Rocket boosting launching device and launching method based on steam power

Abstract

The invention relates to a rocket boosting launching device and method based on steam power, and belongs to the technical field of boosting rocket launching, the rocket boosting launching device comprises two towers, a boosting seat, a plurality of mechanical clamping arms and a steam supply mechanism, the two towers are oppositely distributed on the two sides of a rocket, and sliding grooves are formed in the two opposite sides of the two towers; the boosting seat is arranged at the bottom end of the rocket, the two opposite ends of the boosting seat slide in the two sliding grooves correspondingly, and a plurality of steam spraying pipes A are fixed to the bottom end of the boosting seat at intervals. The multiple mechanical clamping arms are clamped outside the rocket, the two opposite ends of each mechanical clamping arm slide in the sliding grooves correspondingly, and steam spraying pipes B are fixed to the bottom ends of the multiple mechanical clamping arms correspondingly. The steam supply mechanism is used for providing high-temperature and high-pressure steam for the multiple steam spraying pipes A and the multiple steam spraying pipes B, a large initial speed can be provided for a rocket in the launching stage, the working load of a rocket engine in the take-off process is reduced, the existing rocket vertical take-off launching efficiency is improved, the engine reliability and reusability are improved, and the rocket engine is suitable for being used for a large-scale rocket. The rocket launching cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of booster rocket launch technology, and in particular to a steam-powered rocket booster launch device and its launch method. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of the space industry, low-cost reusable rocket launches have become a research hotspot. Currently, most space launch missions employ a vertical static launch method without external boosters, meaning the rocket engine ignites at zero velocity, relying entirely on its own power to overcome gravity for liftoff. During liftoff, the rocket's overall weight is significant, requiring the rocket engine to provide sufficient thrust, typically operating at full load to achieve maximum thrust performance, placing the engine in an extreme high-temperature, high-pressure environment. When launching reusable rockets, these operating conditions significantly shorten the lifespan of critical components in the rocket engine system, increase maintenance difficulty, severely restrict the rocket's reusability, and hinder further cost reductions in space launches. Therefore, booster launch technology is needed to assist rocket launch and liftoff, reduce engine load pressure, and improve system reliability and reusability.

[0003] Currently, booster launch schemes are mainly based on electromagnetic catapults, pneumatic catapults, and air launches. Although these methods can increase the initial velocity of rockets to some extent, they generally suffer from limited thrust, complex structures, and high operating costs, making them particularly difficult to apply in heavy-lift rocket launches. Therefore, there is a need for a booster launch technology that is relatively simple in structure, provides high thrust, is low-cost, safe and reliable, and suitable for high-frequency launch missions. This invention will utilize high-pressure steam to provide a novel steam-assisted launch technology scheme that features high thrust, low cost, high reusability, safety and environmental friendliness, and is adaptable to high-frequency rocket launch missions. This is of great significance for improving the launch efficiency and reliability of future rockets. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a ground-based vertical boost launch method and launch device based on steam power. Using this launch technology can effectively improve rocket launch efficiency, reduce rocket engine workload, and improve the reliability of reusable rockets.

[0005] The technical solution of this invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: a steam-powered rocket booster launch device, comprising: a launch tower, a booster base, multiple mechanical clamping arms, and a steam supply mechanism.

[0006] The launch towers are two in number and are distributed opposite each other on both sides of the rocket. Each of the two launch towers has a sliding groove on its opposite sides. The booster base is placed at the bottom of the rocket and its opposite ends slide in the two sliding grooves. Multiple steam nozzles A are fixed at intervals at the bottom of the booster base. Multiple mechanical clamping arms are clamped on the outside of the rocket above the booster base and their opposite ends slide in the sliding grooves. Steam nozzles B are fixed at the bottom of the multiple mechanical clamping arms. Multiple steam outlets of the steam supply mechanism are connected to the multiple steam nozzles A and multiple steam nozzles B.

[0007] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0008] 1. By utilizing a steam supply mechanism to provide high-temperature, high-pressure steam to multiple steam nozzles A and B, a greater initial velocity can be provided to the rocket during the launch phase, reducing the workload of the rocket engine during takeoff, improving the vertical takeoff and launch efficiency of existing rockets, enhancing engine reliability and reusability, and reducing rocket launch costs. Simultaneously, the rocket booster launch device of this invention has a simple structure, is easy to integrate, does not rely on complex electromagnetic or combustion drive systems, and has advantages such as high thrust, low cost, strong reusability, safety and reliability, and adaptability to high-frequency launch missions, significantly improving rocket launch efficiency and overall mission economy.

