiment, a main platform panel 21 and two edge panels 23. The edge panels 23 at either end can be opened and closed, making them convenient for transportation and adapting to the recovery of different types of rockets. The hydraulic opening and closing device 24 is capable of opening and closing the edge panels 23 on both sides. The hydraulic opening and closing device 24 is mounted on a support structure 25, providing structural support for the hydraulic opening and closing device 24.

[0039] Reference Figure 5 A tuned mass damper 26 is provided below the platform mainboard 21 and is detachably connected to the platform mainboard 21. The present invention utilizes the tuned mass damper 26 to improve the stability of rocket recovery at sea, offsetting roll and pitch at sea, increasing the success rate of rocket recovery at sea, and significantly enhancing the safety and stability of rocket recovery at sea while resisting more severe sea conditions.

[0040] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 5 、 Figure 6The tuned mass damping device 26 includes a connecting chuck 261, a fixing rope 262 and a tuned mass damping shell 263. The connecting chuck 261 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the platform mainboard 21. One end of the fixing rope 262 is connected to the connecting chuck 261, and the end of the fixing rope 262 away from the connecting chuck 261 is connected to the tuned mass damping shell 263. The tuned mass damping shell 263 contains seawater. A tuned mass damping water level sealing plate 264 is provided in the tuned mass damping shell 263, and seawater is placed below the tuned mass damping water level sealing plate 264. A water inlet and a water outlet are provided at the bottom of the tuned mass damping shell 263. The tuned mass damping device 26 of the present invention has a low cost of use. It can be used as long as seawater is injected into the tuned mass damping shell 263, which greatly saves costs.

[0041] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 5 、 Figure 6 The fixed rope 262 connects the platform mainboard 21 of the rocket recovery platform 2 and the connecting chuck 261 on the tuned mass damping device 26, and also has an adjusting function.

[0042] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 5 、 Figure 6 The tuned mass damping device 26 of the rocket recovery platform 2 has the effect of damping and shock absorption. The tuned mass damping device 26 includes a tuned mass damping shell 263, a tuned mass damping water level sealing plate 264, a fixing rope 262, and a connecting chuck 261. The function of the tuned mass damping device 26 is to keep the rocket recovery platform 2 in a horizontal state at all times. The hull 1 carried on the offshore platform may produce roll and pitch. At this time, the hull 1 carried on the platform will be regulated through its own balance system, but the rocket recovery platform 2 still has a certain height with the deck. In order to ensure the stability of the upper part of the rocket recovery platform 2, a tuned mass damping device 26 is added to offset the roll and pitch at sea through the tuned mass damping device 26.

[0043] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 5 、 Figure 6 The tuned mass damping shell 263, the tuned mass damping water level sealing plate 264, the fixed rope 262 and the connecting chuck are used in conjunction with each other. The required seawater capacity requirements vary according to different sea conditions. In order to prevent the seawater from shaking in the tuned mass damping shell 263 and interfering with the stability of the rocket recovery platform 2, the seawater is sealed by the tuned mass damping water level sealing plate 264. At the same time, the up and down adjustment of the fixed rope 262 also ensures that the tuned mass damping shell 263 is in the best installation position, providing protection for the stability of the rocket recovery platform 2.

[0044] Reference Figure 5The present invention uses a steel structure with a light weight. At the same time, the detachable adjustable mass damping device and the height-adjustable fixed rope 262 can adapt to different sea conditions and improve the safety and stability of the rocket's marine recovery.

[0045] The present invention can be installed on a launch ship. Through a detachable connection, the launch ship can both launch and recover rockets, thereby greatly saving costs.

[0046] Reference Figures 1 to 6 A method for recovering a rocket recovery platform device at sea comprises the following steps:

[0047] First, the platform carrying hull 1 carries the rocket recovery platform 2 to the designated sea area;

[0048] Then, according to the actual current sea conditions, the fixed rope 262 in the tuned mass damping device 26 is adjusted up and down to adapt to the current sea conditions;

[0049] Then, according to the actual current sea conditions, the corresponding seawater is injected into the tuned mass damping housing 263. After the injection is completed, the tuned mass damping water level sealing plate 264 is installed above the water surface, and at the same time, it is close to the water surface to achieve the seawater sealing in the tuned mass damping housing 263;

[0050] Finally, wait for the rocket to fall back to the rocket recovery platform 2 to complete the rocket recovery operation at sea.

[0051] Determine whether to open the platform edge plate 23 according to the size of the recovered rocket;

[0052] If the recovered rocket is large, the platform edge plate 23 is unfolded and used by opening and closing the hydraulic device 24;

[0053] If the recovered rocket is of a smaller model, there is no need to open the opening and closing hydraulic device 24, and only the platform mainboard 21 is used.