[0009] 2. This invention designs multiple mechanical clamping arms that can constrain the rocket's direction of motion while it moves vertically upward. The structure is relatively simple, easy to integrate, and has high boosting stability. It has high integration and reusability, and the device is highly modular, allowing for rapid loading, rapid reset, and rapid launch, greatly improving launch rhythm and launch site efficiency, and is capable of being used for flight-based launch missions.

[0010] 3. The present invention uses multiple steam nozzles A and multiple steam nozzles B to perform work, which then drop to ambient pressure and temperature. The resulting high-speed steam flow forms a protective gas film around the launch base. When the rocket ignites and takes off, it effectively isolates the high-temperature and high-speed gas ejected from the rocket engine, protecting the structural components, piping components, hydraulic components, and other infrastructure of the launch tower from the impact of the powerful heat flow. After each launch, a large amount of maintenance and repair work is saved.

[0011] 4. The rocket booster launch device designed in this invention stores a sufficient amount of high-pressure steam during rocket launch. In the event of a fire during rocket ignition, a large amount of steam can be rapidly ejected to extinguish the fire and protect the rocket and launch tower.

[0012] Based on the above technical solution, the present invention can be further improved as follows.

[0013] Furthermore, the steam supply mechanism includes a steam boiler, a steam energy storage controller, a steam accumulator, a steam distributor, and a sliding steam supply assembly. The steam boiler, the steam energy storage controller, the steam accumulator, the steam distributor, and the sliding steam supply assembly are connected in series via steam supply pipes. The sliding steam supply assembly slides on the tower, and multiple steam outlets of the steam supply mechanism are all located on the sliding steam supply assembly. The multiple steam outlets on the sliding steam supply assembly are respectively fixed on multiple steam nozzles A and multiple steam nozzles B.

[0014] The further beneficial effects of adopting the above are: by using a steam boiler, steam energy storage controller, steam accumulator, steam regulator and sliding steam supply assembly, high-energy steam with a pressure of over 20MPa and a temperature of over 800K can be generated to provide sufficient thrust to boost the rocket at the initial stage of takeoff, reduce the workload of the rocket's own engine, improve the problem of low takeoff efficiency and high engine load of traditional rockets from the source, and help improve engine reliability and reusability, and reduce rocket launch costs.

[0015] Furthermore, the sliding steam supply assembly includes a steam cylinder, a bottom cover, a piston, a sealing strip, and a steam distribution box. The tower has a groove on one side corresponding to the rocket. The steam cylinder is arranged along the height direction of the rocket and is embedded in the groove. The side of the steam cylinder corresponding to the rocket has an elongated hole penetrating its top and bottom ends. The bottom cover is sealed at the bottom end of the steam cylinder and has a sliding hole thereon. The piston slides and seals within the steam cylinder. The sealing strip slides and seals within the elongated hole, with its bottom end sliding through the sliding hole and its top end fixed to the piston. The steam distribution box is located outside the steam cylinder and fixed to the piston, and the steam distribution box communicates with the interior of the steam cylinder. Multiple steam outlets of the sliding steam supply assembly are all located on the steam distribution box.

[0016] The further beneficial effect of adopting the above is that by using the steam distribution box to provide high-temperature and high-pressure steam to multiple steam nozzles A and multiple steam nozzles B while moving with the rocket, the impact of steam supply on rocket boosting can be minimized.

[0017] Furthermore, it also includes two support frames, which are fixed to the booster seat on the two outer sides of the rocket and define a rocket restriction zone between the two support frames; the rocket is placed within the rocket restriction zone.

[0018] Furthermore, it also includes a booster controller, which is electrically connected to the plurality of mechanical grippers and the steam supply mechanism respectively.

[0019] Furthermore, it also includes a damping brake, which is fixed to the tower and can contact the mechanical gripper to restrict the mechanical gripper from continuing to move with the rocket.

[0020] The further beneficial effect of adopting the above is that by using a resistance device to quickly brake multiple mechanical clamping arms, multiple mechanical clamping arms can be stopped quickly, which facilitates the reset and reuse of multiple mechanical clamping arms.

[0021] Furthermore, all of the steam nozzles A and B are variable diameter pipes.

[0022] In addition, a method for rocket booster launch based on steam power is provided, including the aforementioned steam power-based rocket booster launch device, the specific steps of which are as follows;

[0023] S1. First, place the rocket vertically on the booster seat, and then clamp the rocket with multiple mechanical grippers that slide on the slide rails.

[0024] S2. First, high-temperature and high-pressure steam is generated using a steam boiler. This high-temperature and high-pressure steam is then injected into a steam accumulator, raising the pressure and temperature to a set threshold. Then, high-temperature and high-pressure steam is injected into multiple steam nozzles A and B.

[0025] S3. Under launch timing control, the high-temperature and high-pressure steam in the steam accumulator is released and enters multiple steam nozzles A and B through the steam supply device and is ejected downward to provide vertical thrust, which drives the rocket, booster and multiple mechanical clamping arms to move as a whole.

[0026] S3. Multiple mechanical clamping arms constrain the rocket's direction of motion, improving attitude stability;

[0027] S4. After the rocket reaches the predetermined initial velocity, it ignites. The steam supply mechanism begins to reduce the steam flow, and the booster and multiple mechanical grippers gradually decelerate. At the same time, the multiple mechanical grippers gradually release the rocket. Under its own power, the rocket flies away from the booster and multiple mechanical grippers and enters the autonomous flight phase.

[0028] S5. After the steam boosting stage is completed, the booster base and multiple mechanical clamping arms decelerate using damping brakes and return to their initial positions.

[0029] Furthermore, the high-pressure steam generated by the steam supply mechanism has a pressure of 20-30 MPa and a temperature range of 800-900 K.

[0030] Furthermore, the rocket ignites 0.3 to 0.5 seconds before the completion of the steam boost phase. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a steam-powered rocket booster launch device according to the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of a sliding steam supply component in a steam-powered rocket booster launch device according to the present invention.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the disassembled structure of the sliding steam supply assembly in a steam-powered rocket booster launch device according to the present invention.

[0034] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows:

[0035] 1. Tower, 2. Booster base, 3. Mechanical clamping arm, 4. Rocket, 5. Steam nozzle A, 6. Steam nozzle B, 7. Steam boiler, 8. Steam energy storage controller, 9. Steam accumulator, 10. Steam regulator, 11. Steam cylinder, 12. Bottom cover, 13. Piston, 14. Sealing strip, 15. Steam distribution box, 16. Support frame, 17. Booster controller, 18. Damping brake. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The principles and features of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The examples given are only for explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, a steam-powered rocket booster launch device includes: a launch tower 1, a booster base 2, multiple mechanical clamping arms 3, and a steam supply mechanism.

[0038] There are two launch towers 1, which are distributed opposite each other on both sides of the rocket 4. Each of the two launch towers 1 has a sliding groove on its opposite sides. The booster seat 2 is placed at the bottom of the rocket 4 and its opposite ends slide in the two sliding grooves respectively. Multiple steam nozzles A5 are fixed at intervals at the bottom of the booster seat 2. Multiple mechanical clamping arms 3 are clamped on the outside of the rocket 4 above the booster seat 2 and their opposite ends slide in the sliding grooves respectively. Steam nozzles B6 are fixed at the bottom of the multiple mechanical clamping arms 3. Multiple steam outlets of the steam supply mechanism are connected to multiple steam nozzles A5 and multiple steam nozzles B6 respectively.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, in some specific embodiments, the steam supply mechanism may include a steam boiler 7, a steam energy storage controller 8, a steam accumulator 9, a steam distributor 10, and a sliding steam supply assembly. The steam boiler 7, the steam energy storage controller 8, the steam accumulator 9, the steam distributor 10, and the sliding steam supply assembly are connected in series via steam supply pipes. The sliding steam supply assembly slides on the tower 1, and multiple steam outlets of the steam supply mechanism are all located on the sliding steam supply assembly. The multiple steam outlets on the sliding steam supply assembly are respectively fixed on multiple steam nozzles A5 and multiple steam nozzles B6.