[0054] The implementation principles of a rocket recovery platform device and recovery method for use at sea in an embodiment of the present invention are as follows:

[0055] The tuned mass damper (TMD) 26 uses seawater as a mass. Its effective mass (i.e., seawater depth) is adjusted via a TMD water-level seal plate 264, allowing its natural frequency to match the sea frequency and the impact frequency of the rocket landing. When the rocket lands and vibrates, the sloshing seawater generates an opposing inertial force. This energy is dissipated through friction between the liquid and the shell, as well as inertia, reducing the vibration amplitude of the rocket recovery platform 2 (estimated to reduce the impact response by 30% to 60%).

[0056] By opening a water inlet and a water outlet in the tuned mass damping shell 263, the seawater capacity is adjusted in real time, and the natural frequency of the tuned mass damping system is changed to adapt to different sea conditions (such as wave height and period) and changes in rocket load.

[0057] Before landing, the hydraulic system 24 deploys the platform edge panels 23, increasing the contact area between the recovery platform 2 and the rocket and distributing the impact load. The hydraulic system 24 is rigidly connected to the support structure 25, ensuring a stable deployment process.

[0058] The tuned mass damping device 26 is connected to the platform mainboard 21 via a connecting chuck 261, which facilitates the rapid replacement or maintenance of the tuned mass damping housing 263 to meet different task requirements.

[0059] Before landing, the platform's edge panels 23 are deployed using the hydraulic opening and closing device 24, and the tuned mass damper housing 263 is filled with water to a preset level. During the impact cushioning phase, at the moment of impact, the tuned mass damper 26 absorbs over 70% of the impact energy through seawater sloshing. During the post-processing phase, the seawater in the tuned mass damper housing 263 is drained, and the platform's edge panels 23 are closed, returning to standby mode.

[0060] The present invention provides a highly reliable solution for recovering rockets at sea.

[0061] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A rocket recovery platform device for use at sea, comprising a platform carrying hull (1), characterized in that: A rocket recovery platform (2) is provided on the platform carrying hull (1), and the rocket recovery platform (2) comprises a platform mainboard (21) and platform support legs (22). The platform mainboard (21) is connected to the platform carrying hull (1) via the platform support legs (22). A tuned mass damping device (26) is provided below the platform mainboard (21), and the tuned mass damping device is detachably connected to the platform mainboard (21).

2. The offshore rocket recovery platform device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tuned mass damping device (26) comprises a connecting chuck (261), a fixing rope (262) and a tuned mass damping housing (263); the connecting chuck (261) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the platform mainboard (21); one end of the fixing rope (262) is connected to the connecting chuck (261); and one end of the fixing rope (262) away from the connecting chuck (261) is connected to the tuned mass damping housing (263); and the tuned mass damping housing (263) contains seawater.

3. The rocket recovery platform device for use at sea according to claim 2, characterized in that: A tuned mass damping water level sealing plate (264) is provided in the tuned mass damping housing (263), and seawater is placed below the tuned mass damping water level sealing plate (264).

4. The rocket recovery platform device for use at sea according to claim 1, characterized in that: An opening and closing hydraulic device (24) is provided at the edge below the platform main board (21), a platform edge plate (23) is hinged to the edge of the platform main board (21), and the opening and closing hydraulic device (24) is hinged to the bottom of the platform edge plate (23).

5. The rocket recovery platform device for use at sea according to claim 4, characterized in that: A support structure (25) is provided below the platform mainboard (21), and the support structure (25) is connected to the opening and closing hydraulic equipment (24).

6. The rocket recovery platform device for use at sea according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bottom of the tuned mass damping housing (263) is provided with a water inlet and a water outlet.

7. A method for recovering a rocket recovery platform device at sea according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The steps include: First, the platform carrying hull (1) carries the rocket recovery platform (2) to the designated sea area; Then, according to the actual current sea conditions, the fixed rope (262) in the tuned mass damping device (26) is adjusted up and down to adapt to the current sea conditions; Then, according to the actual current sea conditions, the corresponding seawater is injected into the tuned mass damping housing (263). After the injection is completed, the tuned mass damping water level sealing plate (264) is installed above the water surface, and at the same time, it is close to the water surface to achieve the seawater sealing in the tuned mass damping housing (263); Finally, wait for the rocket to fall back to the rocket recovery platform (2) to complete the rocket recovery operation at sea.

8. The offshore rocket recovery platform device and recovery method according to claim 7, characterized in that: Determine whether to open the platform edge plate (23) according to the size of the recovered rocket; If the recovered rocket is large, the platform edge plate (23) is unfolded and used by opening the opening and closing hydraulic device (24); If the recovered rocket model is smaller, there is no need to open the opening and closing hydraulic device (24), and only the platform mainboard (21) is used.

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