[0040] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in some specific embodiments, the sliding steam supply assembly may include a steam cylinder 11, a bottom cover 12, a piston 13, a sealing strip 14, and a steam distribution box 15. The tower 1 has a groove on one side corresponding to the rocket 4. The steam cylinder 11 is arranged along the height direction of the rocket 4 and is embedded in the groove. The side of the steam cylinder 11 corresponding to the rocket 4 has an elongated hole that passes through its top and bottom ends. The bottom cover 12 is sealed at the bottom end of the steam cylinder 11 and has a sliding hole thereon. The piston 13 is sealed and slides inside the steam cylinder 11. The sealing strip 14 is sealed and slides inside the elongated hole, and its bottom end slides through the sliding hole, while its top end is fixed to the piston 13. The steam distribution box 15 is located outside the steam cylinder 11 and is fixed to the piston 13. The steam distribution box 15 is in communication with the inside of the steam cylinder 11. Multiple steam outlets of the sliding steam supply assembly are all located on the steam distribution box 15.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, in some specific embodiments, it may also include two support frames 16, which are fixed to the booster seat 2 on the two outer sides of the rocket 4 and define a rocket restriction area between the two support frames 16; the rocket 4 is placed within the rocket restriction area.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, in some specific embodiments, a booster controller 17 may also be included, which is electrically connected to a plurality of mechanical grippers 3 and a steam supply mechanism.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, in some specific embodiments, a damping brake 18 may also be included. The damping brake 18 is fixed on the tower 1 and can contact the mechanical clamping arm 3 to limit the mechanical clamping arm 3 from continuing to move with the rocket 4.

[0044] In some specific embodiments, multiple steam nozzles A5 and multiple steam nozzles B6 are all reducers.

[0045] In addition, a method for launching a rocket with a 4-boost based on steam power, including the aforementioned rocket with a 4-boost based on steam power, includes the following specific steps;

[0046] S1. First, place the rocket 4 vertically on the booster seat 2, and then clamp the multiple mechanical clamping arms 3 that slide on the slide groove outside the rocket 4.

[0047] S2. First, high-temperature and high-pressure steam is generated using steam boiler 7, and then injected into steam accumulator 9 to raise the pressure and temperature to the set threshold. Then, high-temperature and high-pressure steam is injected into multiple steam nozzles A5 and B6.

[0048] S3. Under the launch timing control, the high-temperature and high-pressure steam in the steam accumulator 9 is released and enters multiple steam nozzles A5 and multiple steam nozzles B6 through the steam supply device and is ejected downward to provide vertical thrust, which drives the rocket 4, booster 2 and multiple mechanical clamping arms 3 to move as a whole.

[0049] S3, multiple mechanical clamping arms 3 constrain the movement direction of rocket 4, improving attitude stability;

[0050] After reaching the predetermined initial velocity, rocket 4 ignites. The steam supply mechanism begins to reduce the steam flow. The booster seat 2 and multiple mechanical clamping arms 3 gradually decelerate. At the same time, the multiple mechanical clamping arms 3 gradually release rocket 4. Under its own power, rocket 4 flies away from the booster seat 2 and multiple mechanical clamping arms 3 and enters the autonomous flight phase.

[0051] S5. After the steam boosting stage is completed, the booster seat 2 and multiple mechanical clamping arms 3 use damping brakes to decelerate and return to the initial position.

[0052] In some specific embodiments, the high-pressure steam generated by the steam supply mechanism has a pressure of 20-30 MPa and a temperature range of 800-900 K.

[0053] In some specific embodiments, rocket 4 ignites 0.3 to 0.5 seconds before the completion of the steam boost phase.

[0054] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are 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 within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A steam powered rocket boost launch device, characterized by, The utility model relates to a rocket booster device, including: Tower (1), two tower (1) are opposite and distribute in both sides of rocket (4), and both sides of two tower (1) are equipped with chute respectively; Boosting seat (2), boosting seat (2) is placed in the bottom end of rocket (4) and its opposite both ends slide in two chute respectively, and the bottom end of boosting seat (2) is spaced and fixed with multiple steam jet pipe A (5); Multiple mechanical clamping arm (3), multiple mechanical clamping arm (3) correspond with the above of boosting seat (2) and are clamped in the outside of rocket (4) and its opposite both ends slide in the chute respectively, and the bottom end of multiple mechanical clamping arm (3) is fixed with steam jet pipe B (6); Steam supply mechanism, multiple steam export of steam supply mechanism communicate with multiple steam jet pipe A (5) and multiple steam jet pipe B (6) respectively.

2. A steam powered rocket boost launch apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein, The steam supply mechanism includes steam boiler (7), steam energy storage controller (8), steam accumulator (9), steam regulator (10) and sliding steam supply assembly, and the steam boiler (7), steam energy storage controller (8), steam accumulator (9), steam regulator (10) and sliding steam supply assembly are sequentially connected in series through steam supply pipe;The sliding steam supply assembly slides on the tower (1), and multiple steam exports of the steam supply mechanism are all arranged on the sliding steam supply assembly, and multiple steam exports on the sliding steam supply assembly are fixed on multiple steam jet pipe A (5) and multiple steam jet pipe B (6) respectively.

3. A steam powered rocket boost launch apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The sliding steam supply assembly includes cylinder (11), bottom cover (12), piston (13), sealing strip (14) and steam distribution box (15), the tower (1) is equipped with recess on one side corresponding to the rocket (4);The cylinder (11) is arranged along the height direction of the rocket (4) and is embedded in the recess, and the cylinder (11) is equipped with long hole penetrating through the top end and the bottom end on one side corresponding to the rocket (4);The bottom cover (12) is fixed on the bottom end of the cylinder (11), and the sliding hole is arranged on the bottom cover (12);The piston (13) is sealed and slides in the cylinder (11);The sealing strip (14) is sealed and slides in the long hole, and the bottom end of the sealing strip (14) slides through the sliding hole, and the top end of the sealing strip (14) is fixed on the piston (13);The steam distribution box (15) is located outside the cylinder (11) and is fixed on the piston (13), and the steam distribution box (15) communicates with the inside of the cylinder (11);Multiple steam exports of the sliding steam supply assembly are all arranged on the steam distribution box (15).

4. A steam powered rocket boost launch apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, It also includes two support frames (16), two support frames (16) are fixed on the boosting seat (2) corresponding to the two outer sides of the rocket (4) and define the rocket limiting area between two support frames (16);The rocket (4) is placed in the rocket limiting area.

5. A steam powered rocket boost launch apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, It also includes boosting controller (17), and the boosting controller (17) is electrically connected with multiple mechanical clamping arm (3) and steam supply mechanism respectively.

6. A steam powered rocket boost launch apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Also included are damping brakes (18) fixed on the tower (1) and in contact with the mechanical clamping arms (3) to limit the movement of the mechanical clamping arms (3) with the rocket (4).

7. A steam powered rocket boost launch apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The plurality of steam nozzles A (5) and the plurality of steam nozzles B (6) are all variable-diameter pipes.

8. A steam powered rocket boost launch method, characterized by, The steam-powered rocket (4) boosting launching device comprises the steam-powered rocket (4) according to any one of claims 1-7, and the specific steps are as follows. S1, first vertically place the rocket (4) on the boosting seat (2), and then clamp the plurality of mechanical clamping arms (3) sliding on the chute on the outside of the rocket (4); S2, first generate high-temperature and high-pressure steam by using the steam supply mechanism, and then increase the steam pressure to a set threshold value and the temperature to a set threshold value, and then inject the high-temperature and high-pressure steam into the plurality of steam nozzles A (5) and the plurality of steam nozzles B (6), the high-temperature and high-pressure steam is sprayed downward to generate a vertical upward thrust to push the rocket (4) vertically upward; S3, the plurality of mechanical clamping arms (3) constrain the movement direction of the rocket (4) to improve the attitude stability; S4, after the rocket (4) reaches the predetermined initial speed, ignite the rocket (4), the steam supply mechanism starts to reduce the steam flow, the boosting seat (2) and the plurality of mechanical clamping arms (3) gradually slow down, at the same time, the plurality of mechanical clamping arms (3) gradually release the rocket (4), the rocket (4) is propelled by its own power, flies away from the boosting seat (2) and the plurality of mechanical clamping arms (3), and enters the autonomous flight stage; S5, after the steam boosting stage is completed, the boosting seat (2) and the plurality of mechanical clamping arms (3) return to the initial position.

9. A steam-based rocket boost launch method according to claim 1, wherein, The high-pressure steam generated by the steam supply mechanism has a pressure of 20-30 MPa and a temperature range of 800-900 K.

10. A steam-based rocket boost launch method according to claim 1, wherein, The rocket (4) starts to ignite 0.3-0.5 seconds before the completion of the steam boosting stage.

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